MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Since last July, I had taken a sabbatical from WHITE KNUCKLES, to devote my time to a client.
Today I completed the last phase of my project, yet still have a few more final touches.
Since the main focus of this project centered on water, the addition of the fish today, allows me to claim my mission is done.
I also take this opportunity, to wish you all a Happy New Year, including the best of health, & peace to all.

The fish pictured here, were in Hawaii yesterday noon.
They were on a plane till late last night, picked up at the airport by midnight, & in their new home at noon today.
My client, called late this afternoon, & I could tell by her excitement she was thrilled to see these beauties in her paradise.
I will follow this new year blog restart, with pix from the project in the following days.
The header sunset is part of a series of merged images, & there are more behind the curtain link.
On Planet Earth, my granddaughter eyes the LA skyline from here on Point Dume.
The snow capped mountain in the background is close to a hundred miles away.
As this was taken on the isthmus to the point, directly behind me is a grand view of the ocean & channel islands where the sunset shots are taken, although my place is a little too low to see the downtown view. I`m up on the next street for the city shot.
I better quit this before I lose track of how I post this.
Till tomorrow then.

FLY UNITED

Olivia asked how long it took to acclimate the plants.
This shows that as soon as the plants are in, local wildlife species, start setting up house.
There are four different kinds of dragon flies, vying for space here at the pond. The aerial dogfights are spirited.
The thing I`ve been wondering all along is, is it fair to build your own photo opportunity studio.
As more life is added to the pond including more plants, fish, turtles, snails & crawfish, predators move in, such as herons, egrets, raccoons, skunks, coyotes & bobcats.
The area is well fenced but most of the mentioned animals are quite adaptive & McGuyver entry through various means. I like every one to have a fighting chance, so the pond has many hiding places incorporated in, to offer refuge from becoming dinner.
The rock star pictured on Planet Earth, is my old friend Jorge, who has been doing rock work for me for over thirty years.
His shades reflect the clouds reflected in the jacuzzi. They also reflect that I inserted them into the shades.
Have a great day.

A FROG`S PAD

Having been rare around these parts of late, I figured I owed you an update on my endeavors.
This is the stage of my project & although not yet completed, introducing plants, is a clear signal that I`m winding down.
I don`t know the extent of the plantings in the landscaping, but I`m thrilled to tell you that I`m sure you will be amazed.
The lady, Vilija, is a "plant lady", & I love going through her gardens. With that in mind, I try not to even envisage the final look, as I know I will be stunned.
In the header, a 27 image merge.
I have it here trailing off the page as an indicator of it`s size in the original.
Do go & check out the original on flickr, but you`ve been notified that it is a large file.
Nonetheless, I think it is worth taking a look at. I`m surprised at how detailed such a tiny preview is when enlarged. The scene is the flags of 911.
Sorry about my absence, but I was having too much fun on the project.
So sue me.
Have a great day
PS,Olivia, if you know of any homeless frogs, they are welcome here. One thing, I`ll only accept royal ones.

ICE CREAM 911

Today was a special day for me as I picked up my granddaughters for ice cream.
After work, they were hiding behind the door in the entry, & scared me half to death (ya, right) when they jumped out in halloween masks.
We went down into Malibu, for ice cream, & stopped at the memorial to the people who perished on 911.
They had a great time & the memorial was really beautiful.
I was actually surprised at the number of people who`d stopped & parked on the side of the road to enjoy the view over the ocean & sit down to rest, talk, remember etc.
Here is how it felt.
Have a nice day.
You all know I`ve been extremely busy, but I`ll be taking a break, within the next month, & you`ll be seeing more of my images.
Whether that`s a good or bad thing is not up to me to say.
Please click on the main image to see many more images of this day which I will not soon forget.
My girls were a laugh a minute. Their innocence is what keeps me sane, in a real crazy sort of way.
I love them.

TROJAN DOG

Well here is a larger version of the "port-holed header" from last night.
Although Olivia guessed correctly that the header image was a "form of caterpillar", my friend Dave in Okinawa, guessed it as a "Tomato Worm" which I believe it is.
I`m going with that hunch, since I saw it on a tomato plant here, along with it`s partner, laying waste to dozens of tomatoes.
It is over 3" long & very beautiful if you like green.
Hector Protector was dressed all in green,
Hector Protector was sent to the queen.
The queen did not like him,
no more did the king
so Hector Protector was sent home again.
Obviously some people don`t like green.
On Planet Earth, a beautiful large format Hibiscus. There are more beyond it.
The header shows that you can pick up the pieces of a broken heart, but you can`t put a flower back together.
Please do go see the character actors beyond the main post.
Their expressions are strange. I don`t know if you can tell, but there are two "Tomato Worms" (Olivia)
So Dave, tell me which one you want a print of.
As for Olivia, you get one also for being so "hot". That`s what the judge ruled

WE HAVE TO TALK, GREEN

First, I believe some one has the opportunity to leave others green with envy.
The image in the header is a mystery image. I promise it is not manipulated, to change it, regarding color, shape, original form, number of "portholes" etc etc.
If anyone can guess what it is, I will send them a large format print of their choice, from the series this image is from, which I will post tomorrow. Good luck & stay green.
I`ve been a little slow to post lately, but I believe it`s because I caught something from tonight`s post subject.
I feel like crawling into my shell, & if I do, I`ll keep an eye out.
Don`t run with shears & be careful out there....please.

A clue: The header object is familiar. Everyone has seen one growing up. It`s an "ugly duckling", but does not quack.
It has feet, but does not paddle. It can see where it goes, butt not where it`s from, even though it constantly "looks" back.

ORCHESTRA LEADER

For those of you who saw my test shots for this same vantage point, here are ones I shot tonight.
The usual links are unchanged, as I`ve been quite occupied of late.
Please bear with me, though.
I`ll be back to full capacity soon, I hope.
Meanwhile, stay balanced poised & smiling,.. please.

WELCOME TO THE FUN HOUSE

Just a quick post of Smiles & Mr. Peek.
These are my granddaughter`s lizards.
The larger one on the left is trying to crawl onto Andif`s monitor to see what makes her tick so early in the morning to visit here.
Thanks Andif.

TODAY`S FIND

I found these on the street near my project site.
I went & parked my rig then walked back to them.
The header shot & accompanying images to it, are from my site & the drips are on the stems of the black Elephant Ear plants in the image with the house in the background.
Planet Earth has a musical instrument of which more from the orchestra will be posted tomorrow, if I don`t fall down first.
I`m tired tonight, so I`ll just wish you all a good one, (night, that is), & see you tomorrow.
Be nice to everyone, please

BRAZILIAN TRIM

Having been away for quite a while, I decided to take some time to post in hopes a few images might make your dog days of summer a little cheerier.
This sudden decision was brought on by one of the Hall of Fame members who reminded me earlier this evening, that just a few words, a smile, a wondering glance can change one`s outlook on a present situation.
This post is dedicated to Pudsy, but please note that the content of the post & affiliated slide shows do not reflect on her, but solely on myself.
The purpose of the dedication is to recognize her as the gentle heart she is, barely concealed under an exterior of truth.
The header, shot with the black background of my hat, also includes some texture shots that I know Andif likes.
On Planet Earth, a few shots of the opened blossom of the "Pinwheel Treasure" from the last post, directly below.
Also on the Planet, a few shots I didn`t know I captured while setting up to shoot through a dual glazed window. The test shots showed the hummingbird, that I had no clue had made an appearance, regardless of my activity barely feet away.
In the main post, a frilly diaphanous blossom showing herself shamelessly, as innocents are wont to do, (with my full support).
The flower is growing in the middle of a garden in the age of innocence.

I`ll try & make time to post more often, but my efforts at that have proven to be fruitless in the past, so I`ll endeavor to use some of the time already allotted to us all, to post again regularly.
Pudsy, you`re a dear.

PINWHEEL TREASURE

A while ago,(last week) I`d mentioned to Teri, how we should cut back a large Bougainvillea overgrowing a corner of one of the separate yards we have. A few days ago, when arriving from work, she was excited to show me what she`d done & found in the process. There was a lovely 15 foot tall cactus inside the Bougainvillea, that we didn`t even know was there. Furthermore it was in bloom. I took my camera out of the truck & climbed up to get as close as possible to study this beauty. I took a few shots in the darkening evening, but will take more to do it justice.
I also had a surprise bloom again in the "Reef Garden". You may see it on Planet Earth.
It`s what I call a Cadaver Plant, because it smells like one, attracting corpse flies which it then traps for food or pleasure, I know not which.
In the header link, you may go underwater, to see some "Jewels of Neptunes Realm".
On this late night note, I bid you good rest & all the best.
Good night

GALACTIC STAR

The little universes we usually do not see, are no less infinite than the large incomprehensible ones that are expanding into smaller ones yet. String theories & dimensional warping are often overlooked as something for people of higher learning.
I never bought into that sales pitch. I can look into things large or small & create my own reality. Who can argue about what I think. Those thoughts are mine , & mine only.
Tonight I was thinking of a dense field of globular gas planetary bodies spawned from a fission reaction, that encroached on the space, usually acknowledged to be the realm of the Master Stars. I was able to capture these mental machinations digitally tonight, & present to you, obvious proof, that my thoughts can be shared although they remain mine & mine only.
So go explore your world, & figure out what it means to you. It`s all yours.
This image is in reality a scaled depiction of one of my discoveries.
The scale is a diminution one. The globules are less than 1/16th of an inch in diameter, & are air bubbles trapped in the molded plastic of an 8 ounce glass. The Brittle Star, (one of three), I discovered by chance while maintaining a peripheral component of one of my reefs.
I cut out a piece of white office paper to fit into the bottom of the aforementioned glass, added an inch of sea water, & introduced the found specimens. Bringing the glass of life out on the deck, I took a few shots through the glass, to the star, to create a new theory of the universe.
There`s really a nut case out there, putting things in containers & looking at it in different light conditions & throwing the results out there to see if any of it sticks.
It sounds about as plausible as string theory, right? .... Right??

STRONG ARM ROBBERY

Most of you know my best friend Coconut.
When I get home everyday, I spend the rest of the day with him on my shoulder or forearm if I`m at my business desk.
We haven`t seen each other since breakfast every morning during which we share our coffee.
If we`re not out in the yard taking pictures, or just kicking back, we`ll take some time for our daily workout.
While I`m doing my 1000 push-ups, Coconut does his "chin-ups" pull-ups, or here as you can see, his one armed ones.
He knows I can`t do those, so he usually rubs it in, by screeching with pleasure, as he cranks them out one after another.
His 'Zip Line' that he works out on, is modified (by me) so that he may zip right out of the image by slipping down my magic rope that is tied to a tree outside, but has been anchored off screen to a Sky Hook, I invented.
I`ve tried at times to follow the rope hand over hand to get inside the image but so far, I haven`t been successful.
I have surprises around the area you might be interested in. Hit the header to rock & roll over to Planet Earth for some more fun.
There`s Blenny more if you run out.
Just let me know, by yanking the rope.
Have a great week ahead, & be kind to strangers. Please!

CACTUS MIST

This cactus, a little more than a foot high, still has the capacity to thrill, with blooms as large as one twelve feet high.
This image, taken the morning after it opened, will last a little longer than usual due to the protective mist.
Once the mist burns off, the sun will wilt the blossom, & it`s glory will fade into just a memory.
On the attached set, you can see the bloom as it opened the previous night.
All locales show the same images, but you should see them all.
There are buds & a few with Jupiter & the moon in some also.
I have been very busy, so please bear with me, & pardon my sparse postings.
Have a great week ahead & keep smiling.

EVENING GOWN

This lovely "Lady Of The Night", is what I had been hoping for. This blossom opened last night in an explosion of delight.
I was fortunate to notice it about to bloom.
I ran back into the house to grab a flashlight after taking a few shots of the bursting bud.
Less than a minute later This is how it was. I love seeing the release but I missed this one by ( ) much.
I only have this one, & today it`s gone, like the ladies of past one night stands. I loved them all.
In the header, a Blue Dragon, & on Planet Earth, a Fire Fly.
It seems to be defying the god Pele while surfing her waves of fire.
I`m beat, so I`m gone.
Till tomorrow, & have a nice one.
Good Night

EMERGING BLUES

The first stage in progressive blues, is to set the mood.
These are the opening notes of tonight`s blues, in the key of "E", for Emergency.
These sets, on Planet Earth & in the header, besides the main posted music, are all taken from a planter at the base of the large Sycamore tree next to the deck.
There is one large green exception, a testament to Teri`s similarly colored thumb.
I noticed a few new cactus buds a few days ago, then noticed one had fallen off it`s parent plant. I hope to be able to show the surviving opened bud to you soon. And there are more cactus in bud stage also.
I hope you are enjoying your summer days, & hopefully these flowers will make them even better.
I just remembered a hummingbird shot I took just before dark a few days ago.
It`s the last sip of the day, maybe even a night cap.
I`m going to add it to the main post set.

HUMMINGBIRD STAR

A star is born.
This little crown of "Candy Corn" growing out of a star, is in Vilija`s garden.
On Planet Earth, a few shots of the cactus` red bloom, including a shot of two of them together. This is probably the end of these blooms this year, although I have a few more of these cactus, & I remember one of them had a blossom in September.
I can always hope.
The header, which links to more shots, is a study in the flight of a hummingbird, in silhouette.
Enjoy your day ahead please, & smile at a stranger. It may encourage them to do great things.

PURPLE REIGN

This beautiful purple anemone is in my friend Alex`s reef tank.
It`s easy to see that this Anemone & it`s commensurate clownfish are the center of attention.
This clownfish or anemonefish is a true Percola Amphiprion percula (Lacepede, 1802).
It is in perfect form & health, a testament to Alex`s stubborn attention to the reef`s health.
On Planet Earth, a few of his corals & the expressive Engineer Gobi.
Enjoy your dive on the reef.
Have a great weekend, please.

LIL RASCALS

These two imps are the blooms I`m posting tonight. My grand daughters are the funniest of all the kids I`ve ever met, except for my daughter. They are a team together but very different little girls separately.
Luckily for me, they live right around the corner. (a few blocks)
One is scared of animals, while the other is all over the dog, cat & any bird we have, but especially Coconut, who loves everybody,
as long as he`s involved in the action.
Jackie & Chloe are on this planet to laugh & make people laugh.
Today , please try & laugh a little or better yet, make someone else laugh.
You`ll get a laugh out of it.
These are "The Girls", enjoy.

METEORITE SHOWER

Finally, my mystery bloom opened tonight. And a spectacle it was. It took about four hours to fluff it`s crinolines.
It is from the same cactus as last week`s pink bloom. I`m expecting a different color morph yet, but maybe next year.
Strangely, my other cactus also bloomed today.
This time though, it did so on steroids.
Never before has it produced the number of blooms as tonight. There are 24 booms on it, & the whole area is scented with their delicious aroma. These are on Planet Earth tonight.
The header is the Solistice Sunset.
Since it was the longest day of the year, I made it out of 11 shots I took at sunset.
Enjoy your summertime blues, or whatever music floats your boat.

GLASS FISH

This is a little exercise in justifying the means.
I noticed this on a shelf in the light & decided to shoot it`s transparency.
I wanted a sky blue background, but couldn`t really suspend it so I took two shots holding it against the sky & joined then as one. I also took the opportunity to repair the damaged fin. You can see the two originals by clicking this one.
On Planet Earth, the end of this bloom is shown with it`s tears. I also included a few Hibiscus images.
In the header, a few views of the front of my house & one from the back, overlooking my canyon towards my neighbor.
Have a great week end, please

TUNING UP

This is an opera of night blooms in Pink Major opus 5.
These were almost exclusively taken by flashlight in the dark of night. The cactus bloom is below the level of the deck where I have to be on my knees to even look at it.
Although it is related in some way to my other blooming cactus, this pink blossomed one is very low to the ground.
I believe I`ve seen some of these as big as 8 feet tall cactus trees, but thre one here is completely opposite in stature to my 12 foot tall ones out front.
Strangely enough, the tall white blossomed Cerus also had another bloom tonight. It was quite a sight with the full moon.
On Planet Earth, I posted anoth flower from my yard with a Sycamore tree as background. This one is the Tiara for the Queen of Europe who should be soon back from abroad.
Have a nice day & boil the water.

ONE EYED BUTTERFLY

A Copperband Butterfly Fish, a beauty with fussy habits.
It is next to a hugh Green Bubble Coral.
Tonight, all three images are active.
The header is a slice of a larger image, While on Planet Earth, a Pygmy Flame Angel is previewing the color theme for tonight.
Beyond the main post, more of the reef`s mysteries.
Enjoy the colors like it was the sixties.
Have a great week-end.
Also, Olivia has a magnificent Old World Sky image on Parvum Opus which is linked on the right.

SUNSHINE MANDALA

This "spirographic" rendition is a wild Sunflower in the yard.
The duck in the header is a ceramic duck that sits in one of the many birdbaths here.
There is an image in the header set, I think, of two buds with water drops.
These should soon be open, & I do expect some other-worldly blossoms.
Stay tuned for those. I`m not really sure what they will be, but I had a dream of them.
A weird dream.
On Planet Earth, a bunch of other yard colors.
Enjoy your 'middle of the week' day for those who follow that sort of thing.

BEAMING BLOOMER

Yesterday some people were visiting in the immediate area. I was out talking about the new blooms with a neighbor, but didn`t realize some one had overheard our conversation.
An hour later, knowing that my new blooms would be open, I went back out & noticed the person who was around earlier. I asked him if he wanted to smell the blooms, when he expressed his amazement at how they were fully open, when an hour previously they didn`t exist. That`s my clue to go through the whole history of this cactus from when I found it as a skinny little thrown away plant, to it`s present glory. Here`s me & my cactus. We`ve been through a lot together & I`m proud of it. There`s another image connected to this one that might give you an idea of it`s towering height.
Have a great week ahead.

CERIUSLY

When moving this very tall cactus last fall, I had serious doubts as to whether it would survive.
These are the first blooms this year, & it has more buds than ever.
It looks like there will be dozens of these beauties this season. The perfume from the flower is entrancing.
It is pollinated by a certain moth, so it does have to send out a unique scent to attract them.
These will die tomorrow. They only bloom overnight & their bloom wilts with the rising sun.
Enjoy them with me please.

UPHILL REEF

Another shot of a full reef. This is was taken with a little 3MP Olympus, someone was throwing away.
I really learned about digital photography with this camera.
Have a great day.

ACT ONE

This image depicts a dense growth of corals.
I`m presently rehabilitating my reefs to this condition, a rather complex task, that inherently changes dynamically, as one small change triggers a butterfly effect. This image is from five or six years ago in my 80 gallon cube reefs.
I will post more images as I usually do, but today I hope this solo presentation makes your day a little better.

GOT MILK

This is obviously the business end of this beautiful rare eel.
Watch your fingers. Have a nice week end ,& be kind to animals,please.
There`s more behind the rock work, & a little extra stuff over on the Planet

FLASHBACK

Here`s a little 60`s music for you. It`s got the beat of the street & the colors are neat.
Sweet
There`s only one more today. It`s on Planet Earth.
Have a great day.

SUEDE ROSE

A few more shots from Darbe`s garden that I didn`t get to post. First, for Evangeline, I found one of the large Birds of Paradise. It was about 15 feet up in the air, & this will at least prove what I previously said, but I will go back & use a ladder to get some up close details. The image is in the 'header' show. Image #705 is of the same flower as the header is created from, although not inverted. Planet Earth has the remainingimages from the garden shoot.
Have a great day & keep smelling the flowers.
The one in the main post might smell like ladies footwear but only because it is of suede.
I love the smell of ladies feet in the morning. mmmhhnmm!!

SWAYING COBRAS

Thank you for being patient. It is very difficult to take these images, as the camera I have available is seriously flawed. I have to compensate focal length by physically moving the camera in or out from the subject according to a prescribed formula I devised through trial & error. This is due to not having a properly working focus sensor in the camera.
These images were all taken in my friend Darbe`s garden. She`s only a few streets over from my house.

LOOSE LEAF BINDER

This leaf is about five to six feet in length.
All images from the three usual locations here, were taken at Kendra`s home.
I was over the other day to see her brother, & decided to take a few shots in their gardens.
Enjoy.
Have a nice week end & I hope you all have warm weather.

KENDRA`S KANDY

Today more of Kendra`s images grace my place.
I must thank you all for your graciousness towards a guest here.
Have a nice day.

KENDRA`S KOLORS

As a return guest-blogger, my young friend Kendra, dazzles again with her choice of subject, & superb composition.
The main post image is a composite of some of the images behind the firewall.
Kendra will be here again tomorrow, as I thought that there was just too much to aggravate your senses all in one showing.
I promise your return tomorrow will not be in vain, unless you are afraid of the clowns of the deep. With that little teaser, I wish you all a great day tomorrow, & that Kendra`s images will lighten your load.
Good night.

MOTHER`S DAY

For all the ladies out there, Happy Mother`s day.
Though you may not yet be a mother, or are one now, this is also for those who have a nurturing soul.
Earth mothers.
I celebrate you all, in remembrance of my very own dear mom, who taught me very well the respect for you, you all deserve.
Thank you.

BEYOND THE GOLD RUSH

This is another set of images all taken in the yards around my house. I have three different front yard areas & about five different areas on four different levels in the back. It`s constantly changing or I`ve just never noticed some things but it`s always a trip.
If any of you remember Kendra, who was the first of only two guest bloggers here, she will be back with some fantastic images next week.
On Planet Earth is a fruit bowl I was sharing with Coconut. He`s not a picky eater, but is very sensitive about having perfect teeth, as you`ll see.
In the header, a couple of Kush cones from the local 'farmacy', but do go in & explore the strange images beyond.
Have a great day, & Evangeline, I went to town, by a different route, but will shoot the large purple birds soon.
Hasta

FLIGHT OF FANCY

I caught this formation of flying fairies gliding by yesterday.
OT, Today, while out & about, I saw the largest pod of pelicans I`ve ever seen.
They were flying in two following asymmetrical V`s & must have numbered between two & three hundred.
If you`ve never seen pelicans in flight, especially in large pods, it is definitely a sight to see.
They follow each other very closely & use the front one`s vortices & leave one for the bird in the rear.
They are also one of the lowest flying birds, as the fly below water level.
They`ll get in the front of a swelling wave & ride the current of air displaced with the advancing wave.
If they`re gaining on that current, they`ll dip a wing-tip in the wave face to slow themselves a little for the best current advantage. I can watch them for hours.


Evangeline, we spotted a large, purple based, white flowered bird of paradise on my outing today, down in Malibu.
I`m going into town Weds. & I`ll be sure to shoot it.

NEW PLUMAGE

Here`s a new set of feathers on the bird. Some of the flowers seem to have only one set & others two, then three.
I`ll keep an eye on this one. This is the exact same flower from the series of this past week, although I have dozens of them.

CUP OF GOLD

This is a newly discovered bloom in the front yard.
As you can see by the ferns next to it, it is a large flower.
This one should be part of the advance team, because now that I know they`re ready to bloom, I should have dozens to photograph, soon.
I have a tree that is about 10 feet tall, which should be covered in these gold blossoms.
I just took this in the black of night, &, like Puget4, lit it up preliminarily, with a small LED flashlight, to even focus.
Have a great life.

BIRD OF PARADISE

Here`s an unfurling of the wings of paradise.
Have a nice day.

HATCHING SEASON

This string of pearls, is a flower tower from an Aloe plant. There`s a banana split of a similar Aloe on Planet Earth.
All three image sources link to the same stash. I mention it, so you`ll not waste time, but do go smile like the pig is.
These are all images from my yards at home.
Have a nice day.

OIMBY

Only In My Back Yard, is where these images were taken.
Make sure you all get a good rest.
I`m off to do that now.
Enjoy a pleasant tomorrow.

CLEANER WRASSE

This is probably the best shot of this fish, I`ve taken so far.
This Cleaner Wrasse, is in constant motion, & stops only to bed down at night after enveloping himself in a small mucus membrane, resembling a sleeping bag. This protects him from predators who would possibly smell him out in the wild.
During daylight hours no fish will prey on him as a beneficial member to all others on a reef. He cleans all other fish, & will even clean my hand if I put it in the water.
Pippi, is sporting her new pajamas.
The Blue Legged Hermit crab, has just molted
Also, check out the header, & figure that one out.
Oh, Also, have a great day.

WORKING OUT THE BUGS

A little of land, sea & air is represented in this day`s posting.
Have a lovely week a'head', please, & be kind to others.

25 YEARS AGO

WILD AT HEART

This I took while a few kids were over this afternoon, playing with little animals. This leopard is on my hammock stalking a shark.
Hey, they`re kids.
I think all the images behind this one are wild flowers from my yard.
In the header, petals, fallen from grace from a large tree covered in blooms the size or big oranges but of this color.
On Planet Earth, my favorite blossom, Coconut.
He & I put on a little impromptu show for the kids & a few adults. We got a nice round of applause, which Coconut adores getting. I started singing "She`ll be coming around the mountain", knowing full well that as soon as I start banging my foot to the beat, he starts dancing & shaking his head to the beat. He ends in a flourish & a big squawking finale. Then expects applause, which he obviously takes pleasure in accepting. Flowers on the planet are also from the yard but get a little more attention than the wild ones which I prefer not to tame.
Have a beautiful spring day if at all possible.
Good night.

SPOTLIGHT BLUES

This little blues tune is about two inches tall.
I saw it in a ray of sunlight coming through the overhead branches.
There are some strange blooms on Planet Earth, that look like they are not from this planet, & in the header, some very fuzzy stuff.
Have a warm fuzzy day.
It`s hot & sunny here today, but thankfully it is cooling down a little.

WEEKEND WORRIER

A little bit of a set back for those who`s spring has retracted, obligated my posting of more colors for you.
Just imagine how great it will be after this false alarm. I hope the robins & crocuses are OK.
There`s a lot of green over on Planet Earth, even though we think of it as the "Blue Planet".
The header will take you to a low wattage light show.
Behind the main post is a shot I tried to recreate, following the surprise sunset shot in the Gladiola wave on yesterday`s post.
Have a great weekend, & try to stay warm & dry.

GOOD GOD

A welcome home post for Beth, who has been traipsing cross-country & has finally arrived in Colorado.
Beth, here`s a sunset curled in the wave of a Gladiola. Now you can curl up in a sunset & have a deserved rest.
While shooting the progress of the sole Gladiola blooming at home, I was using a background I made.
It`s a white poster-board over which I stretched a black t-shirt on one half of it. That way I have two different backgrounds at my disposal while carrying only one.
While shooting from different angles I shot some upside down & holding the camera on the other side of the flower,but had forgotten to move the background board to my side.
This allowed the shot to be taken to include everything behind me.
After downloading the shots, I previewed them & found that I had inadvertently captured the sunset in one shot.
I had then noticed the backer board & put it on the proper side of the flower & took a few more shots.
This shot is a composite shot but is how the surprise one is configured.
Tomorrow, I will repeat the same shot & hope I can do a little better than the one I unknowingly shot.
On Planet Earth, I`m collecting up all the fuzzy blankets you might have been using over the colder months, as I understand spring is spranging everywhere. So I will need to collect Pink Fuzzy blankets, & I know there are some red ones & at least a pastel blue one still unaccounted for. Give them up.
The purple fuzzy one there is a Mexican Sage plant.
Have a warm day tomorrow & for the rest of the season.
Good Night