Raven Ridge Gardens

Ruby Tuesday: Red Velvet Curtain

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000-08:00

Recently, while spending some time with one of our sons in southern California, we decided to take in a movie and found ourselves at this very cool, historic movie house in Newport Beach.

Sitting there in the softly lit theater, munching on popcorn and waiting for the lights to go down, I was taken with the different patterns that the rows of seats stretching out before us were making.

So, I took this photo.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can hear you now. Taking photos of chairs with that stupifyingly beautiful red velvet curtain staring you in the face? I'll admit, sometimes it takes a two-by-four, or Photoshop, to show me the error of my ways.

This is my submission for this week's Ruby Tuesday. Brought to you by Magical Mystical Teacher and Gemma. Head on over there to see all of this week's ruby red photos. And while you're at it, give MMT and Gemma a shout out for continuing this very popular blog event.

And I still think the seats are very cool.

Ruby Tuesday: Nightclub in Red

2012-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken on Thanksgiving evening in Costa Mesa, CA. I knew the minute I saw the nightclub lit up in red neon that I would offer it up for Ruby Tuesday.

Ruby Tuesday has moved to a new location. I am so grateful to Magical Mystical Teacher and Gemma for carrying on the tradition.

Material for a Hummer's Nest

2012-01-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

I used to mow down the Japanese anemone seed heads before they reached this stage until one early spring day when I saw a hummingbird plucking the soft white froth in its beak and zooming off to parts unknown. I watched while the hummer came back again and again, finally putting it together: what a perfect lining for a nest.

This time of year it looks like there's cotton growing in my garden beds. I no longer make excuses.

January: Garlic and onions are coming up; some potatoes dug, others in the ground; last summer's chard given to the chickens; more garlic to plant; beds to amend.
Weather: very dry winter so far; sunny days with highs in the 60s; waiting for much-needed rain (secretly loving the sunshine).

Images of Sunflowers

2011-10-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sunflower bud looking very much like Oscar the Grouch

The underside of the petals of these particular sunflowers were much more interesting and beautiful than the flowers' faces, in my humble opinion. Photos taken August 2011.

Autumn in my Garden - Dew-Kissed Clematis

2011-10-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Clematis, early morning, several weeks ago.

At the beginning of summer I didn't realize how many distractions would, and did, take me away from posting, to say nothing of visiting my favorite bloggers. Now that my busy summer is over, I hope to remedy both.

Sunlit Crocosmia

2011-09-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Nestled amongst a vase of flowers on a living room table, I was stopped in my tracks on my way to the kitchen when I saw this one stem of crocosmia backlit by the setting sun. Stopped in my tracks.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Points, Curves, Lines, Shadows

2011-08-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

I took this in M+E's apartment while playing with the settings on my big girl camera. It certainly qualifies as a shadow shot. See if you can figure out why.

I know I'm a bit late for Shadow Shot Sunday, as it's Monday already in Australia, but I do hope this will count anyway (sorry Tracy).

More shadow shots await your perusal and delight at Hey Harriet.

My "real" computer is still in the shop, hopefully being repaired and not totally toast. Right now I'm using my husband's old laptop - a nice little machine, but definitely not my computer. Hence the far and few between posts. Sigh.

Ladybug

2011-07-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Look who was hiding on a leaf when I was taking these photos.

Ruby Tuesday - Ruby Red Mystery Flowers

2011-07-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I've lost the tag to this plant and can't for the life of me remember its name. Can anybody help?

[Ed. note: Found it!

Leycesteria formosa gold leaf. Common names: Himalayan Honeysuckle; Pheasant Berry.]

Check out more ruby red photos this Tuesday and every Tuesday on Mary's blog, Work of the Poet.

Cucumber Beetle on Buddleia

2011-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Before you say awwww, how cute, this little guy can wreak havoc in a vegetable garden. Green bean plants can disappear before your eyes.

And while the combination of lime green on purple is not lost on my artistic senses, hence the photo, that dratted bug was toast right after the photo shoot.

I have been very successful in thwarting them from devouring the garden by using diatomaceous earth. They don't like it. Heh, heh, heh.

© Copyright 2006-2011, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Zucchini Blossoms

2011-07-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Squash blossom abstract

Zucchini squash blossoms

These are from my vegetable garden which is flourishing this summer. I'll tell you why in a future post.

I harvested the first two zucchini this week (yay!) and made a frittata which you can see by clicking over to my cooking blog Christine Cooks.

Crocosmia Buds

2011-07-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love the circles and swirls so had to let you see it too.

More photos of my crocosmias can be seen here, here, here, here, and finally here.

Mellow Yellow Monday - Geum macrophyllum (Yellow)

2011-07-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Geum, or avens as it more commonly known, which was news to me, is a North American wildflower that grows rather rampantly throughout my garden. It's easily pulled and discarded from places where I don't wish it to settle so I don't find it particularly invasive. The tiny flowers are from 1/2-inch to about 1-inch across and small wasps like to hide in the stamens.

The seed heads are small, hairy little things that will snare all number of things including strands of my hair. Hard to believe this little flower is in the Rose family, Rosaceae.

More photos of yellow await you at Mellow Yellow Monday, so please click on over and take a look.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Spider on Daisy

2011-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Shadows are often cast in the details of a photo only noticed after the shot is taken and then viewed with a more critical eye in one's photo software. Here, I was just trying to get the spider to hold still enough for me to take a clear photo. The spider was not cooperating. But the shadows were a nice surprise.

Take a look at more shadow shots at Tracy's blog, Hey Harriet.

Emotion In Motion

2011-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

"Emi" 4/22/1983 - 7/6/2011
My sweet, sweet girl - run free.

Somewhere in time's own space

There must be some sweet pastured place

Where creeks sing on and tall trees grow

Some paradise where horses go,

For by the love that guides my pen

I know great horses live again.

~Stanley Harrison

Summer Squash - Cavili

2011-07-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

As one can readily see, the squash blossom is four times as large as its progeny. I've been measuring the growth rate of the squash and it's about 1/8th of an inch per day.

All this in glorious sunshiny days with highs tippy-toeing to the 70s.

Evidently not hot enough.

One could starve waiting for this to become dinner.

Red Leaf Lettuce - Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Six different types of lettuce are growing in my garden this summer. Lettuces are the plants that grow best in our climate. And peas, but they're not even close to being photogenic yet.

I go out each morning to measure overall growth of my vegetables and snap a photo here and there which I've been featuring lately on this blog.

One of these days I'll post a photo of the whole garden, but for now I'm happy with the macros.

This one is for Ruby Tuesday - Mary's ever-so-popular Tuesday meme.
I know she'd be please if you took a peek.

Happy 4th of July!

and ...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Morning Sun and Shadow

2011-07-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

A serendipitous shot, to be sure, as I was focused on the water droplets clinging to the rose leaf in early dawn shade and not to the rising sun and how it would light up the leaf in an instant, a stem casting a horizontal shadow from behind.

Visit Tracy at Hey Harriet this Sunday for intriguing shadow shots from around the globe.

Kale

2011-06-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Morning dew on Kale

Each drop of dew clings to a small dip in the edge of the kale leaf. I just love how this happens.

After two days of rain the sun is shining again and the temps are up in the 60s. (My husband points out that there are not many places in the US in summer where one can say that.) My vegetable garden is growing - slowly; baby zucchini are stretching toward the sun. If we were in warmer climes, the zucchini would grow multiple inches daily but here, we measure their growth by quarter and half-inches.

This is the kind of weather that kale, chard and lettuce love. Not so much squashes and tomatoes, but I don't stop trying.

Chard

2011-06-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

Chard in the vegetable garden

It's been such a long time since I put up a post that I hardly know where to begin. On a happy note, I suppose: My summer has just begun, no work until mid-August, and a brand new vegetable garden producing chard, kale and lettuces in abundance (zucchini, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes, and basil to follow if the weather stays warm, even though it started raining last night and is raining still).

These days find me outside pruning, weeding and clearing berries, and although I always have my camera with me, and take lots of photos, they don't seem to be making their way to these pages.

I'm giving myself all the space I need to process this change.

Cheers!

Ruby Tuesday - Geum

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Geum is a sweet little perennial that pops up in my garden every spring, showing off its ruffled red petals and yellow stamens. Thankfully the chickens leave it in peace allowing it to bloom for several weeks. It's a nice punctuation to the softer colors that prevail this time of year. I believe this specimen is called "Mrs. Bradshaw". Another showy Geum is "Red Dragon". Both would be a great addition to a perennial flower bed.

There are more ruby red photos to delight you and inspire you over at Mary's blog Work of the Poet.

Greenhouse Nasturtiums

2011-05-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

My greenhouse has translucent - not transparent - walls resulting in photos that can be rather bland.

This morning, instead of being vexed by the low light I decided to embrace it and just let the photo be what it wants to be.

I'm intrigued by this and want to practice it more.

Meantime, the nasturtiums make me smile whenever I pass by them.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Specs at Rest

2011-05-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Most of the time that I spend in my office, whether it's doing paperwork, writing, or editing photos, these reading specs are on my face.

And sometimes they and I need a break.

Most often, when they are not perched on my nose, they sit upon the stacks and stacks of papers that usually adorn my desk.

I love this photo because my desk was clear, which meant I'd gotten a lot of work done.

And it made such a great shadow.

Visit Tracy at Hey Harriet for more shadow photos celebrating Shadow Shot Sunday.

Spring in my Garden - Iris Douglasiana

2011-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Also known as Douglas Iris and Pacific Coast Iris, Iris douglasiana is a wildflower that grows just about everywhere along coastal Humboldt County.

I have both this creamy-white one and the signature purple-blue one (not blooming yet) in my garden. And guess what? I didn't plant them. They just come with the territory.

Discovered by and named after early explorer/botanist David Douglas, this iris is the official flower of the Humboldt Botanical Garden.

Mellow Yellow Monday - Yellow Rocket Flowers

2011-04-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

Rocket, also known as arugula, self-seeds and grows quite rampant in my corner of the world.

I will often pick a blossom and pop it in my mouth savoring the peppery sweetness that floods my tongue as I chew on the tiny morsel. The leaves give a peppery kick to milder lettuce salads.

We used to have a lot more rocket around our yard but my gray Arab mare likes it: The day after I took this photo, I let her out to graze and in the blink of an eye the rocket was gone.

Mellow Yellow Monday features photos that feature yellow.

Start off your week with yellow. It's mellow.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Apple blossoms after a night of rain

Easter morning has dawned gray and wet. With a difference.

The scent of blooming flowers and unfurling leaves, however fleeting in the dampness, is unmistakable.

The hint of a breeze creates a brief lifting of clouds allowing, if not actual sunshine, a bit of warmth.

And as I sit here in my office typing this, I look out my window and am thrilled with the many shades of green that welcome the day.

Small pleasures.

Rejoice in whatever makes you happy on this Easter Sunday. Mine is this.

Ruby Tuesday - Ruby Red Sparaxis

2011-04-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

The chickens are eating the sparaxis faster than I can take photos of them (the sparaxis, not the chickens).

I really am going to have to do some triage on my poor, innocent flowers that bloom joyously with the ever-so-fleeting sunshine and then get pecked and decimated by the hens.

You'd think I didn't feed them (the hens, not the sparaxis). You should see my feed bill.

Luckily, these lovelies were in a protected spot just waiting for their Ruby Tuesday walk-on.

Mary's got a lot more ruby photos this week. Click on over to take a look.

Sunshine today!

Glorious sunshine!

Warm too.

But not to last.

Rain is forecast for tomorrow.

Mellow Yellow Monday - Yellow Tulip

2011-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

A surprise yellow tulip has sprung up in my garden. I know I planted it but darned if I remember when.

And I think the chickens or slugs must have made quick work of it in the past because this is the first time I've seen it.

Weird.

Like yellow? Click on over to Mellow Yellow Monday, a fun and very yellow photo blog.

Spring in My Garden - Pregnant Hellebore

2011-04-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Now this is what I call being really pregnant.

You can see earlier photos of these beguiling nymphettes here, here, and here, when they were young, quite beautiful, and by no means innocent.

I consider this phase exquisite

Of Daffodils and Goats . . .

2011-04-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

I was up early last Saturday morning taking photos of the dew-laden daffodils that each spring beautify an otherwise ugly black plastic pot on my back deck.

Then we went off to shop the first farmers market of the season - Yay! (Photos coming.)

When we returned home we were greeted by this:

Courtesy of our neighbor's goat. A not unfriendly, perfectly nice goat that shouldn't be able to walk into our yard at will, but seems to do so anyway.

Here are a few more photos from early last week:

I really hope that goat got a bellyache.

Bucolic

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Although April is not what you'd call warm yet, and rain is still on the horizon, here is what is true this morning:  my sweet old mare can be out in her corral having her breakfast instead of in her stall because the ground is too muddy; the lilacs are putting forth their apple-green leaves and buds; a small spider dared to spin a web fully exposed to the fickle elements; my backyard hens are now laying 6-8 eggs a day instead of 2 or none.

All sure signs that our hemisphere is turning toward the sun.

Just as it should.

Albeit
               so
                           very
                                          slowly.

Ruby Tuesday - Early Spring Tulip

2011-04-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Six out of seven tulip buds are waiting to bloom in an old black plastic pot beside the stairs to my office. Someone always has to be first, and she put on such a show in yesterday's bright morning sunlight that I knew she would be the Ruby of my Tuesday this week.

Mary's got a lot more ruby photos to show you. Check 'em out.

Spring in my Garden - Quail

2011-03-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

Some people I know have herds of wild turkeys roam through their yards. Me, I've got quail. A bevy of them. A covey of them. They stay year-round, chittering and flying away as one unit with a huge whirrr of wings if I get too close.

This small portion of the flock (covey?) was just outside one of my windows yesterday, unaware that I was watching, clicking, hoping they would hold still enough for their 15 seconds of fame.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Sunny Tuscan Colors at Brick & Fire Bistro

2011-03-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling to find a shadow, any shadow, to put here for my favorite meme in the whole world, Shadot Shot Sunday, but shadows are sadly not to be found.

You're probably tired of hearing me say, rain, rain, rain - I"M tired of hearing me say it.

But, it's still raining. And it's still cold. And it's still grey. All. Day. Long.

So I've pulled a photo out of my archives to cheer me up. This is one of my favorite local restaurants, Brick and Fire. With a sunny Tuscan-Mediterranean feel and delightful, locally-sourced fare, it will lift my spirits even on ~~days~~ weeks like these, when the sun just won't shine.

Tracy has got more shadow links for you over at Hey Harriet.

A shout out for our intrepid Tracy who was sick last week but is now recovered,

and we are so glad for that!

Ruby Tuesday - Milk Crates

2011-03-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

I know they're not flowers, nor critters, but they were such a stark contrast to the white walls, grey cement, and the odd blue crate, I couldn't help myself.

It's time once again for Ruby Tuesday photo viewing at Work of the Poet.

Hope Springs Eternal - Vernal Equinox 2011

2011-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bronze Freesia in the greenhouse

Garden bloggers throughout the northern hemisphere

have been waiting for this day to arrive after a long, often harsh, winter.

Japanese Red Maple leaf buds

And even though the weather may not be all that spring-like in some places,

Tulip buds

it surely is in others and at least today

Unfurling fern #1

we can all sing

Happy Spring!

Unfurling fern #2

and know that new growth and the nurturing sun will soon be ours.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Vinca with Tea Mug

2011-03-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Rain mixed with snow greeted us on this chilly morning before the vernal equinox, the grey sky, occasionally breaking up, presented a patch of blue through which, for about 2 minutes, the sun shone.

I say catch a shadow shot when the opportunity presents itself.

Take a look at what other shadow photographers are displaying at Tracy's blog Hey Harriet.

A Rose of Love for the People of Japan

2011-03-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

To the people of Japan: My heart grieves for you.

To my fellow bloggers and readers: I have put a live donation bar at the top of my page, above the title header. The link will take you to the ~~Google Crisis Response~~ Portland-based Mercy Corps donation page for survivors of the Japan earthquake/tsunami. I encourage everyone to make a donation, no matter how small, earmarked for the Japanese people who are suffering so greatly.

Another donation bar may be found at the top of my cooking blog: Christine Cooks.

Thank you.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Trees on Wall, Last Fall

2011-03-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

These shots, taken back in November specifically with the intention of using them for Shadow Shot Sunday, somehow got trumped by ensuing shadow photos. This happens.

I found them recently and, with no shadows currently available for Tracy's wonderful and weekly blog event, decided to bring them to the fore.

See those ominous dark clouds? If memory serves me, they dumped on us within 10 minutes of me snapping the photos and safely tucking away my camera.

More shadow shots and shadow shot photographers

may be found each and every Sunday at Hey Harriet.

Happy Spring! The Swallows are Back!

2011-03-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Been watching the skies for swallows these past few days. Too cloudy and rainy to catch a glimpse, if they were there at all.

But today turned sunny and actually warm and, as always, something made me look up and there they were. Just two of them. We call them the scouts.

Of course I didn't get a photo of them - they're swallows. They just don't hold still enough. Hopefully I'll get some baby shots later in the year. Meantime . . .

Muscari

Yellow Primrose

Wood Violet

Lilac buds

Dicentra - Bleeding Heart

I was able to root around close to the ground in a few of my garden beds and capture some tiny early spring bloomers.

In no particular order, here are some previous swallow posts you might enjoy:
Fledglings
First Rose
Baby Swallows
Chow Time
Spring Has Arrived!
The Swallows Have Arrived!

On a sadder note: My heart goes out to the people of Japan who have lost so much due to the devastating earthquake yesterday and ensuing tsunami. I am thinking of you and wishing you solace during this terrible time.

Late Winter in my Garden - Mini-Daffodils

2011-03-09T05:32:00.000-08:00

Mini-daffodils are among the first bulbs to bloom in my garden as winter wanes.

They grow to be about 5-inches tall, barely clearing the top of the large pot they are planted in.

I have to keep chicken wire over them (you can see it in the background) because the chickens love to see if the petals are edible. You'd think they learn. But nooo - they're chickens.

Ruby Tuesday - Another Ruby Red Hellebore

2011-03-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, another Hellebore.

Fixated on Hellebores, you say? Maybe so - they're fun to photograph. And light plays so well with them.

And also, they are the only red in town, or rather, in my garden, right now and it's time for a Ruby Tuesday post.

Check out the rest of the ruby red photos over at Mary's place.

Today's Flowers - Sultry Hellebore

2011-03-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

I started snapping photos of my hellebores the other day, their heads now turned up a bit more toward the sun, and just can't resist posting a few more of them. (More will be posted another day.)

Un-retouched photo, taken late afternoon, pointed into the shady planter box.

This is my offering to Today's Flowers, a beautiful and floriferous site from which I've been gone too long.
Have a great week and ...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Tree Reflections

2011-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, what I was trying to capture when I took this photo was the sun slipping down between the houses across the street. As I got out of my car, I caught a golden flash out of the corner of my eye and whipped out my camera, too late, it turns out, to get that golden flash. Bummed, I put my camera away.

Later, when viewing the photos on my computer, I saw that although I hadn't caught the setting sun, I had caught the reflections of numerous tree tops on the roofs of the cars in front of me. And although they're not actually shadows, I think they come pretty close.

Tracy's got more shadow shots for you down under at Hey Harriet. When you get there, leave her a nice comment would you?

Not a lot of gardening going on around here. As in none. The wonderful sunny weather we had back in January had turned back into winter. March certainly can live up to the whole lion and lamb thing.

I hope there is more going on in your garden.

In Celebration of March - Freesias and Stock

2011-03-01T15:59:00.000-08:00

A vase of bronze freesias and pink stock graced my friend Erika's table while I was visiting her recently.

Sure they're forced; it's still winter. But they told me quite clearly that spring is just days away.

I've been watching the sky for swallows. Don't want them to arrive too early, but still ...

Ruby Tuesday - Santa Slippers in February

2011-02-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

While visiting my friend Erika this weekend, I caught her on camera sporting her luxurious burgundy robe with these funky-but-comfy Santa slippers. We had quite a chuckle.

You know the drill: There are more ruby red shots to be seen over at Mary's place.

Have a great week!

Birds in Silhouette

2011-02-23T00:09:00.000-08:00

They stop here on their way further inland where they roost for the night. From their size and shape they seem to be robins but I never got a better look at them than this. I just really like the photo.

Ruby Tuesday - Somewhat Ruby Hellebores

2011-02-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Hellebores are making quite a spectacle of themselves this year.

Some years they hardly bloom at all. This year they're going for broke.

Another reminder that spring is on its way!

Check out the rest of the Ruby Tuesday photos over at Mary's blog, Work of the Poet.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Garden Path in Light and Shadow

2011-02-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

Morning light and shadow on the front garden path.

A little wild and wooley from winter prunings that haven't yet been picked up, but the birds like it that way.

Tracy's got a slew of shadow shots from all over the planet.

Go take a look.

February Full Moon

2011-02-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am a little disappointed. The shot could have been clearer. Me and the big girl camera are still getting to know one another and sometimes we have issues.

The full moon is actually tonight, but tonight there will be no moon viewing from my garden.

Clouds, clouds, clouds.

I was lucky to get this shot last night when the sky cleared for a few minutes. It looks pretty darn full to me.

The February full moon was called, by some northern and eastern native American tribes, the Snow Moon or Hunger Moon due to both of those conditions being most prevalent during this time of year.

Did you get a moon shot tonight?

Winter in my Garden - A Nameless Rose at Sunset

2011-02-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am notorious for losing the name tags that come with my plants. This sweet rose, blushed a rosy-orange by the setting sun the other day, is actually pink and pretty much blooms year round. It has a sweetly citrus scent, is practically thornless, and has canes that would grow to great lengths if I didn't keep them cut back. If anyone knows its name, please chime in.
I took the photo this past Sunday, the day before the rains came back after more than four weeks of beautiful, if not bizarre for our region, sunny weather.

© Copyright 2006-2011, Raven Ridge Gardens. All rights reserved.

Winter in my Garden - Tiny Clematis Buds

2011-02-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Signs of spring are everywhere in my garden, from the leaf buds on the dogwood and alder trees to these tiny clematis buds which are no bigger than the tip of your pinkie finger. I was glad to catch these in the evening sunlight before the rains began yesterday.

Ruby Tuesday - I Heart Red Peppers in the Greenhouse

2011-02-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

This week, Ruby Tuesday and Valentine's Day coincide, affording me the double delight of offering not only a ruby red pepper, but a heart-shaped one at that.

There is more going on at Mary's place, Work of the Poet, for this week's Ruby Tuesday. Take a look.

February Waxing Moon

2011-02-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

Today I'm celebrating my first decent moon shot.

I have often coveted the moon shots of others, wondering how do they do that?

My new mantra: Use your big girl camera and a tripod, Dummy!

This photo brought to you by my big girl camera: Canon Rebel XSi. Big for me anyway.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Shady Narcissus

2011-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this the other morning hiding in deep shadow. As I was struggling to get a photo, the sun came over the trees and hit the flower at just enough of an angle to create these subtle shadows.

Hey, I'll take what I can get.

And speaking of 'Hey', Tracy's got a slew of shadow shots just waiting your discovery so take a look at Shadow Shot Sunday at Hey Harriet.

Winter in My Garden - Winter Blooming Red Rhodie

2011-02-10T03:30:00.000-08:00

Finally - fully-bloomed trusses.

Click here and here for earlier accounts.

Winter in My Garden - Hawks

2011-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

I realize that the clarity of these photos is somewhat lacking, but we've been so delighted by the presence of this Sharpshin(?) Hawk in the early mornings that I just had to post them anyway. According to my limited knowledge and my Petersen's bird guide, this is either a Sharpshin or a young red-shouldered hawk, though I certainly could be wrong on both counts.

He, or she, perches on one particular branch, one foot tucked up, overlooking the pond just beyond our fence, mostly looking down, perhaps hoping to catch breakfast. The top photo is natural color; I saturated the photo just above hoping to better show the markings on the feathers. These were taken from inside the house (going outside, no matter how quiet we are, scares him away), through a window, with an EFS 55-250mm lens which was cranked all the way out. (I've got a better lens and a sturdier tripod on my wish list.)

This morning was a veritable hawk-fest. This little guy was just outside the kitchen door so of course the photo was taken through the window, plus the flash went off (white light above the hawk) and the bird flew away so I didn't get a second shot. I haven't been able to identify it, so if anyone out there is a hawk person, please chime in.

We hardly ever see hawks in so close; I wonder what the attraction is this year?

Ruby Tuesday - Contrasts

2011-02-07T14:20:00.000-08:00

Taken at sunset on a walk through Trinidad village,

I thought the contrast of deep red walls and white trim pretty enough for Ruby Tuesday.

Mary has more Ruby photos this and every Tuesday at Work of the Poet.

Silhouettes at Low Tide

2011-02-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

We walk to the beach several times a week. This past Friday the tide was really low and folks (and their dogs) were walking waaaay out along the wave line. This guy was taking a photo of the rocks and waves while I was taking a photo of him taking a photo - in silhouette.

This is what I do when there's not much to do in my garden. Or rather, when I'm putting off the things that need to be done in my garden.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Shadowplay on Staircase

2011-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Morning sun streaming through a window works its magic on a simple stairway.

Tracy's got lots more shadow shots for you to see so go on over to Hey Harriet and take a look.

I hope you weathered the storm and are doing well, Tracy.

Sun Shots in January

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Low morning sun, Jan. 30

Late afternoon, Jan. 30

Sunset, Jan. 30

The January sun holds much for me: It's still low in the sky but not quite so low. It's still winter-watery, but not quite so wet. It still doesn't impart much warmth, but a bit more than December. It's still a winter sun, but so much closer to spring.

Know what I mean?

Welcome to February!

Ruby Tuesday - Red jackets

2011-01-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

I found red not in the garden this week, but hanging on the jacket hooks of the mud porch. We are easy to pick out in a crowd wearing these. Or in a forest. Or on the beach.

Mary showcases lots of red photos for Ruby Tuesday. Take a look.

Winter in My Garden - Early Narcissus

2011-01-29T15:15:00.000-08:00

Harbingers of spring in my garden include these narcissus that have been left neglected in an old wooden half-barrel. They are not my favorite narcissus but they're steady bloomers and they do make me smile when I come across them.

The day began sunny and mild this morning but in the blink of an eye turned cool with dark gray, lowering clouds with a breeze full of the smell of rain. The January thaw is over. Winter isn't.

The View From My Backyard - Another Beautiful Sunset

2011-01-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

Taken from the back deck last night

This morning, not a cloud in the sky. It has been sunny and relatively warm for a week. Sunny, warm temps in January make northcoasters nervous: we wonder what will February bring.

Weather like this makes me want to dig in the garden and plant seeds. But I know better ...

Winter is not over.

Ruby Tuesday - Finding the Hidden Red

2011-01-24T15:03:00.000-08:00

It wasn't easy to find red in my garden today. But there it was, hiding in plain sight.

Lots of ruby red photos can be seen at Mary's blog Work of the Poet.

Check 'em out.

In My Greenhouse - A Soaking Tub

2011-01-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

One of the things I wanted for my birthday was to have the tub in the greenhouse plumbed with hot and cold running water. Yesterday, that's just what Mr CC did. Yes it's a bit rustic but, hey, it's a greenhouse. I had a good soak this morning - just the ticket for my cold. And what could possibly be better than a soak in a steaming hot tub accompanied by orchids and Meyer lemons?

This little volunteer greenhouse poppy bloomed this morning, just for my birthday, I'm sure.

Outside, the Rhododendron that I received as a birthday present ten years ago

is beginning to bloom, right on schedule.

Shadow Shot Sunday - January 23, 2011

2011-01-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

Not the best shadow shot I've ever taken, but I kinda like it because I'm quirky that way. The shadows are from the fennel growing just on the other side of the greenhouse wall. And, yes, that is chicken wire.

Each and every Sunday Tracy hosts wonderful shadow shots from her blog Hey Harriet. I encourage you to go there to see what's going on in our shadowy world.

Winter in the Greenhouse - Susan's Orchid

2011-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Last year Susan's orchid put out a scape of buds, much like this one, only to perish in sub-freezing temps. This year, when not one but two scapes were produced, I insulated the plant when our temps fell into the 20s and ...

... this was my reward.

See Susan? I've been taking good care of it. :)

The View From My Backyard - Waning Full Moon

2011-01-21T09:14:00.000-08:00

Moonset around 6:30 AM, January 21st

The days are getting longer, the sun is setting a good half-hour later than on the Solstice. A few paperwhites are beginning to bloom. Spring is not far off, and I can feel gardeners everywhere just itching to get out and dig in the dirt. Count me among them.

New Year's Day Walk on the Beach, Part 3 - Mr CC

2011-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Clam Beach is truly stunning when the tide is low

Mr CC is blogspeak for Mr Christine Cooks. Back in the day when I just had the food blog, it was common practice to not give out the given names of family members. Now, with social media telling all, anonymity is practically unheard of. Still, when I refer to my husband, Clay, on my blogs, he will forever be Mr CC.

New Year's Day Walk on the Beach, Part 2 - Pocket Change

2011-01-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

New Years Day Walk on the Beach, Part 1

2011-01-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

Waves of sand

On New Years Day, Mr CC and I took a long walk on Clam Beach at low tide. I took so many photos that it has been difficult to narrow down my choices for a post. So I've simply decided to break the posts into parts.

This is part one. Enjoy.

Sky and clouds reflected in the watery sand

Driftwood that doesn't drift; anymore

Shadow Shot Sunday - Art Shadows

2011-01-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

A departure from my usual plants, critters and landscapes, the shadow cast by the frame around this painting captured my fancy at a December art show so I captured it with my camera.

More shadow shots may be seen at Tracy's Shadow Shot Sunday. While you're there, give a hello to all the fine photographers who put their shadow shots up each week for the world to see.

Winter in my Garden - In the Greenhouse and Out

2011-01-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

An impossibly large Meyer lemon in the greenhouse

Susan's orchid getting ready to bloom in the greenhouse (the bathtub will be explained in a future post)

Gertrude Jekyll blooms year-round in the garden albeit a bit worse for the wear after a hailstorm

The passion flower blooms year-round also, up against a south facing window

Sarcococca is in fine form this time of year

Sally Holmes puts out blooms even when it hails. Her delicate pink coloring is enhanced by the winter cold

I'd love to know what's blooming in your garden this time of year.

It's a New Year - Welcome to 2011

2011-01-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

This, I am told, is an icebow: a rainbow in a cloudless and rainless but none-the-less moisture-filled sky made possible by the sun refracting off ice crystals high in the troposphere.

The icebow sat over our area of northern California (and maybe auspiciously over the Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast) for more than 2 hours on Dec. 30th. It didn't move and it was mostly a rather ghostly white except for the few moments when the sun broke through a thin veil of clouds and lit the halo in a beautiful spectrum of colors.

I look for auspicious signs in nature. I delight in them. Call me silly, I don't care, but even knowing the science of how rainbows occur, I think they're magical. And I think they portend good things to come.

Yesterday the clouds that have been hanging over our collective heads, raining buckets for several weeks, began to part, showing delicious patches of blue.

Today the the clouds are gone, the sky is blue as can be, the sun is bright, water droplets are glistening, making little rainbows everywhere I look.

And the Buddha who graces the pathway to our house is smiling in the sunshine.

All is right in my world.

I hope it is in yours. Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

However you celebrate the holidays, may your path be peaceful, loving and kind.

In our house we celebrate Christmas. As my kids grew up, moved away and married into other families, our celebration here at home became quieter and more introspective. Presents and all the accompanying hoopla the least important; the love of family and friends the most.

Over the years, living this rural life, I have become more attuned to the changing of the seasons, the cycle of life in the outside world, the marking of days by what grows in the garden when the days are the shortest and what springs from the earth with the tiniest shift of the planet's axis.

Aside from having my family around me, outside in nature is where I'm happiest. Achieving a spectacular macro shot of a tiny salamander renders me speechless and ecstatic - for days. Simple joys.

Merry Christmas to you all. May simple joys bring you happiness.

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse/Winter Solstice

2010-12-20T01:03:00.000-08:00

A triumvirate of auspicious occurances begins Monday evening, December 20th at 10:33 (west coast time): The last full moon of 2010 undergoing a total eclipse which will end around 2:30 AM on the Winter Solstice.
Will I be up all night watching? You betcha'. (Please, clouds and fog, go away.)
Will I be hoping for a brighter, more compassionate world in 2011? That too. Always.

Happy Winter Solstice!

The sun just came out as I'm typing this; I hope it's a good sign.

Click on the youtube link below for a beautiful video about this special cosmic event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BGWKyM5MKw

Autumn to Winter in my Garden - Salamanders

2010-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Who dat?

Perched on my index finger, you can imagine how tiny this critter is.

It's pretty easy to find a salamander or two in my garden this time of year. Turn over a piece of wood, an old flower pot, and chances are there will be one of these critters hanging out underneath.

The little guy on my finger had lost its tail, possibly due to a run-in with one of my chickens, and is in the process of growing a new one (I didn't know they did that).

I do try to keep them out of harm's way and will keep the chickens in their pen if I see salamanders in the yard.

Very Late Autumn (Winter Really) in my Garden - Fine Feathered Hens

2010-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Lacy & Ahm, all decked out in their new feathers

My 11 silly hens stopped laying eggs and began to molt in early November just as the unseasonably cold weather set in. These two now have fine sets of new feathers to keep them warm while some of the others are still looking pretty bedraggled (they wouldn't pose for a photo - too embarrassed).

Late Autumn in my Garden - Spider Web

2010-12-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Can you see it, way out there up there in the branches?

Here's a closeup, taken from the same spot as the photo above.

Playing with my zoom lens ...

Zoom ... Zoom ...

Sunset at Trinidad Beach

2010-12-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

The setting sun and resultant ocean and sky colors were so spectacular this evening that I wasn't the only one at the marine lab overlook taking photos. I had to position myself just so to keep them out of my camera frame. Sure wish I could see how their photos came out.

Late Autumn in my Garden - The Last Maple Leaf

2010-11-26T15:37:00.000-08:00

I took this photo a few days ago when skies were clear for a moment and this last maple leaf was determinedly holding on to the bitter end. It has since fallen to the ground, joining its red, gold, orange and brown brethren, signaling, to me at least, that Autumn is over.

I didn't get as much accomplished in my garden as I would have liked this fall, which means there will be more work in the spring. At least I have the winter to contemplate what I'll do when the rains stop.

I like to think I welcome winter with all her attendant indoor coziness, but the truth is that I like longer, warmer days where I can spend more time outside, whether it's gardening or shooting photos.

I'm working on patience ...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

For my friend Erika

Autumn in my Garden - Virbunum Leaf for Ruby Tuesday

2010-11-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

The late afternoon sun shining through a viburnum leaf, creating such a display of veins and ridges, seemed to light up the leaf from within. Such is my offering for this week's Ruby Tuesday.

Autumn in My Garden - Circus Rose

2010-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Out in the yard shooting photos, playing with camera settings. Sometimes I get a shot that just intrigues me: No flash; sunny blue sky overhead; haven't a clue why it turned out this way. But I'm glad it did.

Sunset - Fire in the Sky

2010-11-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Now, I thought this photo was nice enough.

I put my camera away and went in the house to fix dinner, and ...

... just happened to see the glow of this when passing by a window.

Kinda nice.

Ruby Hips

2010-11-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

Got RED?

It's time for Ruby Tuesday over at Work of the Poet where Mary hosts photographers showing off their ruby red photos of the week. Mary has posted a particularly beautiful photo this week. Take a look.

Sun Setting Behind Pewetole Island

2010-11-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this over a month ago. The sun has moved since I took this photo and now sets quite to the left of the distant rock. Autumn sliding into Winter ...

Me trying to get my groove back.

Autumn in My Garden - Water Everywhere

2010-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Early morning: I love how water droplets cling to the serrated edges of rose leaves.

Autumn in My Garden - Shadowplay in Penstemon

2010-11-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

"Mom, how're you doing?"

"Well, I haven't put up a blog post in about a month..."

"Actually, it's been exactly 35 days."

"Wow, you keep track?"

"Yes. So, how're you doing?"

We had a wonderful, long conversation, but the upshot is: Nothing like a call from one of your kids to remind you that you've been remiss in the blogging arena.

Besides missing visiting my favorite bloggers, I've missed taking photos for Shadow Shot Sunday. So between bouts of rain the other day, the sun shone and illuminated the stamens inside these penstemon blossoms and I was able to take my first SSS shots in quite a while.

Shadow Shot Sunday lives on Tracy's blog, Hey Harriet. Take a look each Sunday for great shadow photos from all over the place.

PS - Thanks, Miles!

PPS - Tracy, I'll link to you as soon as Mr. Linky wakes up. ;)

Autumn in my Garden - Honorine Jobert Anemone

2010-10-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I used to have a lot more stands of these beautiful white blooms in my garden, but this year I found only two. I don't know if they just aren't as hardy as the pink ones are, or if I've inadvertently pulled them out.

Whatever has happened, I'm going to mark this one to ensure it returns next year.

After several days of sun, it got really hot inland and the fog bank slammed into the coast with such force it rattled the windows.

Not really, but you get the metaphor. I hope.

Fall is well and truly underway. Time to do a last(?) mowing of the grass, prune some branches back, fix the path lights, tidy up the greenhouse and the vegetable garden. I'm going to plant fava bean seeds to winter over and feed the soil.

The sun just came out. Time to go outside.

Autumn 2010 in My Garden - Gold Mums

2010-09-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Actually, these mums are still in pots awaiting planting into bigger pots that will grace the back deck for the fall season. They look so pretty, all bunched together, that I can't resist the temptation to take a photo or two.

The bottom photo is copyrighted differently because it's going to go into my folder of photos to be made into note cards.

Someday.

When I have the time.

And the inclination.

Well, the inclination is there, so I think it must be the time.

Sigh.

Garden Notes:

We've been having several delicious autumn days of sun and relative warmth. I can see the fog bank lurking a few hundred yards to the west. We are, as my neighbor says, "in the smug zone".

Happy Autumnal Equinox 2010

2010-09-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

I was going to post a photo of the full moon that I took at 6:30 this morning to welcome in Autumn, but I guess my camera is still a bit wonky (or maybe the user is) and they didn't come out well.

Did you see the full moon last night with Jupiter shadowing it all night long until dawn? It was stunning. A rare view. Watch for it tonight if the skies are clear in your neighborhood.

I know many gardeners welcome signs of autumn; a time to gather in all the summer's bounty and preserve it for the colder months to come. A time to finally stop weeding and put the garden to bed for the winter, unless, of course, you plant a winter garden. A time to put an extra blanket on the bed, make soups and stews, get out those projects you've been wanting to do - hopefully you will have time now with the longer nights.

Lettuce, peas, fava beans, chard, kale all grow well in my garden come the cooler days of fall and I hope to be planting some of them this month. Even potatoes overwinter here. I guess I shouldn't grouse so much about not being able to grow tomatoes.

Do you plant a winter garden?

Late Summer in my Garden - Sunflowers

2010-09-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

We've had sun, clouds, fog and 2 1/2 inches of rain in September. A very early winter pattern usually not seen until late October.

In the meantime, my sunflowers, which got a very late start, have finally bloomed.

They are attracting a few honey bees, which is the reason I planted them. Honey bees have been in absentia this summer. Partly, I think, because of the very late spring and mostly wet, foggy summer.

Planting sunflowers helps to attract bees to yards and gardens. Red poppies attract bees also, as do fall Asters and Sedum.

Do you have honey bees in your garden?

Garden Notes:

Tomorrow, Sept. 23rd is the full moon and autumnal equinox. A sunset-moonrise walk is planned. Hopefully photos will ensue.

Ruby Tuesday - Ruby Red Dahlia

2010-09-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dahlias spotted on a walk through town recently reminded me that it's time once again for Ruby Tuesday, hosted by Mary at Work of the Poet.

You're going to want to see all the other photos sporting red this week; maybe you'd even like to join in the fun and meet some interesting poeple.

Click here to see what it's all about.

Skywatch Friday - A Fogless Sunset

2010-09-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sunsets unobstructed by fog have been woefully lacking this summer, so even though this photo is a bit dark because I didn't think to get my camera (I was that entranced by the actual sun) until it was almost too late, here is my offering to Sky Watch Friday, because I actually experienced a full on, no-holds-barred sunset this evening. And not a shred of fog around. Whoo-hoo!

Visit Skywatch Friday to see more sky shots from all over the world.

If you look closely you can just see Venus on her nightly decent below the horion.

Green Dragonfly

2010-08-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Taken on E Street in downtown Davis on the wall of a retail store, August 28, 2010

Check out the bull's eye mark on the head, and the gossamer golden wings. Is this critter cool or what?

Research tells me, hopefully correctly, that this is a Common Green Darner Dragonfly. I leave it to others more informed than I, to refute or corroborate.

I didn't have a tripod handy when I took this, so I braced my arm against the wall and hoped for the best.

Clicking on the photo will give you a larger, more detailed, image.

Shadow Shot Sunday - Reflections of an Island

2010-08-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pewetole Island, Trinidad Beach

Shadow or reflection? I think it's both.

Take a look at the shadow shots that Tracy hosts on her blog Hey Harriet.

Click here if you want to find out how to join in the fun.

(Late) Summer in my Garden (On the Beach) - Mimulus

2010-08-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Mimulus, or Monkey Flower, Trinidad Beach

It isn't just the sunshine after weeks and weeks of foggy, gray days. The sun has come out to play, yes, and we are delighted and oh so grateful, but there is something else going on:

A small shift, a fleeting earthy perfume, here and there a few falling alder leaves, the asters coming into full bloom, the swallows slipping quietly away when nobody was looking. Winged ants. I saw three of them yesterday.

Can you feel it?

Fall is coming.

Blue Damselfly

2010-08-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Pink and blue go so well together, don't you think?

Happy, sunny days are here again! After writing this post, and after enduring so many dreary days of endless fog, we've got sun! And warmth! Be still my heart.