13-JUL-2015
Something to Cool You Down
I had forgotten about this frosty morning view of a nearby lumber mill from early this year. The low directional sunlight gave it an added taste of color. I thought it was very pleasing, something that can't always be said about a mill. I found it good to look at on this warm day!
14-Jul-2015
Delectable Dahlia
I almost decided that dahlias are my favorite flower, but not quite! This one does raise the bar for me, however. It is a gorgeous example, from Debra's yard. But then I think of Oriental Lilies, orchids and some other outstanding flowers and I waver. Let's just say that I love all flowers, including the wild ones and even the weeds, like the daisy, etc. The dahlia has to be near the top of the list.
15-JUL-2015
Willamette River at Clearwater Park
This unusual cloud formation caught my eye while visiting Clearwater Park. The Willamette is a beautiful river running from the Cascades through the Willamette Valley to Portland, where it joins the mighty Columbia River.
16-JUL-2015
Retirement, 13 Years and Counting!
My good friend, Hank, and I retired on July 12th, thirteen years ago. Ever since, we meet for breakfast on or close to that same date every year to celebrate. Today was the day this year! We have a great time and usually spend two to three hours getting up to date with each other and recalling old times. Hank is a funny guy, and the conversation is filled with laughter. So here we are in all our glory (I am the guy on the left, in case you don't know)!
Thanks to our neat waitress, Ingrid at Elmer's, who shot the picture for us.
17-JUL-2015
Tainted Beauty
This lovely flower is showing its age. Like all of us older ones, it is getting a bit rough around the edges. :) But yet, I find its beauty quite compelling! The flowers are now in full bloom and a few of them are already gone. But each and every one has its own personality and appeal.
18-JUL-2015
John Got Married!
The day finally arrived! My photo shooting buddy, John, got married. I just couldn't refuse his request that I shoot pictures at his wedding, even though I told him I was much more comfortable shooting the Great Blue Heron. If my pictures don't turn out, the heron never complains or is displeased with what I do, unless I get too close. Then it will fly away. In the case of the wedding, since I am not a great people photographer, I was the one who felt like flying away! LOL But how could I refuse John? I hope he will be happy with my humble efforts. This shot reflects the happiness of the newly married couple, John and Violet, as they take the walk down the aisle after the ceremony.
19-JUL-2015
The Calla Lily That Isn't
Did you know that the Calla Lily is neither a Calla or a Lily?
Here is some interesting information about the Calla Lily at www.CallaLilyGuide.com:
"The calla lily originates from the southern parts of Africa, namely South Africa up to the country Malawi, which is positioned in alignment with the northern border of the African island Madagascar. This area has a tropical climate in which the calla lily really finds itself at home with a steady temperature, rainy seasons and dry seasons..........."
"The name of the calla lily is not only just a common name that never is used professionally, it is also totally misinformative since the calla lily is neither a calla nor a lily............"
20-JUL-2015
My Wife's Husband
Guess who? Photo by Carol.
21-JUL-2015
Hey, Little Green Heron, I don't know if I would stalk that prey!
This little Green Heron seems to be stalking a Pond Turtle on a log, as if it were prey. In truth, I think it was really trying to chase it away, because the turtle left and the heron took over the log. Just some fun that goes on at Delta Ponds. Also, something in this photo tickles my fancy. Can you tell what it is? :)
22-JUL-2015
Heading for the Fishing Hole
While walking at Clearwater Park, I saw these three fishermen on the Willamette River. Here they are just coming out of some rapids into calmer water. Looks like fun!
23-JUL-2015
Bareback Fishing
As I walked the Riverbank Trail, I noticed this bare backed fisherman across the Willamette River. Others found that a good spot also, or else they were waiting for the fisherman. You can't really see it in the photo but he has some interesting tattoo's on his chest. I don't know if he caught anything, didn't wait around. I had walking to do! :)
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24-JUL-2015
On-duty Osprey
Once again this year, the osprey have a nest on top of the floodlights on a practice field of the University of Oregon. I could see wings in the nest, as the young ones exercised. This is one of the parents who is standing by to watch over the family. You can tell it takes its job seriously! The photo was shot with my old mint Nikon D1x, using a Nikkor 18-300 zoom. The image had to be cropped by quite a bit. I could have used a longer lens!