Early morning visitor to our backyard. “Uh oh, I just heard a shutter click from that pesky lady looking out the window at me. Time to head back into the woods.”
Tag: photography
Sweet Cherries
The sweet cherries are ready at the local orchard. Soon it will be cherry pie time as the sour cherries become available, then the blueberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears and apples. The fresh local fruit is always good fresh or baked between two crusts. Yum!
Hay Raking
Local Amish youth using the draft horses to rake hay.
Shades of Hydrangea
I came to a new appreciation of hydrangeas when my daughter-in-law used them for her wedding. When we did some landscaping several years ago, we planted several hydrangeas and now we enjoy the beautiful shades of the blooms throughout the summer season. Until I looked at the photos on the computer, I did not realize…
Channa Masala
This is an vegetarian dish which uses chickpeas and a lot of spices to make very filling dinner. Serve with rice, naan bread and enjoy. Channa Masala or Chickpea Stew 2 tablespoons butter 1 whole onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 piece fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled and chopped 1 whole Jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 3 tablespoons tomato…
The Green Tunnel
One enjoyable aspect of the daily drive to work and back is the section of the road where the overhanging trees meet. This time of the year it is like driving through a green tunnel and it provides welcome relief when the hot summer weather arrives. In the fall, the “tunnel” turns into a yellow and…
Mountain Laurel Time
The state flower for Pennsylvania is in bloom now. More information on the selection of the mountain laurel for the state flower, which is a blooming shrub rather than a typical flower, can be found here. I just enjoy the brief season with the pale pink blooms showing up along the country roads.
Finding Treasures
This area of Pennsylvania is a mecca for antique and flea market lovers. Adamstown is home to Renninger’s, Black Angus, Shupps Grove and many other shops, both large and small. A personal favorite of mine is Fiesta Ware and other kitchen objects. At one time I collected Depression glass. I also collect Pennsylvania redware pottery…
In Praise of Greenhouses
My favorite place to visit from now until late fall is Black Creek Greenhouse. It is owned and operated operated by a Mennonite family and was started in 1980. It has a wonderful selection of all types of plants, plus you can also pick up some locally grown produce and farm fresh eggs. Customers use a…
Closer Look
This is a close-up of a bearded iris blooming in the yard (Germanica Hemstitched). The nice thing about a macro lens is that you see things you never noticed before such as the fluffy “hairs” and the inner part of the bloom. It is a reminder to be a closer and more thoughtful observer of the wonderfully diverse…
Spring Planting with Mule Power
It is time for spring plowing and planting. This is an Old Order Mennonite farmer with a team of five mules working his field. There are two different “horse and buggy” groups who live in this area — Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite. They differ in their dress and customs but share many practices such…
Hidden in the Woods
The pink ladyslippers are making their annual appearance in the woods. Due to all of the downed limbs and trees from the October snowstorm, we do not have as many this year. But if you look closely and are careful of where you step you can still find groupings of the delicate pale pink member…
Hazy with a Chance of Farms
As a complete newbie when it comes to photography, I learn something new each time I head out to take some photos. I spent an hour driving around this afternoon making photos of some of the local farms. I was wanting to capture all of the various shades of green at this time of the year….
A New Perspective
I invested (“invest” sounds so much more responsible than I spent money on something I wanted but did not really need) in a macro lens for the camera today–40mm 2.8. Came home and, without reading any of the directions, put the lens on the camera and headed outside. Since we have an early spring, I have both…
Nature and Life Notes 