Attempting to master the macro

Photo 365 + 301 - July 31

I take at least a dozen pictures with the macro lens hoping for one good one. Today's effort...

I love flowers in the morning...

Photo 365 - 300 - July 30

The sunshine and the dew always give such new perspective to pictures.

Especially for Kenn

Photo 365 + 299 - July 29

Although whoever visits will enjoy the newfound air circulation going into the guest room, my motivation to have Dale get the ceiling fan installed now was Kenn and Kayla's upcoming visit. Heather tells me regularly that she will come over and sabotage my furnace so Dale and I can finally get that air conditioning installed. But there still is none, so the fan will keep Kenn a little more comfortable while they're visiting. Kayla, though - you better find another blanket!

Latest Fish Day Purchase

Photo 365 + 298 - July 28

My goal every year at Fish Day is to find something new for my gardens. This year the pickings were a little slim, but I was still happy with my newfound treasure. It's taller than the picture gives it credit for, too.

Love my flip chips!

Photo 365 + 297 - July 27

Trinka will carry a rolled up rawhide around for a week before she decides to actually chew on it. But flip chips? Give those about 5 minutes.

The first hibiscus of the season

Photo 365 + 296 - July 26

And this hibiscus isn't even off my existing plants - it's off the brand new one I got this season and put in the ground right before we headed to Florida. One of the pink ones is getting buds, and I am sad that my giant plant has only marginally returned. We also got some much needed rain. I hate the dreariness, but it's less watering that I have to do.

Hate when I can't remember...

Photo 365 + 295 - July 25

I have a healthy crop of these growing in the front yard by the arbor, but I can't remember what they are! They did quite a nice job spreading out...almost to the point of looking like they want to take over. They might be another plant that I get to share with my friends.

Lotsa Lilies

Photo 365 + 294 - July 24

These are blooming next to the walkway coming up to the back door, and they have that familiar spicy smell of Stargazers. It's a great welcome home.

Loving that pattern

Photo 365 + 293 - July 23

Thanks, Mom, Fred and Betty for the new addition to the kitchen. All that's missing is a little cleaning up, and the kitchen will have a new table and chairs. And I love the carving on the back of the chairs!

Tomato Soup

Photo 365 + 292 - July 22

Nope - not the kind you eat - it's one of my coneflowers. Even Dale commented on how much he liked the color.

Maiden Voyage

Photo 365 + 291 - July 21

Today was Trinka's first trip out on the sailboat. She wasn't at all sure what to do, and kept trying to step off the trampoline onto the pontoon. By the time we got back into shore she was more than happy to hang out in the car and wait for us to put everything away.

After Fish Day...

Photo 365 + 290 - July 20

And the party's over...another successful Fish Day! And the rods are ready to go out first thing in the morning for Dale's 5:00 a.m. charter. He is going to be one tired boy by the end of the day.

Baby roses and more lilies...

Photo 365 + 289 - July 19

My miniature roses haven't done as well as I would have liked. But these have come back for the last few years. They're very cute - not much bigger than a half dollar, and hiding underneath some other plants. The lilies look like tiger lilies without the spots. They're just not orange enough either. But they do that unique hanging down thing that my tiger lilies do.

For everyone I love...

Photo 365 + 288 - July 18

Today's calendar sentiment...how true it is!

Just too hot...

Photo 365 + 287 - July 17

I know that it's just too hot outside when Trinka lays next to her food bowl to eat her breakfast. Here's hoping a little bit of relief comes for her soon.

Loving the silver lining...and the flowers

Photo 365 + 286 - July 16

The sun coming through the clouds was awesome tonight - a true silver lining. My roses are still blooming strong, and I have coneflowers blooming without petals. That one I'll have to look into.

Lotsa lilies

Photo 365 + 285 - July 15

These stalks are almost as tall as me...so I'm glad they're still standing upright!

Lots of clematis

Photo 365 + 284 - July 14

This bush was already here when we moved into this house in 1991, and it has been blooming ever since then. This year it's covered in blossoms.

Lots of growing in a week...

Photo 365 + 283 - July 13

I knew things would grow when I was gone, but I wasn't quite ready for all of this.

First Day in the Sand and Our Last Day in Florida...

Photo 365 + 282 - July 12

Liz had told me that Edyn was quite a water baby, but today was her first day at the beach. We took advantage and took lots of pictures, and then followed that up with some more at the house. Vacations are nice but I think I'm ready for my own bed!

Who are those masked men?

Photo 365 + 281 - July 11

And there they are...saving the world...or at least telling themselves that they are.

Wild Hair!

Photo 365 + 280 - July 10

Edyn has that wild hair that really doesn't like to lie down. And she's started figuring out that I'm behind that camera and starts coming for me when I'm shooting.

Way too cute!

Photo 365 + 279 - July 9

You don't leave anything alone for any length of time, or Edyn has it and is running off with it. She has become my big photography helper, and my lens cap is gone as soon as I set it down.

Love my momma!

Photo 365 + 278 - July 8

Liz is not a fan of picture taking, so I'm always happy when she lets me snap a few.

Enjoying our time

Photo 365 + 277 - July 7

Yes, we are definitely enjoying our time here with the kids. I'm sure the week will go by way too fast.

Thanks for grabbing the camera, James!