Winter Walking Gear

I'm looking forward to warmer weather when walking outdoors early in the morning. It may also allow me to sleep in for an extra five minutes when I don't have to pile on the clothes!

Let's see...there's a scarf, thermal shirt, hat, gloves, socks, shoes, cell (with a flashlight app) thermal walking pants and heavy jacket.

Daisy Macros

I decided I need to become more comfortable with my tripod. I also have three macro filters. So I put those two together tonight to experiment. These are a little out of focus, but I kind of like the soft feel of the yellow daisies.

Hankie Collection

There's something about the faded, soft and worn feel and look of old hankies. I have a few I store in an old tweed cosmetic suitcase.

There are certain colors that catch my eye: combinations of yellow, blue and red.

I love children's hankies - very hard to find anymore.

Window treatment in my back bathroom off the garage - old hankies.

Grandma's Hankies

Since I've been fighting some upper respiratory thing I got to thinking about handkerchiefs. I actually saw someone use one the other day. I got to thinking about that - using one, then putting the soiled thing in my pocket or purse, and I was thankful for Kleenex. In this time of reuse and recycle, there are some things that maybe should be disposable, like a Kleenex. Nevertheless, I don't ever remember a time when I didn't see my Grandma Wardle carrying one in her apron pocket. It was used for wiping noses as well as cleaning a grandchild's face with a little spit. In those days hankies were works of art. Always a bit of lace crocheted around the edges, trying out new patterns - think of the hours it took!

In church my mother would pull a hankie out of her purse and fold it a certain way to make a little babies in a hammock, or a mouse that would jump if held in a cupped hand to keep us entertained. My Nanny Bryan would keep her hankie tucked in the front of her dress. A little of the edges would show. Funny what you remember when you start reminiscing.

Two of my Grandma Wardle's hand crocheted hankies.

Babies in a hammock.

Crocuses Mean SPRING!

Crocuses are one of the first flowers that appear between the end of winter and the first of spring.

Macros are my favorite.

Sometimes belly shots are worth the damp jeans and chill you get from lying on your stomach to get the pictures you want.

Stepping from one flower to another.

I was happy this one turned out - the shadow of the bee is pretty fun.

Snow...Rain...Blue Skies - It Must be March

Snow, rain and blue skies all in one day - it must be March.

I stopped just before leaving HAFB south gate tonight and loved the soft clouds blanketing the tops of the mountains. The camera just couldn't capture the sight.

Craving Flowers

"Spring is just around the corner," so the saying goes. I just wanted to hurry it up. I stopped by the grocery store and bought some flowers to bring indoors.

Antique bottles on the window sill.