Tag Archives: natural beauty

nature, Photography

September 19’s Friday Fleurday

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Today’s fleurday has a visitor.

I saw this lovely dragonfly – technically, a blue-eyed darner – resting on one of the impatiens flowers hanging above our deck. I was very happy to see it because we have had a huge crop of spiders this year and dragonflies love to invite them for lunch!

This one seemed to be drowsing in the warmth of the sun; it rested there for about an hour before flying away on those transparently beautiful, gossamer wings; they’re so delicate looking but extremely strong.

I love the impatiens flowers but I love even more the fact that the dragonfly stopped for a little rest in my deck garden.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

September Beach

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We are still experiencing relatively high temperatures of 30-35C (86-95F) and as a result the beaches remain very busy as people try to cool off or just enjoy the last bits of summer before it drifts gently into autumn.

The evenings are very pleasant and the beaches still inviting as people continue to enjoy them after dark and even swimming in the summer-warm lake.

Happy mid-week.

nature, Photography

Wonderful Stuff …

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… to see right now …

… such as thriving peaches readily available in the market …

… and hydrangeas blooming while the trees still hug their leaves …

… as the summer-warm lake lazes under a drowsing sun …

… and the creek slowly trickles along , relaxing in the shade …

… while the grapes grow plumper with each passing day.

Happy Sunday.

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.