Late August to Mid-September

While we seem to be keeping busy, it's hard to say what we have actually been doing.

Stormy weather

We had some stormy weather during late August. I got some pretty nice cloud pictures. It was nearing the end of the day when the sun broke through the clouds illuminating the treetops with dark clouds above. Later we had a fine view of the rays from the sun heading skyward with the rosy glow and dark cloud below. A little later, this shot is probably my favorite. In fact, it is now the wallpaper on our computer.

The following week we were treated to a nearly vertical rainbow. A little later the glow from the setting sun was golden, enhancing the japanese maple and the hummingbird perched on the branch. The view below the house was even more enhanced (although I think the camera may have done a little enhancing, too).

Other goings on

We were invited to Mandi Gottesman's 91st birthday brunch at the Arbor House in Talent. Quite a good celebration! Afterward I took this most excellent (even if I do say so myself) picture of Mandi and Ellinor.

Another picture of the mysterious hibiscus (once again, I forgot to make note of exactly what it is). We have figured out the other mysterious flower from earlier. It now has a number of curved pods on it. It probably sprouted from a seed in the bird seed and turns out to be an infamous pest, a Devil's Claw. The pods become hard, and split open forming curved hooks that attach to animal's legs, scattering the seeds far and wide. When the pods start to dry I will pick them and put them in a safe place for drying. More pictures next time around, perhaps.

Then there is the exciting news! I drove in the Talent Harvest Festival Parade, ferrying the Talent Mayor, Marian Telerski. Amelia shot these pictures, as we approached, then as we passed by, and finally, as we went off into the distance. Just so you get a good view of my poster, here's a shot of the Grand Road Trip poster I made for the parade.

On the way home from the parade I stopped and shot a picture of the wetlands on the neighbor's property. Note the mosquito-eating red plastic flamingos in the background.

Finally, I have almost got the shop partitioned into hidey-hole, storage, and workshop. Here are a couple of pictures of the hidey-hole, facing to the front, and toward the entrance. I'll soon have no excuse for not getting some projects done, or at least started.