Today's Flowers: 05-30-10 - Peonies and more.

Today's Flowers hosts can be found here.






I'm happy to be the guest friend for Today's Flowers. Welcome newcomers!

The peonies are in bloom here in Portland. The robust flowers don't last long, so I felt the need to capture them for posterity.


I love to get right down inside a flower and see what's in there.


I thought this looked like little naked birds in a nest.

And, for something completely different, here's our dog, Liza Jane, shining as the flower girl at her first wedding.

To play with wild abandon...

...as only a two year old can.

Lest we forget the leaves....

The beautiful spring leaves tend to get overshadowed by showier flowers.

Hosta, my all-time favorite leaf:



Duck's foot:

Today's Flowers: 05-2098-10 - Columbine

Today's Flowers hosts can be found here.

A good year for rhodies

The valleys and peaks of the rhododendron buds capture dew drops perfectly.

Rose's Treasure Hunt

Headed for the river

This family of Canada geese was crossing a busy road this morning; traffic came to a halt to let them cross -- and to admire them. I love it when I have my camera handy at the right time!

Liza Jane is a year old today

From this (Liza's first day here):



to this. Our little girl is growing up!

She's such a bundle of joy and energy! And we're so lucky to have her.

The Rhododendron Garden

Our annual walk around Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, on our anniversary.

We decided to take Liza even though we worried about her barking at the ducks and geese. She was wonderful, and so loved exploring all the smells!



Rhody bud:


This gorgeous willow graces the beginning of the trails.


White rhody:


Redwing blackbird; this is prime territory for them, and their beautiful calls echo all over the park.


We think this is the stamen. Whatever it is, it's fascinating!


Rhody by the lake.


Up close:


Fern:


Duck family. See the babies tucked into the rushes? Mom and dad were very protective.

In the Garden

Here's what's blooming this week:

Tulips peek out on sunny days, but close back up when another cold rainy day comes along.


Camas lily




Euphorbia, one of the most interesting plants around.

Today's Flowers: 03-28-10 - Plum Pretty

Today's Flowers hosts can be found here.






The plum trees are in full bloom. The scent is divine.

Camera Critters - 03-27-10 Goldfinch metamorphosis

This meme is all about photos of animals/critters.
Visit the Camera Critters website for more wonderful critter photos.






The male goldfinches are molting, putting on their bright spring yellow.

Today's Flowers: 02-28-10 - Daphne and friend

Today's Flowers hosts can be found here.






The daphne is in full bloom and this little guy didn't waste any time finding it. I was informed this is NOT a ladybug, but an Asian beetle - still good for eating the aphids, but threatening the true ladybug population.

Weekend Reflections 02-26-10

Weekend Reflections hosted by James. I love catching reflections in windows, mirrors, water, raindrops, so this meme called to me.







More rain in Portland = more raindrop photos - with new green leaves now.

Wordless Wednesday - 02-24-10: Here's Lookin' at You

Check out other Wordless Wednesday participants. Or become one!

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Macro Monday 02-22-10

Macro Monday - hosted by Lisa






Crocus in the front yard.

Today's Flowers - 02-21-10

Today's Flowers hosts can be found here.






Our amaryllis bloomed on Valentine's Day.

The flickers are nesting nearby

I've been stalking the flickers all day - I hear them nearby, see them in the walnut tree, too far away for a good shot. Finally, the male lands on the feeder and I have my camera in my hand!



He looks up for his mate...



...she arrives.



Oops, I've been discovered.


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