Mighty Mushroom
13 Monday Aug 2012
Posted Flora and Fauna, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Summer, Virginia
in13 Monday Aug 2012
Posted Flora and Fauna, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Summer, Virginia
in06 Friday Jul 2012
Posted Flora and Fauna, Inspiration, iPhoneography, Nature, Photography, Summer, Virginia
inTags
apple, black walnut, Central Virginia, chestnut, countryside, double rainbow, farm, Flora and Fauna, green apple, green pepper, Inspiration, iPhonography, lifestyle, nature, pepper, photography, rainbow, rainbow photo, storm, summer, trees, Virginia, walnut, weather
We took the rampage seriously. After returning home safely during the first-half of the storm, my husband sat inside the house with the front door open, listening, for the sound of an approaching tornado. My son and I retreated to the far side of the house, opposite the ancient maple tree outside, wary that the tree would fall into the house. We learned after-the-fact that this unusual storm is called a derecho – a widespread, fast-moving weather event that features intense, straight-line, damaging winds and sometimes thunder and lightning.
And, sadly, for many in Virginia, that very scenario was a reality. Most tragically, however, is the fact that when it was all over, just an hour or so later, lives were lost, property was severely damaged, and, for a great number of families, power was out. Today, one week later, the clean-up continues. Many families remain without power. We’ve seen working power crews here from as far away as Texas. I am so very sorry for families who lost loved ones.
Even so, Mother Nature has a way of recovering. First, there was the double rainbow outside my barn. Even without electricity at the barn, seeing the rainbow brought me a feeling of hope.
A handful of black walnuts picked-up from the grass below after stormy weather in Virginia. © 2012 EddinsImages
Fallen green apples and their seeds ensure that more, beautiful apple trees will grow for future generations. © 2012 EddinsImages
05 Thursday Jul 2012
Posted Family, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Photography, Summer
inTags
family, funny face, kids, photo contest, summer, summer fun, swim team
I know… I know… it is unusual – unheard of, really – for me to post just one photo… However, for once, here it is! Herewith, I present my contribution to Blissfully Domestic’s Summer Fun Photo Challenge. This week’s topic is Fun/Playtime.
Photo taken with an iPhone 4. © 2012 EddinsImages
26 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted Flora and Fauna, Frogs and Toads, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Summer, Wildlife
inTags
Amphibian, animals, Biology, closeup photography, Flora and Fauna, Frog, frog species, Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, Hyla versicolor, iPhoneography, nature, treefrog, Virginia, wildlife
Two days ago, the lifeguard at our local pool rescued a frog from the pool skimmer. Based solely on looks, I have unscientifically identified the little darling (the frog, not the lifeguard) as one of two Gray Treefrog species native to Virginia. According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, the way to distinguish the Gray Treefrog, Hyla versicolor, from the very similar-looking Copes Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, is by their found location and their different calls. My friend was silent, so, because of our location in the state, I’m going with Hyla versicolor.
Without a doubt, this beautiful little amphibian is one of the most endearing, gentle creatures I have ever had the pleasure to see and hold. I was completely bewitched by the little froggy’s charm and expression. And, my found friend had the most sublime, silvery and green glimmery, shimmery skin… almost ethereal. And under froggy’ arms and legs was a rich, golden-butternut color.
I do worry about my froggy friend because pool chemicals are dangerous – often deadly, in fact, to many animals. I learned many years ago while working on an environmental education program that amphibians are especially sensitive to environmental changes and toxins. Scientists know that changes in amphibian populations are often the first indicators that something is wrong in an environment. In fact, as our world becomes more polluted and humans continue to alter our natural environments, amphibians become more and more likely to disappear… forever.
After a dip in the pool, this little Gray Treefrog finally found safe haven nestled high in a tree. © 2012 EddinsImages
Hopefully, our lifeguard made this save in time. And, the last I saw, my charming little froggy friend was nestled high in the leaves of a dogwood tree. But seeing his little face here does remind me to take care when it comes to wildlife and nature… it is all to easy to take what we have for granted. Someday soon, saving frogs may not be as simple as scooping them out of the pool.
Author’s Note: My research indicates “gray tree frog” and “gray treefrog” are each used [correctly] to indicate the same animal species. I’ve used the contraction in my text.
All photos taken with an iPhone 4. © 2012 EddinsImages
15 Friday Jun 2012
Posted iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Summer
inTags
feet in water, floating in water, hands photos, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhoneography, lifeguard, lifestyle, outdoor pool, photo contest, Photograph, pool, pool photos, red nails, shadow photos, summer fun, summer in Virginia, summer photos, swimming photos
Recently, I signed-up to join Blissfully Domestic’s Summer Fun Photo Challenge where Angela England hosts a different photo challenge topic during each week of the summer. Results are posted on Fridays.
Week One’s task was to photograph Water, and the topic is open to any interpretation.
So the other day, I hopped over to the pool, iPhone in-hand.
No doubt, folks thought I was a bit looney as I waded into four feet of pool water with my iPhone.
Regardless, I managed to keep my iPhone safe from the dangerous waters!
And, people at the pool thought I was even nuttier, probably quite narcissistic, as I spent the afternoon in the water taking pictures of my own hands and feet.
Okay, okay… so I got a little help from my husband taking the photo of my two hands (after all, I couldn’t push the button). However, it was frustrating because he couldn’t see what I saw, so, quickly the team photo tactic was abandoned.
One time, the life guard called out, “Are you trying to get a photo of your ring?” Ummm… not exactly…
And, I snapped a more shots of the pool.
Hummm… what to we have here? A crack in the stair?
Then, more shots of my legs. They looked cool.
Another quick look around to see what I missed…
Then, it was time to get out and hit the pool deck.
All in all, it had been a lovely day at the pool, don’t you think?
The topic for next week’s Summer Fun Photo Challenge is Technology… not in my comfort zone, for sure!
To join the fun, visit Blissfully Domestic’s Summer Fun Photo Challenge. Each week we’ll get a different theme and each Friday we post results. Here’s what’s ahead…
So grab your camera, and join in the summer photo fun!
All photos taken with an iPhone 4. © 2012 EddinsImages
12 Tuesday Jun 2012
Posted Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Summer
inTags
cala lily, cala lily "Captain Melrose", daylily, daylily "Stella de Oro", Flora and Fauna, flower photogaphy, flower photos, Gaillardia, garden photography, Hemerocallis "Stella de Oro", iPhone 4, iPhone Photography, iPhone photos, iPhoneography, June, macro photography, orange daylily, Pink flower, pink rose, Pink Traviata rose, rosa Pink Traviata, spring flowers, Spring garden, Virginia flowers, yellow daylily
It’s been raining here for two days, providing lots of water for my just-planted garden perennials. I am a little bummed because just before the rain, some of my roses were about to burst open. Now, the partially opened buds, especially those of gorgeous and dramatic “Pink Traviata” rose, are heavy and rain-sodden. I’ll have to wait for the next round of buds to see gorgeous flowers in full-bloom.
And, this is the second wave of nearly-open buds to get drenched this season. Sad as this is for my flower-greedy eyes, my new plants and their roots will have a marvelously moist season, with lots of sun in-between, so that they may become well-established.
With that in mind, I can wait a little longer for my pretty flowers to show themselves in full boom.
Meanwhile, I snapped some photos the other day when the sun was bright and temperatures were really, really, high.
With temperatures close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it was sweltering HOT in the garden… and the flowers didn’t seem to mind a bit.
Focusing on the bright colors of my garden offerings, these vivid red, pink, orange and yellow flowers reflected the sun’s sweltering early-June heat.
Still early in the season, and with summer not yet officially here, I can only imagine what July’s searing summer temperatures will bring!
So, while I wait for the rain to subside, I’ll quench my desire for more sunny days with these photos of hot flowers waiting for me in the garden.
Beautiful cala lily “Captain Melrose” loves part-sun. © 2012 EddinsImages
Even in shade, their bold and intense colors, like those in cala lily “Captain Melorse” are striking and exciting to the eye.
When the rain finally subsides, one again my brilliant garden beauties will be bursting with dramatic, fiery colors. Best of all, they will be even bigger, bolder and better than before.
All photos taken in natural light with an iPhone 4. Photos © 2012 EddinsImages
07 Thursday Jun 2012
Posted Family, Flora and Fauna, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Spring, Summer
inTags
coming of age, Flora and Fauna, hiking, iPhone Photography, Middle school, National History Day, nature, nature photography, relaxing by the stream, school graduation, spring, summer, Virginia, walking
Yesterday was the last day of middle school for my son. It is hard for me to imagine that in the fall my only child will begin high school. A competitive swimmer and honors student who has earned all “A”s this year, he placed first and second at the regional- and state-level National History Day competitions. This weekend, we’ll be in Washington, DC, at the national competition… I’m so very proud of his accomplishments!
Today, I’m taking the morning to welcome summer. Although it is cool for June, it is sunny outside, the birds are singing, and I am going to enjoy a thoughtful, long walk past misty fields, grazing cattle, pastel mountains, roadside flowers, and meandering brooks with polished rocks and shy little frogs. I’ll be thinking about how our lives have changed, and I’ll be remembering how far my son and I have come since his dad passed away when he was just a little boy. That’s when we left New England behind to start our new life in Virginia.
And, I’m going to celebrate and rejoice how proud I am of my son and how much I adore my husband today.
Then, I’m going to listen to the cheerful songs of my favorite mocking birds and the gurgles and ripples of the little babbling brook at the bottom of the hill.
I will sit and relax while I welcome the lazy days of summer in Virginia.
Photo taken with an iPhone 4.© 2012 EddinsImages