Good-bye 2006......

......The Year of the Dog
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"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning."
~ T.S. Eliot

I have never really enjoyed reflecting back on the year past; perhaps it is the frustration of all the "would of, could of, should of" things that have come and gone. Some years bring major accomplishments such as graduations, marriages or the birth of a child and these hold fond memories we love to savor. Other years hold death, divorce, failure or loss and are probably best forgotten, however, these are the years; the thoughts and memories we tend to clinch tightly in our fists like a two year old when told to put down a favorite toy. And frankly, I have no idea of how to deal with years that bring a mixture of immense joy and deep despair. So I must march on, looking forward in hope to 2007.

This brings me to my picture choice; a dog.... a very big dog, sitting on his owner's lap, his head and upper body parts hanging out the window. Stopped at a light but soon to be driving down a very busy road. Now that is a trick to pull off. 2006 was the Chinese Year of the Dog, hence the picture. As we look forward in "hope" to the New Year, just remember.... 2007 is set to be the Year of the Pig. How this will affect those whose New Year's resolution is to lose weight, remains to be seen.

Submission to SeeItSunday topic "2006". (end of post)

PS: I am going to have to devise a notation for pictures taken with the older camera and those with the newer... any ideas? This was taken with the older.

The Eye Has It

Not a "happy" eye there, Clover! Macro.
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"A cat's rage is beautiful, burning with pure cat flame, all its hair standing up and crackling blue sparks, eyes blazing and sputtering." ~ William S. Burroughs

Get Fuzzy is Nyssa's favorite comic. The characters include a scruffy man, a part Shar-pei dog named Satchel and Bucky, a potbellied, opinionated Siamese cat with a bad attitude. In other words, Bucky IS our Miss Clover! She was born out of sorts, angry with the world and all things that do not suit her fancy. I'm not sure what .... wait, oh yes I do know what she was angry about. There is a camera about two inches from her face and she doesn't want to pose! Of all our cats, hers are the most glorious eyes; deep blue with a marbleized effect that makes them pop against her almost black mask and ears. With these eyes she can afford to be a diva!

Submission for MacroDay topic "eye". (end of post)

All Ready For The "New" Year

"Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true."
~ Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)

My baby brother is wonderful!!!! Look what he got me for Christmas!!!
No one in the WORLD has a better brother!!!
(Please click the pictures to see larger views)

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero" ~ Marc Brown

"My brother is a superhero!" ~ srp

My brother got me a new camera and I thought it was perfect for the "new" theme this week; so I thought I would take a picture of my new camera, but to do that I would have to use my "old" camera. He gave me my "old" camera too but it would be confusing to have a "new" picture taken with an "old" camera, so I took a picture of the picture of my new camera that is on the cover of the new manual and I used my new camera to do it. There! I am blurring my eyes so I don't have to re-read that paragraph; it rambles, I know. But, I still feel like there is this little girl inside me with her face all scrunched up in delight, holding her new camera tightly in her hands, dancing round and round on tippy-toes with excitement and singing "Look and see, look and see, a pretty new camera just for me!" That little girl rambles! So..... I decided to take some NEW pictures....

An unburned candle. (Macro)

While this isn't technically a new candle, it has never been burned. Hence, only my honesty lets you know that this was not a recently gifted candle. It was however a gift from a previous Christmas..... but again, I ramble. How about another one......

Lady Willow with her new look.... clean!

Willow has been sitting under the piano bench bathing in the gentle colored lights of the Christmas tree. She has also been bathing.... yes, really! She had her yearly bath. Willow is pretty docile, sad and unhappy, but docile in the tub. It is the aftermath of brushing and combing and an hour of air blow drying that is the most difficult for one who gives the bath. That would be my daughter Nyssa this year. Here she looks fluffy and clean and new and seems quite pleased with herself. And last but definitely not least .......

Our house at dusk... all decked out!

This is a compilation picture from two taken with my new camera and stitched together. You really have to click on the picture to get the larger, full effect. This camera captures the colors of sunset in amazing fashion. I balanced the camera on the roof of my daughter's Honda Civic and surprise...... the Christmas lights reflected off the car finish, even though it needs a bath too. I am sooooo excited!!! This new camera is going to be so much fun!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Stephen!!!

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "new", couldn't you tell? You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. This really cute new logo is available there as well. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.
(end of post)

Flowers Of Hope

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (Discovery Garden). August 2006.
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"Where flowers bloom so does hope." ~ Lady Bird Johnson,
Public Roads: Where Flowers Bloom

I don't know the name of these flowers that bloomed in the Discovery area of Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. I wish I did. The milky white petals with a tinge of pink, spring to life against the background of deep, dark burgundy-violet leaves. This was one of my favorite pictures this year.... OK, one of my several hundred favorite. It is almost impossible to pick a favorite when every picture speaks a story and captures a memory; each different and precious.

For today, this moment, it is my favorite. Why? Another year has come and gone and instead of looking back at things not done, opportunities not taken or all those "what ifs" that plague us along the way, we should look forward into the new year. It is time to take on a fresh dose of hope; for as surely as the winter winds blow cold and damp, the spring comes with the promise of new life and these flowers will again bloom for all to enjoy.

Submission to PhotoFriday topic "best of 2006". (end of post)

Chloe And "The Lump" (Clover)

Chloe: "Hey! Clover! What are you doing?"
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"Is it yet another survival of jungle instinct, this hiding away from prying eyes at important times? Or merely a gesture of independence, a challenge to man and his stupid ways?"
~ Michael Joseph

Chloe: "Where are you going Clover? That is mom's robe and she isn't going to like this!! Don't you want to play?"



Clover: "Mowwwww. OK, nudge and push and wiggle and pull and turn and paw. Mowwww. I can do this."



Clover: "See, now I am hidden. No one can see me. Go away Chloe! You're going to ruin this for me!"



Chloe: "But, I don't want to go away! You are supposed to play with me! Then we are supposed to curl up and take naps and then wash up and go eat supper. How long are you going to stay under that thing? You don't really think you're fooling anyone do you?"
Clover: "Grrrrrrlllll.....Go away!"



Chloe: "No, you're not fooling anyone Clover! Mom is going to come in and see your big lumpy self under that robe and she is going to get you! Hey, you really better be careful, she might sit on you! Wahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Meow..."



Chloe: "You can stay there if you want; I'll just curl up here next to "the lump". This robe is just as warm on the outside.....Yawnnnnnnn! Zzzzzzzzzz!"
Clover: (sigh) "Someone please tell me again why I had to have a sister.... hmmmmmm."

The 'lump' will drag herself onto Friday's Ark this week and if she gets over her mood, she might be a bit more sociable at the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The New Year's Eve edition is hosted by Watermark. Happy New Year! (end of post)

Santa's Happy Helper

Girl in Santa hat; happy, or simply demented by lack of sleep? You decide.
(Click picture for larger view or maybe not, that oral cavity is a bit scary!)

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other" ~ Burton Hillis

Santa aka Uncle Stephen, was very good to Nyssa this year...., actually he was very, very good to all of us this year. I will have more about that later this week, hopefully. I think Nyssa is also happy to be away from school and able to sleep and sleep and sleep some more. We had our traditional breakfast of Potica bread, a fabulous turkey with trimmings and a long phone conversation with Stephen in Vienna. Only his presence here would have made the day perfect!

I hope all of you had a happy, happy Christmas with family and friends and that the coming New Year will bring health, joy and peace!

Submission for Thursday Challenge topic "happy". (end of post)

Winter At The Beach? In Your Dreams

Winter.. but not at the beach. (Northern Indiana, January)
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"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." ~ John Boswell

No! This is not winter in Virginia Beach! It did snow this year, last January; in fact it was a two inch show on my birthday. Since then, nothing. Yesterday, Christmas Day we had temperatures in the 70's, rain and tornado watches. It was a "winter" day in name only.

This picture is from my cousin's house near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. It was winter, late January and very cold. Eight inches of snow fell the night we arrived and it was so cold the windshield washer fluid froze solid, but the house was warm and toasty, a large wood burning stove in the lower level saw to that. The morning light revealed a winter wonderland of bright white on tree limbs, rooftops and the deck off of the dining area. Kenny leaves seeds and suet for the birds and squirrels on this porch railing; that morning there were many hungry visitors. The bright red feathers of the cardinal brightened up the landscape that for all purposes could have been photographed in black and white, with few differences in outcome.

I wonder if we will get snow this winter, here at the beach..... not likely, but I can dream.

Submission for Tuesday Challenge topic "winter". (end of post)

Joy To The World.....

...the Lord has come.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
~ Luke 2: 1 - 20 (NIV)

The Nativity is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. This set was carved in Austria and given to my mother by my brother. He still wants to add sheep, shepherds and an angel. The wise men are in place. It is simple, beautiful and reminds us of God's gift of love in the form of a small baby who, by his life, death and resurrection, gives all people the means to triumph over evil and death as well. This is the true joy, peace and love of Christmas.

Several bloggers have posted their nativity to share this Christmas Day. To see others visit Iris at Sting My Heart. (end of post)

Give and Take....

...in the circle of life; the bee and the flower. Macro.
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"Give and Take...
For to the bee a flower is a fountain of life
And to the flower a bee is a messenger of love
And to both, bee and flower,
the giving and the receiving is a need and an ecstasy.
~ Kahlil Gibran

I went through this year's catalog of pictures looking for my "Best Macro of 2006" and came up with sixteen that really spoke to me. Nyssa helped me weed it down to twelve pictures and after some time away from the computer to make another loaf of potica bread (I think that puts the total up to twelve this year), I returned and narrowed the field down to four; then down to one. This picture was one of six hundred I took at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden this summer; yes, I went overboard but everything was so beautiful! I don't know what this small flower's scientific name is or its common name for that matter. The bee was very small, about the size of what we called a "sweat bee" when I was a child.
He was in the process of delivering his load of pollen and drinking in the flower's offer of sweet nectar. The bee was still for only a moment; in one shot he was there and in the next, vanished. I loved the bold markings on the small bee and the sunny center of the flower with those tiny white petals.

Submission for MacroDay topic "Best of 2006". (end of post)

A Perfect Christmas

Holiday reminders. (Click picture for larger view)

"There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions." ~ Bill McKibben

Red, green, gold and silver; the colors of Christmas grace our tables. Chocolate fudge, peppermints and candy canes, and divinity; the candies of Christmas tempt us in bowls and in stockings. Turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, colorful jello salads and fruit mixes with cranberry sauce; the holiday menu we come to expect each year. The traditions of Christmas Eve services, Christmas morning breakfasts and opening gifts bring joy and laughter to our hearts and home. Christmas gave man the ultimate gift of hope in Christ the son of God. All of our holiday traditions, decorations, family gatherings and the giving of gifts serve to remind us of that one perfect gift; for the very first Christmas was a perfect Christmas.

Submission for SeeItSunday topic "holiday". (end of post)

Lines of Distinction

Lines bringing strength to the Brooklyn Bridge.....
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"Good composition is like a suspension bridge - each line adds strength and takes none away." ~ Robert Henri (American urban realist painter, 1865-1929)

An imposing structure, the Brooklyn Bridge; the lower level contains four lanes of highway, two lanes each direction and the second level is home to a wide footpath for pedestrians and a bicycle path with resting areas around both of the great anchoring towers. The heavy cables and wire that suspend the weight of that bridge and the weight of hundreds of cars during rush hour are all anchored by only two towers; what strength in those lines, what beautiful form and remarkable function.

...as well as a most distinctive architectural form and beauty.

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "lines". You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.

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After The Rain....

...... a December rainbow. (Click picture for larger view)

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." ~ G. K. Chesterton (Essayist, Novelist and Poet, 1874-1936)

December 1st dawned as a bright sunny day with very mild temperatures into the 70's, but a cold front was coming; the day will cloud over and rain showers, even thunderstorms are likely to occur. I had been putting off the trip to the storage unit to find Christmas lights, ornaments and wrapping paper, so before the temperature took a plunge I headed in that direction. I didn't make it. In a matter of minutes the clouds rolled in and a downpour began. I drove through the large raindrops and waited for the showers to ease up, then dashed inside the unit. While I rummaged through the remnants of my former life, the sun began to shine ever so slightly as the clouds rolled on out to sea. Suddenly above the rooftop of Jack Rabbit storage, a brilliant rainbow appeared in an arc across the sky, bright against the background of gray billowing clouds! It lasted no more than a few minutes, then faded with the sun as a chill blew in with the wind; but in that brief moment it blazed strong with a colorful promise of hope. We can all use a little hope for the coming year. Sudden, unexpected, fleeting rainbows; another reason to ALWAYS carry the camera in my purse.

Submission for PhotoFriday topic "weather". (end of post)

The Ghost of Christmas Presents

Who is this ghost of the Christmas presents?
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"I am the Ghost of Christmas Present," said the Spirit. "Look upon me!" ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Someone has been under the tree looking at all the Christmas presents. Could there be a bag with catnip toys or a box of kibble or a ball with a bell inside? I'm not sure, but someone has been doing MORE than just looking; someone has been sniffing, licking and biting.... the bows! Teeth marks on the ribbons; red ones, white ones, green and gold ones, even the silver metallic ones. Some bows are missing. Someone has just been caught in the act! And yet, who is it? This "ghost" is faster than the camera's shutter, simply a blur headed for a hiding place away from prying eyes. Nicholas is the only "ghost" it could be. Why? All the other cats would simply sit and stare at the camera as if to say, "And why shouldn't I chew the bows, everything on the floor is MINE!" Only Nicky has this flight response when faced with discovery.... Nicky, our shadowy "ghost" of the Christmas presents.

All the kitties here at our home send Christmas greetings and heartfelt wishes to all the animals who board Friday's Ark this week and to all the cats who will rendezvous at the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The carnival is hosted this Christmas Eve by IMAO. (end of post)

Sleeping Star

Willow: I hope this fame won't go to her head!

"To please herself only, the cat purrs." ~ Irish Proverb

Miss Willow is having pleasant dreams behind that bushy tail; I can tell because she purrs and twitches. It must be all the excitement of being included in the Holiday Edition of Funny Pets......Cats in Hats for Christmas. There are a lot of funny kitties showing off their holiday spirit. Someone asked if catnip was planted in the hat to entice her; no, she just naturally sticks her nose into everyone's business!

I am off to the vet with the dog and then to Williamsburg to photograph the decorations and feast on the still life art exhibit at William and Mary.

(end of post)

A Toy? No, A Friend

Nyssa and her favorite toy, "Teddy". (Age 2)

"Any parent who has ever found a rusted toy automobile buried in the grass or a bent sand bucket on the beach knows that objects like these can be among the powerful things in the world. They can summon up in an instant, in colors stronger than life, the whole of childhood at its happiest - the disproportionate affection lavished on some strange possession, the concentrated self-forgetfulness of play, the elusive expressions of surprise or elation that pass so transparently over youthful features." ~ from The Timeless House of Children’s Games, Sports Illustrated, 12/26/60

Nyssa has had "Teddy" since birth. For eight years, Teddy played ten nursery rhyme songs when his tummy was pressed; then his tummy player wore out and started skipping songs or garbling the notes. Finally, he played one warbled rendition of "Old MacDonald Had A Farm", then his music box died; fresh batteries no longer fixed the problem. But Nyssa loved her "Teddy" just as much as always. He has been to Austria and Italy and Disney World. He has been washed and dried numerous times, seams repaired and cataracts treated with nail polish. He is ragged, but he is still the one and only "Teddy". Other bears have come and gone; none are quite as special..... as "Teddy".

Submission for Thursday Challenge topic "toys". (end of post)

Shimmering Sunrise

Shimmering ocean waters at dawn.... a solitary swimmer.
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"I love the sea's sounds and the way it reflects the sky. The colours that shimmer across its surface are unbelievable. This, combined with the colour of the water over white sand, surprises me every time." ~ John Dyer

Dawn comes and the light of the rising sun on a hot summer day, shimmers and shines on the ocean's surface. The ocean is never quiet and perfectly still; it is always in motion with huge waves crashing in foam on the shore and small ripples in the swirling eddies as its water returns to the sea. The ocean never rests, but the sounds it creates and the motion of the waves can calm the most restless mind; here on the sand, a moment of peace. Perhaps that is what beckons this early morning swimmer.

Submission for LensDay topic "shimmer". (end of post)

Somebody's Gonna Get Coal

Someone decided to rearrange the nativity scene..... I wonder who?
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"Cats find malicious amusement in doing what they know they are not wanted to do, and that with an affectation of innocence that materially aggravates their deliberate offense." ~ Helen M. Winslow

Someone attacked the nativity set up on the low coffee table in the living room. Apparently, the positioning of Mary, Joseph and the shepherd weren't pleasing to their delicate senses. Of course it was obvious that they could do a much better job with the arrangement, switch Mary and Joseph, move the manger out a little so the donkey could see the Baby too. Yes, if they had just had more time, it would have worked out very well; but those people came in and found it before all the changes were made. And who would the "usual suspects" be?



First there is Willow, innocent looking enough; in fact she has this look down cold. When your back is turned she is putting pipe cleaners in the water bowl and fishing them out to then drop in the dry food bowl. She steals catnip toys from the other cats, chases the others as they walk through the room, boxes with Clover, and pushes in for attention when anyone else is getting petted. Her favorite pastime is hiding behind a box on the shelf over the covered cat box; when Maggie gets in the box to privately do her business, Willow will hang her head over the edge and stare into the opening. This of course freaks Maggie out.



The next suspect is Rhett. He already has the reputation since he was caught red pawed returning to the scene of his most recent crime.... shredding the toilet paper. Rhett loves to chew on bags; plastic or paper, with cat food or dog food. He has been caught on the dining room table chewing on a bag of scone mix..... one bag already chewed open and he had started on a second. Piles of flower were spilled on the table and his dark face was covered with the white flour. Rhett also has the habit of rushing into the middle of an altercation between cats, taking a couple of right cross punches at one of the participants and then dashing away. This always makes things worse.


The final suspect is Maggie. She is always out of sorts. She is mad at the other cats for moving in and mad at her mom and dad for letting those nasty things stay. She is mad because the other cats like to sit on the human laps and sleep on their feet and .... well, she just doesn't like to share anything. Maggie hisses at poor Nicky when he follows her around like a moon eyed puppy dog. She hisses and spits and swats and bites anyone who rubs her the wrong way or in the case of the cats.... looks at her.

So which one did this? We don't know for sure. I think Maggie did it. She had motive... to get the other cats in trouble. She had opportunity.... she sleeps in the house at night and has free roam. The others sleep together in the sunroom. Yes, she is just sneaky enough to do the job. I've set a little trap tonight... perhaps we'll know for sure in the morning. Perhaps the cats at Cats on Tuesday hosted by gattina will vote too.



All the kitties here at our home send Christmas greetings and heartfelt wishes to all the animals who board Friday's Ark this week and to all the cats who will rendezvous at the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The carnival is hosted this Christmas Eve by IMAO. (end of post)

Tummy Tuesday: How To Rest

Nicky knows how to rest. (Click picture for larger view)

"I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting."
~ Mark Twain

Mr. Nicky spends his nights sleeping in the sunroom and spends his days sleeping on the bed in my parent's room. He rarely runs; his gait is more of a plodding walk. He sleeps on his back much of the time or as here, he props up still showing his tummy as he rests. This is a "rest". Nicky is very, very good at resting. At least he won't feel embarrassed by the picture. All the kitties at Tummy Tuesday, hosted by catstuff, have bare tummies.

All the kitties here at our home send Christmas greetings and heartfelt wishes to all the animals who board Friday's Ark this week and to all the cats who will rendezvous at the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The carnival is hosted this Christmas Eve by IMAO. (end of post)

Christmas: "A Shining Thing"

Christmas ornament. Macro.
(Click picture for larger view)

"Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing:
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
Its poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again."
~ Grace Noll Crowell

We bring out the shiny Christmas balls once a year to trim the tree. The lights and ornaments and tinsel mesmerize one and all, old and young; there is an unusual beauty in the simple and complex ornament alike. Some remind us of Christmases long past, others of milestones passed and still others simply add much needed whimsy to our lives.

Christmas is a time of miracles; the birth of the Christ child, the star guiding the wise men, the angel's song to the shepherds. Christmas is a time for joy; joy of family and joy of faith. Christmas is a time of giving gifts to others in remembrance of the greatest Gift already given to us in the form of a Babe in the manger. Above all, Christmas is love; God's love for humankind in the form of His Son.

Submission for MacroDay topic "Christmas". (end of post)

New York City (As Seen From The Brooklyn Bridge)

New York City (Manhattan), from the Brooklyn Bridge.
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"No one has ever seen the skyline of the city from Brooklyn Bridge as I saw it that morning with three hit notices under my arm." ~ Moss Hart

"New York City sits bold and beautiful, brash and bounteous, a Big Apple, representing the best the country and people have to offer. Never has there been a city like it, nor will there be again…It's a city of achievers, often beset by adversity, but never bested by circumstances." ~ John Clementis, New York Facts

I have posted about our summer trip to New York City before, but not as yet about our walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. This particular morning we took the subway to the World Trade Center site and again the enormous sadness of that September morning overwhelmed me. It is just a short walk to the Brooklyn Bridge, only a matter of a few blocks to the east towards City Hall. The bridge with its foot path above and the highway below is a magnificent architectural landmark. Here one of the subway lines from Brooklyn to Manhattan rises out of the dark earth to travel in the light of day across the river at street level before descending once more into the maze of tunnels and passageways beneath the city. Visitors and residents alike cross on foot, on skates, on bicycles and in cars. I can only imaging the emotion of those who crossed this bridge on September 11th; some leaving their homes, some returning home from Manhattan. In my mind I see them turn to glance back at the burning buildings, not knowing what happened or how or why or what next? Did they stop and watch in disbelief as the towers fell and the cloud of smoke envelope the city? Did the smoke billow outward and engulf the Brooklyn Bridge as well?

Our friend Diane was in Manhattan that day. She walked across this bridge to return home. I didn't ask about that day when we saw her. I wanted to. But I am not a New Yorker, and while I feel the pain we as a nation felt at the sights on our TV screens, I know it is only a fraction of the grief and shock and fear felt by those who walked the bridge that day. It may not yet be time to ask them these questions. So, I take in the beauty of the city; the colors still bright, the air alive with sounds and voices, and with them the feeling that this city does not accept defeat, ever.

Submission for SeeItSunday topic "city". (end of post)

More Than Annoying

Annoying beetle munching on fresh leaves.
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"If there are Japanese beetles on the raspberries, we will pick them off by hand." ~ Leslie Alexander

June bugs, beetles that stick around all summer and do their nasty work. Brilliant iridescent colors grace this eating machine as it munches and crunches its way through leaves from flowers, vegetables and trees. Nothing was immune this past summer; cucumber leaves, collards, even the wild gladiolas growing along the bank of the drainage ditch behind the house. Small insect, big problem, highly annoying!

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "annoying". You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.

PS: In my previous entry Ambushed, my cat Willow looks very, very annoyed... with me! I guess I was the one being "annoying".

(end of post)

Ambushed or To Bathe A Cat

Willow: Ambushed! And plotting revenge.
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"To bathe a cat takes brute force, perseverance, courage of conviction - and a cat. The last ingredient is usually hardest to come by." ~ Stephen Baker

Cats seem to sense when the running water in the sink is in preparation for a "cat bath" and not the evening dishes. She who, just seconds before was rubbing on legs and walking round the room begging for food, will suddenly disappear. The capture must be carefully thought out and usually requires at least three people to carry out. All routes of escape have to be blocked by closed doors or live subjects. One "herdsman" must navigate the cat towards the area where another waits with a towel to ambush and subdue the subject. After the ambush and during the actual bath, Willow (pictured) is actually quite good. She cries and makes lame attempts to jump out of the sink, but there is none of the biting, hissing or climbing up the torso of the human bather.

Not so with Maggie. Not only must she be ambushed, but the person grabbing her must be clothed in several layers of thick material; shirts and winter jackets with two pair of trousers. This person must also be wearing the heavy duty silicone oven mitts that extend to the elbow. A second human must have the muzzle ready to apply over her eyes and face. And this is just to clip her nails. I've never seen them attempt to bathe her; they let the vet do it. Isn't he a lucky vet?!

Submission for PhotoFriday topic "ambushed".
I'll send her on over to Friday's Ark and the Carnival of the Cats as she's already mad and planning revenge. A little more embarrassment won't matter. The carnival is at House of Chaos this week.

(end of post)

A Cat In The Hat

...is worth two in a box? Willow explores the possibilities.
(Click pictures for larger view)

"If there were no mystery left to explore life would get rather dull, wouldn't it?" ~ Sidney Buchman (1902-1975)

Christmas.........
....is such a curious time with so many new places to explore, such as the space under that cone-shaped green object with the lights and dangling toys hanging on it. And this! What is this? I think that girl that isn't always here put it on the floor. It's red and red is my favorite color. I have red pipe cleaners or at least I know where they keep them. Let's have a look!



Well, it took some doing but I finally got the hole thing opened so I can stick my paw way down inside and.... I still can't see anything! Do you suppose they put one of those wonderfully stinky catnip mice down there.... I just love those red furry catnip mice. Love to chew those little tails and throw them in the air..... just a little bit further..



Well, now I've gone and done it! My whole head is in here and one of my paws and I can't see anything. I bet that Maggot.... er, Maggie is waiting to pounce on my head while I'm in this thing. OK, I saw it, I explored and now...... I've got to get out of here!!!!

Don't panic Willow, your head isn't that big.....yet! Just back out slowly... come on... quit ignoring me. Besides, it is time to board Friday's Ark and you are going to be late! You don't want to miss the boat or the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The carnival is hosted this week by House of Chaos and that means you'll fit right in!

(end of post)

Cold Snow, Big Fun

Cold little clowns, big snow fun.
(Click picture for larger view)

"January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow." ~ Sara Coleridge

It hardly ever gets cold enough to snow in Mississippi and when it does ice is the main problem. One year, a sudden cold snap in January and a storm front combined to drop five inches of snow. This paralyzed the town but not the kids; Lori D. was having her birthday party as the flakes began. We all thought this would be a "flurry" event but the flakes fell faster and heavier with each flake larger than the one before. Soon all the little "clowns" were out in the cold, rolling balls for snowmen, making snow angels and throwing piles of the white stuff at each other. The neighborhood households started fires in the fireplaces and soon the smell of smoking chimneys filled the air. Suddenly, we heard the screaming sirens of the fire engine and saw flashing red lights turn down our street. The volunteer firefighters stopped in front of the house right across the street; we hadn't seen any smoke. It turned out to be a chimney fire, frightening but contained with only minimal smoke.

A birthday party, cold wind, an unexpected snowstorm, snowballs and snowmen, a visit from the fire department; all in all an exciting day for three little clowns in Columbus, Mississippi.

Submission for Thursday Challenge topic "cold". (end of post)

Holiday Red & Green

Holiday ornaments. Yankee Candle Company. Williamsburg, VA.
(Click picture for larger view)

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." ~ Agnes M. Pharo

Large ornaments of red and green decorate shelves and tables in the Yankee Candle Company stores of Williamsburg. It is a festive village with old fashioned streets and small shops opening to the center courtyard. There an intricate mechanical puppet show takes place over timed intervals and shoppers can sit at small cafe tables and have a bite to eat. High above your head, a toy train track weaves its way in and out of the shops; the train rolls along the tracks complete with the occasional low whistle and wafting smoke from the engine. Walking through the main doors, you enter into a fantasy of days gone by and the outside world can be forgotten for hours. Here the past, present and future combine to bring a sense of delight for children and adults alike.

Submission for LensDay topic "holiday". (end of post)

A Touch of Tummy

....in the sink. (Mr. Rhett) (Click picture for larger view)

"No tame animal has lost less of its native dignity or maintained more of its ancient reserve. The domestic cat might rebel tomorrow." ~ William Conway Archbishop of Armagh (Ireland)

Mr. Rhett is usually very dignified in all his pursuits, but on occasion he finds himself in a compromising position. Last week he was caught returning to the scene of his toilet paper crime. This time he was lounging in the sink and just reached up with a back foot to scratch behind that left ear, when that dreaded red focus light went off and his dignity went "down the drain." Just a touch of tummy showing but that is more than enough to see his tiny patch of white belly hair. I don't think he minds showing his tummy; it's having that back leg in a less than elegant pose. Perhaps since Sophie's mom is away, she won't see it. But all the kitties at Tummy Tuesday, hosted by catstuff, will; then again, they are all showing their tummies too. The same can't be said by the beautiful, elegant and dignified cats over at Cats On Tuesdays, hosted by gattina.



(end of post)

Rediscover

Early morning on the James River. (Click picture for larger view)

"Rivers are magnets for the imagination, for conscious pondering and subconscious dreams, thrills, fears. People stare into the moving water, captivated, as they are when gazing into a fire. What is it that draws and holds us? The rivers' reflections of our lives and experiences are endless . . ." ~ Tim Palmer, Lifelines

Early morning on the Colonial Parkway near Jamestown, Virginia and the water of the James River is calm, the sky clear. It is a cool, crisp autumn morning and as yet there are few cars traveling the two lane road and even fewer stopped at this scenic turnout. The sunlight glistens off the water and glares in my eyes and the silence is almost deafening, only broken by the occasional call of the hawk or the ever present seagulls. Time away from the bustle of traffic, the hustle and hurry of the city; time to be still and rediscover the magic and majesty of creation.

Everyone needs a place like this with time to think and reflect, regroup and rejuvenate; where's yours?

(end of post)

Colors of Life

Multicolored yarn, waiting for the craftsman.
(Click picture for larger view)

"Colors must fit together as pieces in a puzzle or cogs in a wheel." ~ Hans Hofmann

Skeins of cotton yarn in every color of the rainbow; light pastels and dark vibrant jewel tones. Some are destined for a baby's booties or crib blanket, perhaps an afghan or child's sweater. The possible projects are unlimited, subject only to the imagination of the craftsman. The puzzle? Which colors to choose, how to mix them into patterns and textures; sweaters and blankets so soft and warm.

So too in life, we choose the threads and yarns that weave together our personal tapestry, our life's story. If we pick wisely our tapestry may contain the deep jeweled tones of honor, faith, steadfastness and moral character, accented with the pastels of empathy, joy, love and peace. Individually, the threads are simply pretty colors; but together they form the patterns and textures of our soul. What color are the threads in your life story?

Submission for SeeItSunday topic "multicolor". (end of post)

A Thimbleful Of Red

A thimbleful of red.
(Click picture for larger view)

"A thimbleful of red is redder than a bucketful." ~ Henri Matisse

Christmas will be filled with just a little less laughter this year, especially around the dinner table. No one will fall out of their chair from hysterical chuckling or have to make a quick, unplanned trip to the ladies room. Why? My brother won't be with us this year. He leaves Tokyo tomorrow on his way back to Vienna and then on to Munich, Germany where he will be playing Erik in the opera, Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman). He'll be in Munich over Christmas.

He was here for a few days in November and we had his Christmas then. We will have the rest in April, just not with the tree and decorations. He needed a new watch so I took him to his choice of stores and let him pick what he wanted. While there I saw these Christmas trees made with red ornaments, different sizes, some shiny and some with a matte finish. They beckoned to me.... "take my picture". So I did. I thought the black and white with just a touch of red was nice. The full color version is below.

Full color red.......

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "red". You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.

(end of post)

Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh mushrooms. (Click picture for larger view)

"daybreak-
the flowerbed full
of new mushrooms"
~ Mark Brooks

"Fresh as a daisy", fresh scent of cut glass, fresh flowers, fresh shirt, fresh and clean, fresh as a newborn baby, fresh as the new fallen snow...... fresh vegetables from the garden. And these? Fresh mushrooms of different varieties; ready to stuff, steam, bake or deep fry. Little bits of earth still clinging to stem and caps, signal their fresh state. My favorite? Baked and stuffed with a lobster and crab filling..... heavenly!

Submission for PhotoFriday topic "fresh". (end of post)

Catch That Cat!!!

The Crime

"A cat is more intelligent than people believe, and can be taught any crime" ~ Mark Twain (1835-1910)

The Crime: Teeth marks on the toilet paper with a pile of paper on the floor. Who did this? Two clues...the teeth shreds in the paper and that little purple ball on the floor. Yes, it's Mr. Rhett's purple ball. This is why we keep the door shut; but on this day his natural stealth won out. Oh! Shh! Someone's coming....


The Culprit

The Culprit: Mr. Rhett returns to the scene of his crime; probably looking to grab that purple ball so he may cast suspicion on his sister or one of the two old maids. He didn't count on getting caught!


The Getaway

The Getaway: He sees the red focus light of the camera, he whirls around and takes off. This cat criminal is faster than a speeding human, able to hit that cat door and slide through with a single bound and become invisible behind that cat tree. What are we going to do with you, Rhett?

With your criminal record are you sure you will be welcome on board Friday's Ark or at the Carnival of the Cats this week? The carnival is hosted by The House of (Mostly) Black Cats. You need to straighten up your act!

(Cat Criminal Caught, Case Closed)

Oh! Christmas Cars! Oh! Christmas Cars!

Christmas Cars (Click picture for larger view)

"The marvels of modern technology include the development of a soda can which, when discarded, will last forever, and a $17,000 car which, when properly cared for, will rust out in two or three years." ~ Paul Harwitz

I finally put the Christmas tree up tonight and wonder of wonders, the lights seem to be intact and working. I thought this and a post about Christmas would help me get into the spirit of things. The seventy degree temperatures have dissipated and it seems we are due for a real cold blast with daytime highs only in the thirties. No snow of course but north winds; that should help. Then I saw the theme for Thursday Challenge was "car" and there went my Christmas post right out the window. But, wait! I found this photo in my file and look, red and green, the traditional Christmas colors. OK, more of a lime green and maroon but come on people; use your imaginations!! Oh Christmas Cars! Oh Christmas Cars! Thy fenders green and red and lovely!!

Submission for Thursday Challenge topic "car". (end of post)

Misunderstood

Plastic cups. (Click picture for larger view)

Don't assume you're always going to be understood. I wrote in a column that one should put a cup of liquid in the cavity of a turkey when roasting it. Someone wrote me that 'the turkey tasted great, but the plastic cup melted.' ~ Heloise

I remember the first time I tried to cook a turkey; forgot to take the giblets out of the inside, out of that little paper bag. When it came time to make the gravy, someone asked me where the giblets were. "Giblets? I don't think any came with it." Then they told me where they would be and all I could think of to say was "Oh!" I can truly say that my cooking over the years has been mostly "culinary misadventures". Really, it takes reverse talent to burn three batches of macaroni and cheese in one evening! My brother is the one who inherited the gourmet genes. I can say, however, that I have never put a "plastic" cup of liquid inside a turkey, at least not while it was still in the cup. Obviously, someone has.

Submission for LensDay topic "plastic". (end of post)

On The Edge Of Life

Balanced on the edge. (Click picture for larger view)

"Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain." ~ Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

This tiny fellow seems poised on the edge of the petal; balanced precariously, the least puff of wind would seem to knock him off his perch. Yet, he has wings to fly. The same can be said for our children as they reach that magical age that signifies adulthood. They seem so unsteady, teetering on the edge of everything; destruction, success, happiness, sadness..... life. Yes, they are balanced on the edge of life. Just like we were at that age. So why is it hard to let them go? Why can't we be like the mother robin and gently nudge them on their way?

Each generation learns lessons from their experience on the brink. We try to pass this knowledge on to our children, whom we want to protect from those pits we fell into. It isn't that easy; it seems the potholes have taken over the road and life is a bumpy ride at times. But it is their road. We've protected them, loved them and taught them right from wrong. Now, they have to fly. Oh, they do have wings! It may be hard to see them at times, but they're there and all the flailing and floundering at the edge of life makes them stronger. So fly little bugs, fly!

(end of post)

The Road Less Traveled

Fresh ginger.

"The older the ginger, the more it bites." ~ Chinese Proverb

The theme for Tuesday Challenge photo meme is "ginger". So far I see the tail of a ginger cat and eight fine pictures of "ginger" (red-headed) adults and children and one; well it's something abstract. They are lovely pictures. With my family heritage of, well.... Scotch, English, German and probably a little Irish thrown in, I do have pictures of our many "ginger haired" members; even those whose abundance of white have rendered them more of a rusty pink color. Most would see our family tree as a "Heinz, 57 varieties", but I can't abide John Kerry or his wife so I've decided to consider this a "kaleidoscope" pedigree instead. Now I have wandered completely off the path..... but, just hang in there with me on this one.

So, in the spirit of Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken, I decided to go a completely different direction and post my one and only picture of "fresh ginger". I love the smell of ginger; Vernor's ginger ale is my all time favorite soft drink. I love the flavor it gives to my chicken marinade and gingerbread cookies at Christmas. And it just happens to be an ingredient in my brother's Pumpkin Bisque. So, here it is. Not the most artistic picture, more of an illustration really. But.....

" two roads diverged in a wood, and I ~
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

(end of post)

Twist And Shout

Miss Maggie: Twist.....

"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." ~ Unknown

Maggie is NOT my cat. She is the only cat here who does not belong to me. She belongs to my parents; I guess you could say she is my "sister" in a very loose sort of way. Maggie doesn't really like me; I suspect it is because I brought six cats into her life and they impose on her space, her food and the attention of her parents. She spends most of her day hidden away on a bed or under a chair or on a cushion; away from my crew. After they retire to the sunroom for the night, she perks up. It is then that she whines for her "daddy" to fix the food bowl and whines for all the lights to be turned off so "her royal highness" can sleep at the foot of her "mom's" bed.

On this rare occasion, she decided to play and show off for the camera; turning and twisting in different poses, she reminds me of someone in one of those strange model photo shoots. These words came to mind almost immediately....."Shake it up baby, now. Twist and shout!"


.....and Shout!!
(Click pictures for larger view)

Maggie will show off her tummy for Tummy Tuesday at catstuff today. There is also a brand new place for kitties and their human charges to visit at gattina's called Cats on Tuesday. This is week two.

(end of post)

A Pumpkin Tale Part 10: A Knife To The Heart

Fairytale pumpkin fully mature and ready for......

"El corazon de la auyama solo lo conoce el cuchillo.
The heart (inside) of a pumpkin or edible squash is only known by the knife." ~ Unknown

(If you've missed the first seven installments, you might want to read them first, here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8 and Chapter 9.)


.....the knife! Inside so thick and orange....


....and juicy! And look at those seeds for next year!!!

But, you didn't come back just for the

melodrama... did you?

So! The lady cut the first pumpkin, weighing in at 7 pounds. Because it is a Fairytale pumpkin, the meat is thick and bright orange. It gives a lot of pumpkin for the size. This pumpkin had the privilege of becoming part of my brother, Stephen's "Pumpkin Bisque". So.... here goes... the recipe... along with all the illustrations. Click "Read More" below... and let the cooking begin!! If you skip this part, you'll never forgive yourself!!

Pumpkin Bisque

6 – 8 cups Fresh pumpkin, cooked
2 Large leeks
1 cup Yellow onion, diced
3 – 4 Garlic cloves
Fresh ginger, 1-inch piece ground
1 cup Fresh carrots
1 pint Half-n-half or cream
Low-sodium chicken stock
1 ½ sticks Unsalted butter
3 – 4 Bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste (at the very end)
1 teaspoon Nutmeg (or more)
Dash cayenne pepper or chili powder
½ to 1 cup Cooking sherry
1/8 to ¼ cup Flour (used to make a roux)
Crème fresh or low-fat sour cream
Parsley

Directions:

Scrape inside of pumpkin and peel. Cut pumpkin into cubes no more than 1 inch in size.


Pumpkin, cubed

Chop carrots in ½ inch cubes.


Carrots, chopped

Chop onions and leeks, making sure to thoroughly clean the leeks.


Chopped onion and leeks

Melt butter. Saute leeks and onions on high heat. (about 2 min.)


Washed onion and leeks, ready to saute

Add sauteed onions to heated large soup pot.
Add carrots and toss 1 minute.
Add flour mixed as a roux. (Stephen didn't tell me how he did this, but any cookbook should tell you)
Toss in pumpkin.
Add chopped garlic
Cooking sherry: pour over mixture in pot.
Add chicken stock just until it covers pumpkin.


Low sodium chicken stock....

Bring the mixture to just barely a boil and then turn heat down to simmer.
Add bay leaves and cook uncovered about 35 minutes.


Simmering mixture.....

At the end of 35 minutes, take out the bay leaves. Puree the mixture in a blender. This will have to be done in small batches, probably three or four. Return to pot and on low heat add the cream slowly while stirring.


Pumpkin bisque after puree

Grate the ginger and add to the mixture.
Add salt and pepper to taste.


Fresh ginger.... ahhhh.... aromatic..

Serve with a dollop of crème fresh or low-fat sour cream.
Garnish with parsley.


Serve up hot.....with crackers, cheese wedges and sliced apple on the side!

Stephen tells me this is even better after refrigerating overnight... but we just couldn't wait!


Pumpkin bisque......Enjoy!!!

(end of post)
PS: I forgot to tell you.... I still have a couple of posts up my sleeve. We have eight pumpkins resting and curing. That's 90 more pounds of pumpkin!

White

White waterlily. Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

"Working in white makes people look into it. White is ethereal. There's a purity to it, it makes things look elevated in a way. There's a whole palette of white..." ~ Jonathan Milne

Everyone knows I love waterlilies and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens have the largest collection I've seen in one place; all sizes and variations in color with brilliant pinks and purples, yellows and peach, and the pure, simple, saturated white. Please don't make me choose a favorite! I love them all. White flowers are said to signify unity and we certainly need more of that in this world. Where do white flowers fit in your scheme of things? Remember... when you hear this question....

"Where does the white go when the snow melts?" ~ Unknown

.... the answer might just be.... "it's in the waterlily."

Look, PXITE is back with the topic "white". (end of post)

Lucky Penny

Lucky Penny
See a penny, pick it up.
All the day you'll have good luck.
(Click picture for larger view)

"When I was six or seven years old, growing up in Pittsburgh, I used to take a precious penny of my own and hide it for someone else to find. I was greatly excited at the thought of the first lucky passerby who would receive a gift in this way, regardless of merit, a free gift from the universe. . . . I’ve been thinking about seeing. There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises. The world is fairly studded and strewn with pennies cast broadside from a generous hand." ~ Annie Dillard

The world is full of "lucky pennies"; those free surprises that happen every day and yet seem so unexpected. What would these be? The sight of Canadian geese in a perfect "V" flying overhead, the crisp brilliant colors of fall, the pure white silence of freshly fallen snow, the warm sweet smell of a newborn baby, soft strains of music carried aloft on the wind, the laughter of children; each a "lucky penny" to be cherished and appreciated. What "lucky pennies" have surprised you recently?

Submission for SeeItSunday topic "lucky". (end of post)

December Lights

Christmas lights, color for December nights.
(Click picture for larger view)

"After Christmas, a good place to store your Christmas lights is in your heart." ~ Unknown

I've always loved to drive around at Christmas time and see the lights and decorations. The first Christmas Nyssa and I were on our own in Oklahoma, I was determined to put the lights on the house as usual. I used white lights and fresh green garland over the outside beams of the entryway and the effect was a fairyland, quiet and serene. It had been a horrible year and we needed a fairyland to escape to. Of course she was not yet two so her need was not as great as mine. Parts of a ham radio tower remained next to the house so getting on the roof was easy. I carefully attached the lights to the edge of the roof and one by one they lit the evening. As I prepared one tangled string, a little boy of seven or eight rode by on his bike and stopped right in front of the house. He watched for a bit, then yelled up at me... "Hey! Lady! Are you a MOM!?" I told him that yes, I was and he rode off. I supposed he never saw a mom climbing around on a roof before.

Through the years we have dressed our home inside and out with lights; clear, colored, mixed. Somehow, no matter what type of lights we have, it still brings me into that safe fairyland of serenity. Putting them up isn't fun; taking them down isn't fun either; but seeing them shine out against the night is priceless.

The theme for Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt this week is "light(s)". You can go here to "Grab the Scavenger Hunt code" and here to join the blogroll. The link to other participants is in my blogroll on the sidebar.

(end of post)

Diamonds Of The Eye

Mr. Rhett, pining for Miss Sophie. (Click pictures for larger view)

"Tears...the diamonds of the eye." ~ Unknown

Mr. Rhett has heard the news about the big snowstorm that is stretched from Oklahoma all the way to Canada. He hasn't heard or seen his beloved Sophie for weeks now and she is in the path of the storm! On a good day, Mr. Rhett worries; about who's fighting in the next room, if his human mom is going to drown in the shower, if he's going to get into (and out of) the library room and many other things. He was worried that his grandpa's seat would get cold after supper, so he decided to keep it warm. Then he thought of Sophie; is she safe, is she warm, if her mom is in Michigan how will she get food and water..... Now, he is depressed, won't come out from under the table, just staring off into space.... And what is that I see just below his right eye?



Why it looks like.... it is!.... a tear!

Cheer up Mr. Rhett, perhaps Sophie will join you on Friday's Ark or at least make it to the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. This weeks carnival is hosted by Catymology. Even if she can't get there, I'm sure there are others who will want to get to know you... well, perhaps he'll snap out of it!

(end of post)

Still Waters

Still waters at sunrise. Williamsburg, VA. (Click picture for larger view)

"A life all turbulence and noise may seem
To him that leads it wise and to be praised,
But wisdom is a pearl with most success
Sought in still waters."
~ William Cowper, The Task

The stillness of sunrise; as I watch the smooth waters and rising mist, the "fall collection" dresses the forest with crimsons, golds, and spiced orange. The shadows deepen for an instant as the sun finally crests the hill behind. In minutes, this stream will be alive with wild life, sounds of geese flying overhead and the subtle splash of a fish fetching his breakfast from the waters surface. So let us enjoy this moment of joy, in the stillness of dawn.

Submission for PhotoFriday topic "still". (end of post)