Enjoying White Blossoms

Shasta-DaisiesWhen we woke to heavy rain this morning, I jumped out of bed and looked out the sliding glass door, into our back yard. The first thing I noticed was the patch of Shasta Daisies. They were luminous. The rain had highlighted the beautiful white petals. I’ve always loved brightly colored flowers, especially oranges and yellows, as seen in the  pots of marigolds dispersed throughout our yard, both front and back, but as I admired the daisies, I realized that recently I’ve shown a liking for white blossoms.

White-OrchidHere is the white orchid that sits next to our kitchen window. I just love it. So crisp and clean looking. The pale yellow adds just the right touch of warmth.

Night-JasmineThe day after I returned from New Zealand, I was seated at the kitchen table, writing in my journal, that is where you usually find me first thing in the morning. I looked up and suddenly noticed that our Night-Blooming Jasmine was covered in blossoms. The white against the dark green leaves was gorgeous. I grabbed my camera and took the above photo. Are you noticing a pattern here? My new appreciation for white flowers seems to have started before the morning rain highlighted the daisies.

 

water-on-tableI actually ran out into the rain, to take the photo of the Shasta Daisies, and on the way back in noticed this rain puddle on our glass outdoor table, so I took this photo before I ran in the house and dried off. It is still raining, as I write this. It is almost lunch time, and they tell us we will have intermittent rain until this evening. I will not complain, because in California we need the water so desperately, and it  makes me slow down a little and take notice of little Shasta Daisies and puddles.

How a Hummingbird Changed My Plans

P1020143My plan for the morning was to spend time reading the manual that came with my new camera. I wanted to study the chapter on short focal length photography, because I use a lot of close up photos in my blog, and still have a lot to learn. When I finished my reading, I took a few practice photos in the house, and then planned to go outside and practice some more of what I’d just learned. How quickly plans can change!

On January 20 I posted, How to Make Hummingbird Food, and this morning, through our kitchen window, we spotted one of our little flock sitting on a nest. Suddenly, instead of taking close ups, I was taking long focal shots, so I wouldn’t disturb the little mother. I turned out the kitchen light and watched her as she flew back and forth between the feeder and her nest.

P1020123-1Here you can see her, head down in the nest feeding her babies. I felt a little guilty spying on her, but she was so amazing to watch.

P1020127-1Here she is a little later taking a nap after all of her hard work. I was very careful not to get too close, and I’m happy she chose a quiet side of the house, where she can be safe and protected, hidden away in the leaves of the Night Blooming Jasmine. My job is to keep the hummingbird feeder full, while my husband Martin, keeps the water fountains filled with fresh, clean water. Being able to observe this little hummingbird is a very special reward for our efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee With an Author

100_3963This morning we rode our scooters to meet our friend Norman Page for coffee, and to receive our copies of his latest book, The Park Bench Affair. This is Norm’s tenth book. Here he’s signing our copies.100_3966My husband, Martin, is happy to receive a signed copy.

100_3968-1After coffee and a chat, the three of us went on an enjoyable ride through Laguna Beach and north on Pacific Coast Highway to Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. On our way home, we made a stop at Norm’s welcoming house, where he made us post-ride mocha coffee.

As well as being a published author, Norm is also a talented artist, craftsman, and furniture maker. In the photo below you can see one of the miniature boats he created. Everywhere you look, you spot one of his many paintings or projects.

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Another Great Reason to Exercise

Morning bike ride
On my morning bike ride through our neighborhood I spotted this gorgeous tree. As usual I was carrying my camera and just had to get off my bike and take a photo. I know most of the country is still in the middle of winter, but we are having spring like weather, and our trees and plants are blossoming a little earlier than usual. I’m not fooling myself though, because it is only February and we might still be in for more rain and cooler days, but for now I’ll hang on to this beautiful weather.

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This photo of the nearby playground was taken early in the day during one of my walks. It was so quiet and as you can see, I was the only one there. Exercise is wonderful for our health and well-being, but also a great excuse to get out and take some photos.

 

 

Christmas Decorating Ahead of the Storm

Finished decorating

This is our first Christmas without Dad, who passed away in February of this year, so we wanted to help Mom decorate for Christmas. We knew that a storm was brewing, but we went to her home in Seal Beach anyway. By the time we arrived, she had the tree up and beautifully decorated, and most of the inside of her condo was also bright with the yuletide spirit. She really is amazing! We did have a little rain as we began work, but it stopped just long enough for us to get her outside lights up under the threatening skies.decorated mirror

Storm is coming
As we drove away from Mom’s, the rain started again. Driving toward storm clouds on a darkened freeway, we were sure we were in for a really huge storm, and we suddenly drove through some very heavy rain, but five minutes later the rain was behind us and the sky was clear.