Faye's Fotos

Hmmmmmm

2012-01-31T18:27:00.001-08:00

OK so I haven't logged into my blog for awhile.. now that I have I see there are links to some game place all over throughout my posts. Anyone know how to get rid of them.. and prevent them from happening again?

2011-06-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we drove over to the coast. The beach in Bandon is one of my favorite Oregon beaches. The weather was perfect and the ocean was calm.

Compare the above photo to this one which was taken several years ago of the same area. This one includes my daughter and grandson. Much different seas here.

2011-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Headed out to my back yard to find a bug and instead I found a whole village. These bugs had
unfortunately set up shop on one of my roses but it was so interesting to see the different stages
of life represented here. I assume the fat black bug and the lighter bug are aphids. The white
"shells" have been shed from other bugs. I think the larva may be feeding on the aphids. I'm sure
they're all related somehow since they were all on one rose..
AND I NEED TO SPRAY!

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Final Walk By The Fishing Hole

2011-06-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

A Walk By The Fishing Hole.. #4

2011-06-14T06:31:00.001-07:00

This one is something at the end of its cycle.

I saw quite a few plants that had been invaded by whatever type of bug leaves this "spit". Maybe aphids?

A Walk By The Fishing Hole.. #3

2011-06-13T09:31:00.001-07:00

Two more gems from the walk. I guess if I'm going to be posting wild flowers I really should know what they are called :)
I'll have to find a book. I do know what the mossy stuff is though... its dried mossy stuff on a broken stick! And I'm quite
sure that's the real biological name.

Weeds and Wild Flowers

2011-06-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Continued from my walk by the fishing hole....

This is a weed. We see them everywhere. They show up in lawns and we mow them down.
A type of dandelion?

This tiny wild flower is smaller than a dime.. graceful and delicate.

Contemplation...aka A Walk By The Fishing Hole

2011-06-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

When I decided I was ready to start working on my blog again, I thought about what I wanted to post.. what photos? It seems like I have been doing this for so long that there isn't a barn, old building, bridge, farm etc, that I haven't already shot.. and posted. Whats new? What haven't I already shot?

Then this morning I went fishing with my family

While they were "attempting" to catch a fish, I took my camera and walked down the road

I was amazed at the things I saw.. I can't believe how much I had lost my "photographer's eye" in the year or so since I has stopped taking photos... I had also stopped paying real attention to all the beautiful things around me... I had forgotten that the beauty of my rural Oregon isn't made up only of waterfalls and mountains and valleys and rivers and barns and fields and grazing animals.. but also of tiny wild flowers and insects and twigs and pebbles and moss and streams...

So.. even though I may have photographed all the barns and old buildings in the county.. there are lots of little flowers and bugs beside those barns and old buildings that are calling my name :)

First I spotted this tiny pink flower. I believe its a type of wild rose

and I fell in love with this old barbed wire fence with daisies growing by it. I did some playing around in Photo Shop with this one.

Sheep Barn

2011-06-10T23:47:00.001-07:00

I pass this barn on my walk most days. Today they were sheering sheep. I watched wooly sheep go into the barn and sheered sheep come back out.

Artichokes in our Garden

2011-06-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

Artichokes in our Garden, a photo by Faye Pekas on Flickr.

Hubby is quit proud of his artichokes this year. This plant has 14 artichokes on it.

Rocks on the beach in Bandon Oregon

2011-06-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

Rocks on the beach in Bandon Oregon, a photo by Faye Pekas on Flickr.

Drove over to the coast yesterday. Was walking along the beach in Bandon Oregon and noticed all the different colors, shapes and designs in the rocks I was walking on.

Closed. No business.

2011-06-05T16:39:00.001-07:00

Closed. No business., a photo by Faye Pekas on Flickr.

Probably been a loooong time since they were open for business.

Summer Garden

2011-06-04T23:47:00.001-07:00

Summer Garden, a photo by Faye Pekas on Flickr.

The Gate

2011-05-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

A gate on a farm in Douglas County Oregon. Editing included a Photoshop plug-in filter called Monday Morning.

Its been a long time since I've posted to my photo blog. I'm feeling the urge again. We'll see where it goes. I haven't taken many new photos so may just do some "best of" for now.

Fall Kaleidoscope

2009-12-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

Fall colors on the Umpqua River in Douglas County Oregon. The reflections were absolutely gorgeous. It was like being inside a kaleidoscope.

Pretty on Pink - Camera Critters

2009-08-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

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Shed on Dairy Loop Road

2009-08-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

The Death of Rocket Power

2009-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

It started like an ordinary day. I was cleaning out a storage room in the back yard when my daughter, Christy, and her 4-year-old son, Raymers, arrived. Before I could get out to greet them, Raymers came running in excitedly exclaiming "Grammy, you've got to see this.. come on!!" I asked what I had to see. He said, "a baby bird fell out of a house and its all dead!!!"

So I went out to see the hapless bird and, sure enough, there it was lying in the carport below a birdhouse. Christy found a flowerpot close at hand and scooped the baby bird up in it. She gave the pot to Raymers when he insisted on holding it. Christy and I discussed what one does with a dead bird, and decided the proper thing would be to bury it. Raymers asked what "bury" meant and we explained as well as we could to an impressionable 4 year old. Raymers said, "NO YOU CAN'T BURY HIM, HE"S MY PET!!..................... ", and after a pause, “my dead pet."

At this point Christy and I both lost it. We didn't just laugh, we howled. Raymers looked at us so seriously and we tried very hard not to laugh.

I went in to change my pants…

When I got back out Christy had convinced Raymers we needed to bury his "pet" and then suggested we bury him in the garden. Raymers stated an emphatic "NO.. WE CAN'T BURY HIM IN THE GARDEN.. HE'LL GET TILLED BY PAPA!!!!"

Up until this point Christy and I were still laughing; trying to hide it but still hysterically laughing. With the “bird getting tilled” remark we doubled over laughing again. We were both in pain and telling each other to “STOP IT”.. Poor little Raymers was watching us with a confused look and still being totally serious. He kept asking us "why are you laughing?". Christy, with tears streaming down her cheeks, explained to her confused son that we weren’t really laughing.. we were sad and were crying. How else would you explain our hysterics to a child attending his first funeral?

We decided the bird might, indeed, get tilled if we buried him in the garden and instead we found a corner by the fence that had been tilled so the ground was soft but was out of the "Papa might till again" area. Christy dug a hole and Raymers poured the bird out of the flowerpot into the grave. We were still weak from laughing and couldn't see for the tears in our eyes but Christy managed to ask Raymers if he wanted to name the bird. Raymers looked into the hole at the bird; it’s graying skin showing through the scattering of white feathers, its head twisted weirdly to one side, one leg almost gone, one skinny pink “elbow” where a wing could one day have been, and said seriously "his name is Rocket Power".

I went in to change my pants…

After we finished burying Rocket Power, Christy built a little cross and we talked about Rocket going to heaven. Raymers wisely stated, "yes he will go to bird heaven". As we carried the cross out to put it in the ground, Raymers said, seriously, "I hope we don't stick it in the baby bird".

I went in to start the washer…..

Raymers found two more dead birds that summer and both were given a proper burial and laid to rest beside Rocket Power. Eventually the crosses were pulled from the ground and nailed to the fence as a permanent monument to the Rocket Power family.

Bambi - Sunday Archives

2009-08-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Could it get any cuter? This little black-tailed deer was standinig next to a dirt road with his mother. When I stopped to get a shot, he looked up at me with his bright curious eyes and his ears all perked up. I love how you can see the light through the ears.

Originally posted 11/23/2006

Sailing In The Bay

2009-08-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Leaving Portland and headed to the Oregon Coast. This is a bay near North Bend Oregon. If you look closely you can see the North Bend bridge in the background.

Noble Rot - Get Up Here!

2009-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

More from my Portland Oregon trip. Portland is known for being "different" and many Portland folks I know pride themselves in being weird. It isn't only the people that are weird.

This restaurant is called Noble Rot and the sign says Get Up Here! Its on the top floor of a large building.

The building itself is beautiful and fascinating. It takes up a big part of a block and the windows all around the building have this art work. It looks like it could be an apartment building. I love the building but it makes me wonder if the occupants are ok with the windows being mostly blocked by the art.

A Fashion Statement

2009-08-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

I took this shot the last time I was in Portland. I was actually taking a picture of something else nearby when I noticed this guy standing in front of this window and then, of course, this became the real shot. I love this shot. I'm sure this guy didn't even realize where he was standing while talking on the phone. :)

Rustic Wheel - Sunday Archives

2009-08-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a new feature on my blog called Sunday Archives. I'll be posting some of my favorite shots from the almost-4-years I've been blogging. Most will be newly edited since I had no idea what I was doing when I started. :)

Monkey Business - Camera Critters

2009-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

This series is a combination of 4 posts I made on my Wildlife Safari blog 3 1/2 years ago. It tells a sweet story about a gibbon ape I have become quite fond of.

Feb 11 2006
You never see this gibbon ape without her stuffed companion. She drags it everywhere. If she needs her hands to climb, she uses her feet to hold her friend.

Sometimes she just sits and hugs it.

Amazingly, she always seems to hold it right side up

Do ya think it needs a good bath? :) Of course it would probably be too traumatic for her if they tried take it away to wash it.

**************************************************************************
Feb 25 2006
There was a strange happening at the Wildlife Safari today. On Feb 11 I introduced an ape that has a stuffed monkey she carries everywhere. Today she was pulling the stuffing out of him. I think the first bit was an accident.

After awhile she was purposely pulling the stuffing out. She tasted it but evidently didn't like it and then she rubbed it on her face. I'm sure she was confused about what was coming out of her best friend. It's sad because she is going to wonder what happened to it. I hope one of the park employees patches it up for her

I didn't see how it ended. She was just staring at it when I left.
*************************************************************************
March 4 2006
I am very pleased to bring you the next chapter in the monkey with a monkey saga. Today at the Safari I was delighted to find the stuffed monkey back all puffed and stuffed and in excellent repair. I was even more delighted to find the monkey was swinging her newly recovered friend :)

All is good in the primate world...
***********************************************************************
April 1 2006 - Exciting news!

Where before there was one ape who carried a stuffed monkey everywhere she went, there are now two apes and no sign of the stuffed monkey. I assume the new one is a male. He is larger than the original ape.

They're still getting to know one another. He spends a lot of time running around, moving close to her and then running around again.

She spends a lot of time putting him in his place :) I expect they will become great friends and mates.
Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Barn, Blackberries Vines and a Roll of wire

2009-08-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

I didn't notice the little roll of wire hanging from the fence when I took this shot. Now I love it. I think it adds more character to the picture.

Wild Roses in a frame

2009-08-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Just playing around.

Elephant Car Wash - Camera Critters

2009-08-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

The bottom part of this sign said "guaranteed not to get your car clean"

This is something new at the Wildlife Safari. It costs $20 to have the elephants wash your car and you get to get out and take photos.

I have mixed feelings about this. In a way it feels like exploitation of the animals but on the otherhand I know these elephants love getting out and doing things like this. And this is a non-profit organization and the animals have to be fed and cared for. Plus I know how well the Wildlife Safari takes care of the animals.

For the car wash the elephants squirt water on the cars and pick up sponges and wipe them over the vehicles.

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Orange Sky - SkyWatch Friday

2009-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

The colors in this sky were amazing. There was nothing close by that the sunset would make a perfect background for, so I just had to snap what was there.. a few lights lights and this tree.

Check out other SkyWatch Friday posts here

Wishing

2009-08-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a house at the end of this road.... A big old two story house with a wrap-around porch.... a few chickens scratching in the back yard.. and a noisy rooster to wake me at dawn. I wish frogs and crickets sang in chorus late into the night and a little stream ran by (that never overflowed it banks) with rippling water to lull me to sleep each night.

I wish I knew what was at the end of this road....

Old Building on Garden Valley Loop Road

2009-08-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

What do you think this old building used to be? It sits in the back yard of a modern house looking very out-of-place. It is very tall and narrow. I thought maybe a school or church because of the area for a bell on top. It would be too small for a church I think, more like a one room school house. But it is built strange whatever it is. Any thoughts?

I don't do a lot of black and whites but this old building almost demanded it.

The Gate

2009-08-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mandy from Mandy’s Meanderings honored me by writing some lovely words to go with this photo. Thanks Mandy

linked fences
wildflowers grow tall
in the field behind

love from mandy

So much for the rule of thirds. I tried several ways to crop this so the gate part wasn't right in the center but it just didn't work any other way.

Florney Valley Red Barn

2009-07-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have posted this red barn before, but not with this tall grass.

This is a post from Oct 2006. I see they cut down the bush on the left and traded the wood fence post for metal. I much prefer the wood but I'm sure the new one will last much longer.

It was 108 here yeaterday. That is almost unheard of for this area. It only got to 103 today. Sheesh! I am not loving this heat wave. But then I work in a nice cool office and have a nice cool home.

I am concerned about of the homeless folks in the area. They are warning people to stay indoors out of the heat, but when you have no "indoors" thats pretty hard. Yesterday some of the staff where I work took a van around with cold water, ice and sun screen to pass out to anyone they found needing some relief. They will continue to do this as long as this heat wave lasts.

I'm headed up to Salem for a meeting tomorrow and will be back Friday evening. I'm hoping for a greatly air conditioned meeting room and hotel room.

Bandon Oregon Lighthouse

2009-07-26T22:49:00.001-07:00

Bandon Sunset - Sky Watch Friday

2009-07-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

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Hubbard Creek Fixer-Upper

2009-07-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I couldn't post by pasting from flickr but today my paster is fixed.. unlike this old building which definately could use some fixing :)

My son and his family are here from Oklahoma so I'm not getting to anyone's blog to comment. Next week I'll be commenting again.

Lion Collage

2009-07-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have company this weekend and don't have time to post, so I'm moving yesterday's post from my Wildlife Safari blog over here. My apologies to those who are seeing this twice but these animals are so beautiful they deserve a second look.

***********************************************************************

I was touched by an email I received yesterday from Amy in Virginia. (Hi Amy) Amy and her daughter had watched a pair of lion cubs grow up at their local zoo and had fallen in love with the animals. When more lion cubs were born at the zoo, the two older cubs had to be moved to other wildlife facilities. Amy did a web search to see where the cubs moved to and discovered one was going Wildlife Safari in Winston Oregon and found my Wildlife Safari blog.

In Amy's email she said: "I was wondering if you might be willing to watch over our male lion cub Granby when he arrives at your beautiful wildlife park. I would love to find out how he is doing and see images as he grows"

Of course I look forward to Granby's arrival and will share news and photos of him as I get them.

I decided to put together a collage of some of my favorite Wildlife Safari lion posts so Amy can see how well and happy the lions are here.

Oregon Sunset - Skywatch Friday

2009-07-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

This isn't a new shot but is newly edited.

Check out other SkyWatch Friday posts here

Melqua Barn in Yellow

2009-07-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Although I am not a big fan of summer, I do like the flowers and changes of scenery it brings. This old building is totally surrounded with this gorgeous yellow crop. I don't know for sure what it is but my guess is mustard?

Raymon and Kyle at the Coast

2009-07-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is my grandson Raymon and his brother Kyle. These two high energy 10 year olds were the reason for my coast trip over the weekend. The two boys, my daughter, Christy, and I all had a lot of fun.

Raymon was an only child for a lot of years but when his dad remarried a few years ago he gained 2 sisters and 3 brothers. He loves being a part of this large family and especially loves his brother Kyle. They are best buddies as well as brothers.
They don't like to be called step-brothers. They are BROTHERS!

These two are such good kids and can be soooo funny at times. We laughed a lot. It was a good weekend.

Sunset Beach

2009-07-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

The weather was perfect at the coast. A favorite stop along the coast loop near Coos Bay Oregon, is Sunset Beach. The island with the dead trees is the main landmark (or watermark?)at this beach. I have no idea what killed these trees but they have been this way as long as I remember.

Coos Bay and Newport Boats

2009-07-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Coos Bay for a couple days. Will be back Sunday evening. My last trip to the coast the sun was sooo bright I couldn't get any decent shots. Hopefully today will be the cold, foggy, drizzly Oregon coast weather I love :)

Yellow Carpet

2009-07-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

This looks like a beautiful yellow carpet between the rows of trees in the orchard.

More Needful Things - Hubbard Hardware

2009-07-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember a series of photos I did of some wonderful old things that sit or hang by an old building on a country road. You can check it out by clicking the Needful Things link below. Every time I go out there I find something interesting that I hadn't noticed the time before.

I wonder what type of hardware came in this box and whose hands put the hardware to use.

The name Needful Things comes from a Stephen King book that has an old antique shop full of.. yep, you guessed it... needful things.

Florney Valley Beauty

2009-07-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post was taken on Florney Valley Road not far from me. This shot was taken on the same road the same day.

Florney Valley Fixer Upper

2009-07-05T18:43:00.001-07:00

Patch a few holes, fix the roof, add a new coat of paint and it would be a good as new.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T03:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to those who celebrate this day.

I put this scene together two years ago today but thought it was worth a repeat.

Glide Turkey Barn... in Summer

2009-07-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've posted photos of this old flattened-out turkey barn before. The back part is broken down and I don't know how long the front part will stay up so I keep driving back out to snap another shot... just in case its the last.

Glide Turkey Barn in Winter

Glide Turkey Barn in fall

Reflections In The Pond

2009-06-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

I love this clump of wood and grass here. There is a wetlands area at the Wildlife Safari and this was taken at one of the ponds in that section. I like how clear the reflections are here.

I'll be headed up to Salem for a meeting tomorrow and won't be home until Wed evening. The meeting doesn't start until Tuesday but I haven't had my coast fix for awhile so I'm taking the long way around and headed up the coast for the day.

Happy Sunday!

Fancy Snail - Camera Critters

2009-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

My husband kills dozens of these little guys because they get in the garden and eat his plants. They are cute critters though, even if they are destructive. I fancied him up a bit in PhotoShop.

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Delfino Wine-Tasting Room Photos - Photo 5 & 6

2009-06-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

These are the last two of the photos displayed at the Delfino Vineyard Tasting Room.

This photo was taken on the Old Coos Bay Wagon Rd near Roseburg, Oregon

This one shows the gorgeous colors of the Delfino vineyards in fall.

Delfino Wine-Tasting Room Photos - Photo 4

2009-06-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

This was taken right off I-5 near the town of Grants Pass, Oregon. The fog was amazing in the valley.

Delfino Wine-Tasting Room Photos - Photo 3

2009-06-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

This is the only photo in the tasting room that I won't be able to identify where it was taken. Its in the area somewhere but I have been driving around looking and can't find the site so far.

Delfino Wine-Tasting Room Photos - Photo 2

2009-06-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is an orchard taken in the small community of Melrose near Roseburg, Oregon.

Delfino Wine-Tasting Room Photos

2009-06-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I got an email from a local winery Delfino Vineyards. I had taken a photo of their vineyard and it was printed in our local newspaper. For some reason my name didn’t get attached to the photo, but Terri Delfino saw the photo, liked it and set out to find out who took it. She found my blog where I had also posted the photo along with information about their vineyard (use the Delfino link below to see the photo)

Terri asked if I would be interested in having some of my photos for sale in their new tasting room, I agreed and have been busy editing, printing and framing since then. They plan their grand opening for early July. It’s exciting. I have never sold any of my work except for photos donated to raise money for local non-profit agencies, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

The Delfino’s aren’t charging a commission since they gain by using a local artist to help decorate the tasting room. I gain because if I do happen to sell any photos, I can buy a new lens I’ve wanted for awhile. It’s been a fun experience and when I went out to visit Jim and Terri, I found them to be lovely people.

I thought it would be fun to post some of the photos this week that will be on display in the tasting room. I'll have a card with each one explaining where the shot was taken.

This first one was taken on Nonpareil Road West of Sutherlin, Oregon.

Red Barn w Bonus - Barn 51

2009-06-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Being Different - Camera Critters

2009-06-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

"She definately takes after YOUR side of the family"

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Flight - SkyWatch Friday

2009-06-19T01:48:00.001-07:00

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Portland's Peculiar People - Take Two

2009-06-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Adding to yesterday's post.. It seems in parts of Portland there are sidewalk cafes on every block. We were sitting at a red light and I snapped a shot of this little restaurant with people eating out on the sidewalk.

As I was clicking away, this man turned and gave me a who-in-the-hell-do-you-think-you-are look. I couldn't resist... I grabbed one more shot as we drove away and I yelled out the window... "ITS OK.. I'M A TOURIST!" I think my friend, Darlene, would have slinked under the seat if she wasn't driving.

When I started editing this last shot, I fell in love with this photo. Two gorgeous people with wonderful expressions. I can't help but think that if they ever did run across this photo they would think they looked pretty good.

One more quick shot and I will leave Portland's Peculiar people in Peace.

So is it wrong to take candid shots of strangers? I don't generally do it. I know its legal to take photos of anyone in a public place but is it right?

Portland's Peculiar People

2009-06-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the portland conference. It was a good conference but three days of sitting in meetings and workshops exhausts me.

A friend who lives in Portland picked me up and took me around for some sight seeing. As a small town girl in the big city, I'm always fascinated by the people.

I spotted this guy in a funny hat riding by and grabbed a couple shots. He didn't seem to mind.

I love his smile. I didn't notice the dog in the basket until I edited the photo.

Barn on Dairy Loop Road - 50th barn

2009-06-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today was perfect picture taking weather, so I went on an Old-Barn Safari this morning. I keep thinking I must already have photos of all the barns in the county but I seem to find more when I go searching. I found this one on Dairy Loop Road near a little community called Lookingglass not far from here. I love the tall grass and the fence.

I'm off to an energy conference in Portland for a few days. I'll be back Wed evening. I'm taking my laptop from work but I don't know if I'll be able to get anything posted.

I just noticed that this is my 50th barn post since my first post to my blog in Dec 2005. Do you think I'm obsessed?

I also noticed how much I've learned through the years by striving to post the best photos I can. Your encouragement has made a huge difference. Thanks!

Oregon Sunset

2009-06-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful Oregon Sunset. I have never seen a sunset with such strange clouds. They were straight and on a slant. It makes the horizon appear to be at a slant too.

Check out other SkyWatch Friday posts here

Needful Things Too - Horse Collar

2009-06-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

I reckon the horse that wore this collar is long gone.

Click on the needful things link below to see more cool old stuff.

Great Egret

2009-06-08T21:57:00.001-07:00

This turned out strange. It looks like parts of the bushes are smeared but it is the actual bush. I took this at a pond at the Wildlife Safari. I'll have to go back and look at those bushes again.

The Great Egret is a large bird with all-white plumage that can reach one meter in height and weigh up to 950 g. It is thus only slightly smaller than the Great Blue or Grey Heron (A. cinerea). Apart from size, the Great Egret can be distinguished from other white egrets by its yellow bill and black legs and feet, though the bill may become darker and the lower legs lighter in the breeding season. In breeding plumage, delicate ornamental feathers are borne on the back. Males and females are identical in appearance; juveniles look like non-breeding adults.

Barn off I-5

2009-06-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is probably the best known barn in our area. Heading to Roseburg from the south on I-5 this barn sits just off the freeway on the right. After all the years I've lived in this area I still notice it and admire it when I drive by. There are actually two barns. A new bridge was recently built on the freeway and now there is absolutely no place to pull off the road to take of photo of this beautiful place.

Needful Things - Rusty Ladle and Leaves

2009-06-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

I love this old ladle with the dead leaves but I can't get a good crop on this shot. It doesn't look right as it is. I need to get out and get some more shots from different angles I guess.

To get a look at other wonderful, old, rusty objects taken at the same place, click on the "needful things" link below.

Round Barn in Lookingglass

2009-06-05T19:48:00.000-07:00

This wonderful old round barn is in a tiny community called Lookingglass about 10 miles from here. I have had photos of it for several years but have never posted one before. The barn is so different and so special that I wanted the photo to be decent when I did post it. Its hard to find a place to stand to get a good shot because of the road and utility wires and no good place to park. I finally got a shot I like and did some editing to get rid of wires.. Isn't she beautiful?

Storm in The East

2009-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be for SWF but it seems Mr Linky isn't accepting Internet Explorer right now.

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Bee on Yellow Flower

2009-06-03T21:04:00.001-07:00

In A Portland Rose Garden

2009-06-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

When I visited my friend, Darlene, in Portland, she took me to a beautiful garden called Peninsula Park Rose Garden. The roses were gorgeous. The entire park was fantastic.

Back to my first love...

2009-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

...which is barns and old buildings. Occasionally I find one I haven't posted a photo of yet.

Danger - Sea Lions on Dock

2009-05-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

With yesterdays post, some of you wondered how the people shared the docks with the sea lions. I have no answer. I wonder too. These critters are everywhere on the docks. I've been there a few times and have never seen what happens when people need to get to their boats. I watched someone with a camera walk down the ramp to get closer for a shot and one of the sea lions took off after him. Needless to say the man quickly headed back up the ramp.

King Of The Dock

2009-05-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Astoria Oregon has an abundance of sea lions. On a recent trip I watched a game of King Of The Dock.

This sea lion was enjoying a sunny spot on the dock....

When this guy decided he wanted the same sunny spot....

A noisy discussion ensued (without waking the sleeping neighbors) ....

with the new comer prevailing....

and becoming the new King Of The Dock....

.... and the rest of the gang slept on.

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Powder Puff Clouds

2009-05-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

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A Walk at Dusk

2009-05-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

I played around with softening and I think I got this too soft. I'll leave it a day and decide later.

Hay There!

2009-05-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Its hay season again. This isn't a new shot but it is newly edited.

I've been unable to post, or do anything else on my computer, for awhile now. I had someone come out and get me fixed up today. Yea!

I think I'm back again. I couldn't believe how long it had been since my last post. I'm so far behind on what all of you are doing. I'll be headed your way as soon as possible.

Still Not Back

2009-02-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

I guess I'm not ready to be back yet. My daughter and grandson have moved in with us temporarily. We are doing a lot more family things and I find I don't have as much spare time to blog. When they are back in their own place I'll have time again. Meanwile I'll stop by your places occasionally so I don't get soooooo far behind.

Ground Fog in Camas Valley

2009-02-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Some of you may recognize this barn. The field was wet and the sun was warming the ground, creating this wonderful ground fog.

The Singer

2009-02-02T22:53:00.001-08:00

I'm back.. I think.

I took time off to deal with some health issues that were a bit scary for awhile but the results are in and everything is fine. The possibility of having cancer again isn't so scary but the fact that I'm deathly allergic to taxol which is used in chemo in most treatments is a bit unsettling.

I haven't taken a photo since Christmas but will get out this weekend and start snapping again.

I'll be around to check out what you have all been doing as soon as possible.

Weird Hair Day

2009-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

From my office window

2008-12-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

I was blessed with this view from my office window two weeks ago.

I haven’t been around much lately. I’ve been so busy with the Holidays and having company, and just haven’t felt inclined to post to my blog. I’ll be back after the first of the year.

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if I stand very, very still.....

2008-12-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

...maybe he won't notice me

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

brown bear
the old grey heron
by still water

Words by Mandy

Sorry I haven't posted for awhile. I've been doing grandson stuff. I couldn't miss Camera Critters though. I've posted this one before on my other blog.

Isn't it Spring Yet?

2008-12-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

This shot isn't from our new snow fall but it could be. All around us is white and COLD!

We're headed up I-5 to Portland tomorrow to pick up our grandson at the airport. I'm a bit nervous. Its a three hour drive and the freeway was closed because of ice several times today. They expect the same tomorrow but with more snow. We will be back Wednesday if the roads cooperate. Good thoughts and prayers appreciated.

I Was Framed!

2008-12-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Cute to the max. This is one of several kittens a friend’s mama cat birthed. We did a photo shoot of the babies so she could show photos when she starting finding them new homes.

I decided to play with the frames option in Paint Shop Pro so I did a web search and found a fantastic site that has literally thousands of beautiful frames to download free of charge. Patchesangel’s website is awesome and beautifully done. This is one of the frames I grabbed from her. Thanks Patchesangel.

Check out Patchesangel‘s website here

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Approaching Storm

2008-12-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

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Rusty Boat

2008-12-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

I discovered this wonderful, rusty old boat near the docks in Newport Oregon. I wish the top stood out better from the background. Next time I'm in that area I'll have to try different angles.

Barn.. in black and white

2008-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Heron in Wetlands

2008-12-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

This heron is wounded but I didn’t notice it until I downloaded the photos. Poor baby. I hope it heals quickly.

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Suspended

2008-12-04T20:39:00.000-08:00

Maybe I cheated a bit with this post. It isn't about the sky as much as what is in the sky.

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Oregon Coast Bridge

2008-12-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

From this angle I'm not sure which bridge this is but I think its the Newport bridge. The strange effects were not added. I think there must have been some smoke in the air.

Down a Country Road

2008-11-30T19:10:00.000-08:00

Silly Old goat

2008-11-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

I stopped alongside a road to take a photo of an old building when I noticed this goat standing by a fence with an apple in her mouth. She wasn't eating it while I was there…. She just stood still holding it in her mouth. Silly old goat.

There was no apple tree nearby so someone had evidently dumped a box of apples over the fence. A post-Thanksgiving feast.

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Somewhere.... Under the Rainbow...

2008-11-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

... is a cow.... on a hill....

I posted this shot a couple years ago but I thought it would make a good SkyWatch Friday post too. When I saw this rainbow, I was driving around like a wild woman trying to find a good shot of it. When I saw the cows on the hill with the only cow that wasn't black almost standing in the rainbow, I stopped in the middle of the road to get the shot.

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Thank You

2008-11-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

When I count blessings for which I am thankful, you are right at the top of my list. What a wonderful, unique group of people you are. You live in all parts of the world, come from many different backgrounds and span many generations. Most of you, I have never nor will ever meet in person and yet the world is a smaller more wonderful place because of each of you.

Your visits and comments on my blog reach out across the miles and embrace me as you share your friendship, kindness, caring and love. A year ago today I was in the hospital having surgery. When I shared with you about my cancer, I was so in awe (and still am) by the outpouring of love and caring you showered on me. I’m still brought to tears when I think about it.

By sharing on your blogs, you allow me to come into your lives in at least a small way. When I visit your blogs I get to see amazing sights I would never be able to see in any other way. I get to learn about your cultures, your towns, your families and sometimes get a glimpse of who you are.

Thank you Friends.

I am thoroughly convinced that if all our world leaders were bloggers we would finally achieve world peace. :)

Wet Smoke Bush

2008-11-26T00:45:00.000-08:00

My husband planted a smoke tree in the back yard last year. So far its still a smoke bush because it isn't very big but it had beautiful red leaves this fall.

Watching The Sea Serpent

2008-11-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

I think this sea monster scared it right out of this gull :)

Delfino Vineyard

2008-11-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

Not only do our local vineyards grow grapes that make wonderful wines, they also put on a spectacular show of color after the harvest. The show doesn't last long. A few days after I got this shot, I went back to get a few more shots and the color was gone. Only vines with dead leaves remained.

Delfino is a fairly new vineyard. They produced their first wine in 2006. Check out the Delfino Vineyard website here

Fall Fog and a Fence

2008-11-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

Third in a series of the fog filled valley near Grants Pass Oregon.

While I was snapping photos of the valley, an 18-wheeler went by and honked his horn. I looked up thinking he might be angry that I was parked along the freeway and instead the trucker pointed to the valley and gave me a "thumbs up". I imagine that he was also moved by the scene and it was his way of sharing the experience with me.

Sheep, Fog and the Valley

2008-11-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

This is the second in a series of photos of this gorgeous fog filled valley. There was a field with sheep near the top of the valley. They were more interested in eating than posing for the photographer so none of them would cooperate by looking in my direction.

See yesterdays post for more information about the series of photos.

Be sure to check out other Camera Critters here

Peace in The Valley

2008-11-13T22:07:00.000-08:00

Our Agency has an office in a neighboring county, Josephine County, and yesterday I went down to help interview applicants for a job opening. I started down a hill just before I got to Grants Pass, Oregon and was totally blown away by the scene before me. Luckily there was a wide spot next to the freeway and I parked quickly and stood in awe looking at this valley filled with fog.

It was an emotional experience for me and I was literally moved to tears by the beauty. I was so moved that for a few minutes I forgot to grab my camera. Once I started shooting I was like a wild woman trying to get as many shots as I could in the short time I had left. It was very hard to get back in the car and drive away. I wanted to stay and watch the fog lift but would have been late for my meeting.
There is no water in this valley, this is all fog. I will be posting more shots in the next few days. This beauty that God created is too perfect not to share.
Oh, there IS a sky up there but it’s hard to tell where it ends and the mountains and fog begin. :)

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Tennessee Colors

2008-11-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Christy, recently moved to Tennessee. She keeps telling me that where she is in Tennessee looks a lot like Oregon. She sent this photo of a barn that she passes on her way to Knoxville, and she is right. This could easily be an Oregon farm.