29-JUN-2017
Framed By a Pergola
This is a scene from Owen Rose Garden in Eugene, which is part of Eugene's park system. One feature of the park is a "pergola lined paved walkway" that is quite pretty. A 'pergola' is "an archway in a garden or park consisting of a framework covered with trained climbing or trailing plants." Here it frames a tree with beautiful pink blossoms.
There is much to see in Owens Rose Garden and it has an interesting history. See what the City of Eugene has to say about it in their website:
Press here for Link
30-JUN-2017
In The Tree Tops
If you scan the trees this time of year, you just might see an Osprey. They often perch in a high spot above a waterway, alert for a tasty meal of fish. This beautiful adult was perched in a tree above Delta Ponds.
Cool Facts (from 'All About Birds):
"An Osprey may log more than 160,000 migration miles during its 15-to-20-year lifetime. Scientists track Ospreys by strapping lightweight satellite transmitters to the birds’ backs. The devices pinpoint an Osprey's location to within a few hundred yards and last for 2-3 years. During 13 days in 2008, one Osprey flew 2,700 miles—from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to French Guiana, South America."
"The name "Osprey" made its first appearance around 1460, via the Medieval Latin phrase for "bird of prey" (avis prede). Some wordsmiths trace the name even further back, to the Latin for "bone-breaker"—ossifragus."
01-JUL-2017
Magnificent Masquerade
I think perhaps that the Masquerade Climbing Rose is my favorite variety of the wonderful rose family. We have some beauties in our yard but I got this picture in a neighborhood yard on my morning walk. I love to capture flowers in sunlight against a shady background.
02-JUL-2017
Watering the Lawn
When I take a walk at Delta Ponds I pass some condo's. As I passed a fenced in lawn behind a large complex, this umbrella and sprinkler caught my eye. I liked this composition with the fence serving as a frame.
03-JUL-2017
Delightful, But Can Be a Nuisance
I saw this beautiful Morning Glory decorating a railing on a walkway at Delta Ponds. I thought it was delightful.
Growing wild, the Morning Glory can add beauty to a landscape. But Morning Glory is a vine and can grow quickly, with roots that spread widely. All Morning Glories produce typical funnel-shaped blossoms in white, red, blue, purple and yellow. At first, I thought the Morning Glory only came in white, which is what we see around here growing wild. But I have seen gorgeous blue and purple flowers growing in flower gardens around the area. They are fine, as long as one keeps them under control. I have found that isn't always easy.
03-JUL-2017
The Study of Aerodynamics
I never cease to be amazed at the ability of birds, large and small, to fly so gracefully through the sky and perform all kinds of wonderful aerobatics. They are marvelously designed to do so. So marvelous are these designs that Humans have studied them for a basis for our flying machines. There is wisdom greater than human's in evidence there! Just look at this wonderful Great Blue Heron as it makes use of feathers and flaps to glide to a landing in Delta Ponds!
Here are some interesting facts about "What Is Aerodynamics?" in the NASA website:
"Aerodynamics is the way objects move through air. The rules of aerodynamics explain how an airplane is able to fly. Anything that moves through air is affected by aerodynamics, from a rocket blasting off, to a kite flying. Since they are surrounded by air, even cars are affected by aerodynamics."
Press here for Link
05-JUL-2017
Don't Fence Me In!
I think that flowers and fences just seem to go together, like pie and ice cream. :) A neighborhood yard has some flowers that are quite pretty this time of year, including this one. I am guessing it is a type of Lily.
Yellow is said to be associated with optimism and pleasure. Maybe that is because sunny days are considered to feature yellow. A bright sunny day does lift the spirits and give a good feeling. Hopefully that is what this flower evokes.
06-JUL-2017
My Guess is a Female Hooded Merganser!
I have other shots of this beauty that are more convincing to lead me to the conclusion that this is a female Hooded Merganser. But that bright golden eye threw me. So I wondered, could it be some sort of Goldeneye? The bill and the body coloration are more of the Merganser, so I am going with that, unless someone has a better idea, that is! :) I liked the colors and the light in the scene at Alton Baker Park.
08-JUL-2017
Morning Sun at Dorris Ranch
Dorris Ranch, a working hazelnut farm, is part of Springfield's Willamalane Park system. It's a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the ranch setting, as well as other assets. Plus the nearby Willamette River also makes it a great place to have so close to home. This scene is one of the reasons I find it a delight.
10-JUL-2017
Rocking Robin
Everybody loves Robins, even rock and roll singers, like Bobby Day! Back in my younger days (1957), the song, 'Rocking Robin', was very popular. I still like the song, and it makes me think of an American Robin, singing so beautifully in the tree tops.
11-JUL-2017
Observing an Artist at Work!
Spider webs are marvels of creation, showing expert design and strength. Those busy little spiders are fine artists, creating so many wonderful and varied webs. Where did they get this marvelous ability? Here is a spider poem by Emily Dickenson, published in 1896:
The Spider as an Artist
Has never been employed --
Though his surpassing Merit
Is freely certified
By every Broom and Bridget
Throughout a Christian Land --
Neglected Son of Genius
I take thee by the Hand --
Emily Dickinson
16-JUL-2017
New Wing, McKenzie/Willamette Hospital
Springfield's local hospital, McKenzie/Whillamette, recently completed a new wing, essentially doubling the size of the hospital. It is here that I had my heart surgery in 2014 in the Heart Center. The heart center will relocate to the new wing. It was also in this hospital that all three of our daughters were born. The expanded hospital is to open this month. The building in the right rear is a doctor clinic. I went through cardiac rehab on the third floor of that building, and our heart doctor is located there. Lots of memories here.