Tag Archives: natural beauty

nature, Photography

A Cloud to Respect

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We’ve recently had some rather spectacular cloud formations. Here’s one, an excellent example of a towering cumulonimbus that’s reflecting the setting sun.

These clouds are known in aviation as “clouds of vertical development” and are extremely dangerous because they can contain hail, lightening, microbursts, wind shear and turbulence severe enough to break an aircraft apart, even a large commercial jet. Pilots are always very careful where vertical cloud development is concerned. These cloud types can also cause very dangerous thunderstorms and are precursors to tornadoes. Basically, a tornado is a towering cumulonimbus cloud gone absolutely wild.

If you see a towering cumulonimbus and it’s headed your way, you should always be cautious, especially if you live on the prairies where the flat topography and lack of obstacles such as hills or mountains allows for unimpeded, potentially destructive development.

Otherwise, you can marvel at these natural constructions and enjoy their visual impact.

Happy Thursday.

Commentary, nature, Photography

Autumn Approaches

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While out for a ramble I heard a very distinctive sound: that unmistakable rattle of dry leaves in a gust of wind; there they were, swirling on the ground in a sure demonstration of the unstoppable arrival of autumn.

We’re still very green, but even those leaves seem to make that particular rattling sound once September arrives. It’s understandable. By turns it has been hot, dry, smoky, and windy. They’re tired.

But among all that greenery the autumnal colours are slowly creeping in. Everything in life starts small.

Although autumnal yellows are often the first colours to show, I’ve already noticed some reds, too.

The Oregon grape is changing its dress …

… while the matador roses that bloom so beautifully and unceasingly from June through August, are beginning to slump.

Summer officially ends in less than two weeks and while it’s a bit sad to see it go, autumn is a wonderful season with its graceful and stunningly beautiful characteristics. I’m looking forward to it.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

August 29’s Friday Fleurday

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I love watching the colour progression of hydrangeas as they move through the summer.

The photos above and below are from mid-July when this large, gorgeous hydrangea shrub was in its creamy white stage.

Since this is a vanilla fraise (strawberry vanilla) hydrangea however, it has now begun its seasonal change to pink.

The photo above shows the gentle start of a blushy-pink tone but as time goes along, this colour strongly asserts itself.

I like this colour contrast between the blue sky and the rosy pink hydrangea.

It’s amazing how wonderfully these flowers last and change over a period of about two to three months.

These hydrangeas will eventually fade to brown but for now they look lovely in their cream and rose pink late summer dress.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

Purple Power

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Lavender loves the Okanagan Valley weather and has been growing and developing well all summer; it’s now being harvested and sold at shops or markets or it and its products are being processed and packaged for distribution all over the world.

Do you see the bees?

The glorious scent of the lavender stalls at the Penticton market can be detected far and wide.

The bees adore these plants and settle on them in their thousands, it seems. Like humans, they can’t stay away from that beautiful summery perfume and, of course, the lavender nectar.

For a while it was seen as a very old-fashioned fragrance but its sheer loveliness and usefulness has thankfully overcome that stigma.

According to aromatherapy principles and medicinal practice, lavender isn’t just a pretty-smelling face. It’s a very relaxing and calming scent that promotes sleep while a topical application of lavender oil can help heal minor wounds and a lavender tea can calm an upset stomach. Pretty great for such a simple plant.

Happy Thursday.