Landscape Therapy

Soggy Start to Spring

2011-03-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

Branches, pine cones, and trees fell overnight because of the wind. The rain continued. Spring slipped in unnoticed.

One year ago: The Shadow Knows

Two years ago: Pipevine Swallowtail

What a Goose

2011-03-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

More birds were out in the rain and taking advantage of the new waterways. The wind now is excessive. I'm expecting the power to go out.

One year ago: Delectable

Two years ago: Berry Future

Not the River

2011-03-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Ducks were happy with the expanded paddling territory after normally being confined to the river (visible in the background between the trees on the riverbank). The rain continues. We got quite wet and windblown.

One year ago: Wist-ful

Two years ago: Voila Viola

Shamrock

2011-03-17T22:18:00.000-07:00

My favorite rooftop park was in fine form today. A bit of sun appeared. The flowers and I basked.

One year ago: The Orange and the Green

Two years ago: Celebration

Really

2011-03-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

We had a day without rain for once. Clouds still with us. But, being able to see the moon tonight was a nice change.

One year ago: Black Velvet

Two years ago: Striae

Cherry Foam

2011-03-15T18:12:00.001-07:00

Water is standing in puddles almost everywhere. The river is higher. But, it's not very cold.

One year ago: Rock On

Two years ago: Beware

Peel Me One

2011-03-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

I think we need to abolish this ridiculous daylight savings time thing. Of course, the extra hour of daylight was consumed by clouds and the remnants of the cloudburst from last night. The Muscari looked good in the gloom.

One year ago: Nut Case

Two years ago: First Blush

Turkey up a Tree

2011-03-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

I'm amused by the size contrast between yesterday's bird in a tree and today's. It was cloudy and windy out there. Just now we might have had a few flakes of snow.

One year ago: Delicate

Two years ago: Passive Aggressive

Resumption of Activity

2011-03-12T20:41:00.001-08:00

Hummingbirds are the happiest of birds. Yes, I anthropomorphize. The sun was out.

One year ago: For the Masses

Two years ago: Naturalized

Battery Failure

2011-03-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

One year ago: Peony

Two years ago: Simply Radishing

Serrated

2011-03-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

It rained in the middle of the day. I saw the clouds but felt none of the moisture. Maybe gray days are actually longer?

One year ago: The Pips

Two years ago: Mini Mountains

Prints

2011-03-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Oak leaves left behind their shadows on the sidewalk. The other types of leaves left little trace. Something to search for when you're tired and looking down.

One year ago: Tickled

Two years ago: Scroll

Jumpin' Jack

2011-03-08T18:09:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin sprouts are popping up in the final resting place of last year's jack-o'-lanterns. Will they stay or will they go? I'll decide later.

One year ago: Last Hurrah

Two years ago: Remember Bee

Whirligig

2011-03-07T20:42:00.001-08:00

There was sun in the morning although clouds came crowding in by late afternoon. A busy day. I'm exhausted.

One year ago: Black Phoebe

Two years ago: Not a Golf Ball

Belted

2011-03-06T23:08:00.001-08:00

It rained almost all day. The storm caused a tree to fall across our regular path. On the alternate route we saw a kingfisher who, of course, took wing when I tried to get closer.

One year ago: Filaree

Two years ago: Burning Down

White Stripes

2011-03-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

More adventures with houseplants. There was sun this morning through the windows. Now there's a drippy rain trying to act determined.

One year ago: Fan

Two years ago: Chain Gang

Cushion

2011-03-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

It's odd to be above a flowering tree. But so we were. It was a pillowy mass of blossoms on a sunny morning.

One year ago: Resolute

Two years ago: Nestled

Edged in Red

2011-03-03T21:15:00.001-08:00

Warmer outside with mostly clear skies. And here's a photograph of a houseplant. Where are my priorities?!

One year ago: Still Going

Two years ago: Paper Crown

Pastels

2011-03-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

There were intermittent showers during the day. Sometimes the wind howled. The evening was calm.

One year ago: Yet Again

Two years ago: Reversal

Fading to Gray

2011-03-01T20:33:00.001-08:00

I waited for the sunset to reflect peach and purple tones. I either blinked at the wrong time or it didn't happen this evening. The clouds were striking anyway.

One year ago: Vinca Minor

Two years ago: Humble

Dream in Pink and White

2011-02-28T20:08:00.001-08:00

The day had a dreamy quality to it. Probably because it was Monday and an abrupt change from the previous two days. Not half bad, though.

One year ago: Tree Swallow

Two years ago: Silly

Spiral

2011-02-27T21:11:00.001-08:00

I don't think it got as cold as predicted this morning. We went out into a perfectly sunny day. A line of fifteen turkeys trotted by intent on making for the river.

One year ago: Squeaky Clean

Two years ago: Changeable

Cold Blue

2011-02-26T21:19:00.000-08:00

I was surprised that there was no ice at the edges of puddles this morning. A hard freeze is forecast for early tomorrow. People seemed to be curtailing their activities but the birds were out in force including two hawks sitting side-by-side on a branch--something I've never seen before.

One year ago: Someday We'll Find It

Two years ago: Into the Blue

Basilicum

2011-02-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

The colors of purple basil are pretty neat. The weather, however, was dreadful this morning with a tornado nearby this afternoon. Now it's cleared out but is very cold.

One year ago: On the Way Up

Two years ago: The Choir

Cold Comfort

2011-02-24T20:51:00.001-08:00

The rain brought out different hues on the tree trunk. The colors were warm. I was cold and wet.

One year ago: On the Way Down

Two years ago: Shroomhenge

...I have tried in my way to be free...

2011-02-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

There's something about hummingbirds. This one was the lord of all he surveyed--at least for a few moments. Then he was gone.

One year ago: White Wash

Two years ago: Forsooth

Zigzag

2011-02-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

I like sunny days. Therefore, I must have liked today. Should have been true.

One year ago: Camellia Parade

Two years ago: Popcorn

Popping

2011-02-21T21:24:00.001-08:00

Although colder than normal, it was still a wonderfully spring-y day. I tried to take a picture of a turkey vulture. But, I'll have to settle for blossoms instead.

One year ago: Great Red Spot

Two years ago: Baby 'brellas

Reflecting

2011-02-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

It was a calm day. Puffy clouds were everywhere one looked. Even reflecting in the river.

One year ago: Shake, Rattle, and Run

Two years ago: Calm

Half Bright, Half Dark

2011-02-19T23:47:00.001-08:00

It was a wonderful thing to be able to get outside for a walk without dealing with a storm. Some showers later in the day. It's a cold, clear night.

One year ago: Profusion

Two years ago: The Blob

Dark and Soggy

2011-02-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

New spring leaves are on the trees. It was dark and raining and hard to see them today. Pretty cold out, also.

One year ago: Lilium

Two years ago: Spines

Opening Soon

2011-02-17T22:31:00.000-08:00

Huge puddles are lying in wait. I did see the sun briefly. Then the clouds won.

One year ago: Red Abutilon

Two years ago: Soggy Mess

Bright Spot

2011-02-16T20:09:00.001-08:00

Brilliant sunshine at times today. Rain came in droves. Then out came a rainbow.

One year ago: Trumpet

Two years ago: Spikes

Consistent

2011-02-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

On a cloudy day daffodils are a cheering sight. They bobbed from side to side in a wild dance. The wind is here but the rain is holding off.

One year ago: Blossom Time

Two years ago: Creeping

After the Storm

2011-02-14T18:05:00.001-08:00

Early morning rain and wind snatched the petals from flowers. The puddles dried quickly. Blustery weather left us a sidewalk Valentine.

One year ago: Beads

Two years ago: A Valentine

On the Lookout

2011-02-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

It sounds like this might be the last sunny day for a week. I hope that's not the case. But, the plants could use the rain.

One year ago: In the Hollow

Two years ago: A Moment in the Sun

Mentha piperita

2011-02-12T23:03:00.001-08:00

Another weekend with wonderful weather. Tried to be productive. Mostly I wasn't.

One year ago: Green Moss

Two years ago: Branching Out

Wee Violet

2011-02-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day capped off by a stunning sunset. We made it to the end of a very long the week. It's a wonder how seven days sometimes feels like seven months.

One year ago: One a Day

Two years ago: Meet Roy G. Biv

More of a Good Thing

2011-02-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

The day was classified as a gorgeous one. Sun streamed through windows. Half a moon rose.

One year ago: Huddled Mass

Two years ago: Nose Nipping

Bed of Nails

2011-02-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

The swirling pattern of the cactus spines initially drew my attention. But then the snail caught my eye. It was very much alive and didn't mind its pointed perch.

One year ago: Feather

Two years ago: At the Root

Proof

2011-02-08T20:58:00.001-08:00

It was not a day to walk under palm trees. Windows blew open and leaves swirled in columns. It was colder but still felt like spring.

One year ago: Lenten Roses

Two years ago: Fungus Among Us

By Day

2011-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

I looked up and there was the moon giving the world a big smile. I also saw the first daffodil of spring. And, the ornamental pear trees are blooming.

One year ago: Spooling

Two years ago: Fading Fast

Crescent Through Trees

2011-02-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

I think it was probably close to another record high temperature today. The wind buffeted us about quite a bit. It felt like a day in late March or even April.

One year ago: Marching

Two years ago: Gathering Moss

Myrtle

2011-02-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

We had a record high temperature as well as wind today. By evening the sunset was amazing. As the sky faded to black the barest sliver of a moon became visible.

One year ago: Open

Two years ago: Diamonds Uncut

Uphill

2011-02-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

Highs and lows today. The sun joined us. Felt wonderful outside but I couldn't stay warm inside.

One year ago: Lemon-Scented

Two years ago: Storm's A-Comin' (We Hope)

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2011-02-03T20:45:00.001-08:00

Today it was quite obvious that the days are truly getting longer. Well, obvious that there are more minutes of daylight. That sounds better.

One year ago: Purple

Two years ago: Miner's Detail

Pickle, Anyone?

2011-02-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

My herbs are taking over. The weather was like spring again today. I guess the groundhog was right.

One year ago: City Lights

Two years ago: Candlemas

Thicket

2011-02-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

The north wind returned and cleared out the valley. Everything seemed fresh. Brisk out there tonight.

One year ago: Corking

Two years ago: Concerned

Whiteness

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000-08:00

We had a sunny afternoon. It's a crystalline night. Orion is easy to find.

One year ago: Corking

Two years ago: Wishes

Earthstars

2011-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Earthstars are supposed to be common fungi and act something like barometers--popping up in low pressure periods before rain (it was rainy this morning & again now). Before today I'd never seen one before. Those that had already lost their spore cases looked like exploded acorns but I think they were probably Astraeus hygrometricus or a close relative.

One year ago: Two for Joy

Two years ago: Pac-Man

The Egret Had Landed

2011-01-29T19:52:00.001-08:00

Against the norm, I'm happy to be hearing rain patter on the roof right now. The fog may flee. Sounds good.

One year ago: Struggling

Two years ago: Veins

The Only Show in Town

2011-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

Fog, fog, fog. More fog. And then there was some fog.

One year ago: Clustered

Two years ago: Harbinger

Seedy

2011-01-27T20:26:00.001-08:00

I think there might be an end to the week coming. Sure hope so. Just holding on.

One year ago: Berries of Blue

Two years ago: Insalata Mista

Particolor

2011-01-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

We've settled into the foggy morning, sunny afternoon routine. It was hot inside. Interesting colors outside.

One year ago: Ghostly Embrace

Two years ago: Fallen

Homeward Bound

2011-01-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

Here's proof that the days are getting longer. Not yet as long as I'd like but we're on the way. We were almost home when I stuck the camera out the window (I wasn't driving).

One year ago: Freshness

Two years ago: Hawkeye

Sputniks, Sweetheart

2011-01-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

If my home decor and past photographs are anything to go by, I think I have a thing for this type of starburst shape. Ran into a sudden wall of fog about half-way to work this morning and remained in same for hours. It burned off by mid morning, thank goodness.

One year ago: New Friend

Two years ago: More Fire in the Sky

Cracked

2011-01-23T16:24:00.001-08:00

It's been somewhat cooler today but the sun did manage to break through the fog. As I was taking a picture of the lichen, a covey of quail burst from the underbrush. They're fun to see.

One year ago: Bolbitius Vitellinus

Two years ago: Raindrops

Spring?

2011-01-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

We're currently sitting at 68 degrees. The sun is still shining. A great day to be out and about.

One year ago: Leafy Greens (and Yellows)

Two years ago: Waspish

Mushroom Forest

2011-01-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

One belted kingfisher greeted me soon after I started my walk. The patch of burned trees along the river has become a colony of shelf mushrooms. It was sunny and warm for this time of year.

One year ago: Puddle Jumper

Two years ago: Wisps

Foliage Folly

2011-01-20T22:05:00.000-08:00

Camera accidentally left at home and the missed shots were numerous. The full moon over the river slightly obscured by fog was amazing this morning. A sunny day otherwise.

One year ago: Break in the Clouds

Two years ago: A New Leaf

Petals Gone

2011-01-19T20:32:00.001-08:00

It was winter in the morning, spring by the end of the day. A strong wind from the north scrubbed the fog away by late afternoon. When I found myself outside unexpectedly early, I was able to take advantage of the sun.

One year ago: Deceptive

Two years ago: Gialli Holiday

It Must Be Tomorrow

2011-01-18T21:32:00.001-08:00

The sun came out for most of the day. The golf course geese were just as loud as yesterday. I scared some quail, as usual.

One year ago: Sprouting Nest

Two years ago: Confused

Spiderweb Chronicles

2011-01-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

The fog is still with us but it's much drippier today. It revealed the small spider webs clustered every foot or so in the weeds by the river. Maybe there will be some sun tomorrow.

One year ago: Great Blue Snail

Two years ago: Unsettled

Silver Lace

2011-01-16T16:15:00.001-08:00

Another day of fog that doesn't want to lift. More birds but fewer cyclists were out and about. It's a good day to make stew and sit by the fire.

One year ago: Red Ones

Two years ago: Little Apple

Eucalypt

2011-01-15T22:05:00.000-08:00

The fog never really lifted. Western blue birds, phoebes, and friends flew away from us. The river has gone way down.

One year ago: Medium

Two years ago: Lemon Rising

North

2011-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Several species of moss seem happy together on the north side of the wall. It was sunny again today. I didn't mind at all.

One year ago: Less Traveled By

Two years ago: Spectacular

Stark

2011-01-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

Showers through most of the day. Late afternoon brought a touch of sun. Warmer day that the last week or so.

One year ago: Almost Dark

Two years ago: Eye of the Day

The Underside

2011-01-12T22:09:00.001-08:00

Sunglasses were briefly in use on this glorious day. The moon is hanging half-full in the sky. And I'm all wound up.

One year ago: Flame

Two years ago: La Luna

One and One

2011-01-11T18:39:00.001-08:00

It has been a week of sad news. The overcast weather suits the mood. Red mushrooms offer pops of color.

One year ago: Fade to Red

Two years ago: Eventide

Strata

2011-01-10T18:42:00.001-08:00

Ice this morning but no fog. This evening's sunset was the most dramatic one of 2011 so far. And Jupiter's dance with the moon was not to be missed.

One year ago: Dew-Soaked Buds

Two years ago: All Bark (No Bite)

You Can't See Me

2011-01-09T15:06:00.001-08:00

Ah, the sun came out today. The squirrels were all rambunctious, except for this one who was hanging upside down soaking up some rays. He seemed not to know what to do other than stay very still when we walked by.

One year ago: Mystery Mushroom

Two years ago: Lesson Learned

Peace

2011-01-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

Still no sun today. For about a week the flowering quince have been doing their thing and some of the roses are still blooming even if they look a bit worse for the wear. So, we still have fresh color to gaze upon while we contemplate a world gone mad.

One year ago: Wasp's Nest

Two years ago: A Murder

Lamellae

2011-01-07T15:12:00.001-08:00

At this point, it doesn't look like the fog is going to lift today. We got out for a chilly walk. I stalked mushrooms with the camera.

One year ago: Gray

Two years ago: Rose Red

Wood Ducks

2011-01-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

Wood duck couples circled about on the opposite side of the pond from the four creepy cormorants. The ducks' whistling calls were the only sound in the fog. Sun never appeared.

One year ago: Tradition

Two years ago: Ghost of Flowers Past

Yellow Centered

2011-01-05T19:05:00.001-08:00

Less fog, more ice in the a.m. By afternoon the sun was high. At least one bee braved the cold.

One year ago: Give Peas a Chance

Two years ago: The Watcher in the Wood

Silvered Buds

2011-01-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Stolen moments of outdoor time are all I get some days. But, the sun was high and the air was cold. Just a short battle with fog this morning.

One year ago: LBMs

Two years ago: Coyote Creepy

Janu-merry

2011-01-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

I laughed to see the multitudes power-walking away their lunch hours to start the new year. I was out for my usual constitutional with photo op bonus. It was so wonderful to see the sun and be out in my favorite type of clear but cold day.

One year ago: Climacodon?

Two years ago: Winter on the River

Herbal

2011-01-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

The stupid neighborhood squirrels attacked my new herb planting as soon as my back was turned. Good thing that it continued to rain and the soil resettled. We'll see what the varmints do tomorrow.

One year ago: Stereum

Two years ago: Looking Up After Looking Down

Breaking Through the Clouds

2011-01-01T17:14:00.001-08:00

Here's to starting off a fresh year with hopes that it will prove better than the last. The day was rainy, gloomy, and cold. I hope that's only reflective of the weather.

One year ago: New Start

Two years ago: A New Year

The Landscape Therapist...

2010-11-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

hopes to return to normality and photography on January 1. Yes, that's next year. Until then, here's hoping the rest of 2010 doesn't leave any of us hanging upside down.

Lotsa Spots

2010-08-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

I think this is an Asian import, the Harmonia axyridis. Yes, it's a ladybug. Yes it's cute but it's also nonnative and drives native ladybugs out.

Green Guard

2010-08-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

Our resident mantis, if it's the same one, has gotten much bigger this summer. I'm a little concerned about the black spot on one of its legs. No eggplants have appeared but the plant should be pest free.

Cordial

2010-08-22T20:13:00.001-07:00

The weather was pretty much perfect today. Light breeze, blue sky, and comforting sun. I want more.

Xylocopa virginica?

2010-08-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

I saw these bees in the butterfly garden as well as all over any other flowers I happened upon. They seem hairier than a carpenter bee but I can't figure out what else they might be. So, until I learn otherwise, I'll think of them as Xylocopa virginica.

Stained Glass

2010-08-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

The butterfly garden lived up to its name. Primarily, monarchs were taking advantage of the floral offerings. There were lots of big, fat bees too.

Eastern Cousin

2010-08-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here's an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail that I snapped just before a thunder shower began. I wish I could have gotten some better pictures so I could compare it with its cousins in the West. Next trip, perhaps.

Curvature

2010-08-10T20:10:00.000-07:00

As I peered down it was hard to find any spot on the ground that looked untouched by humans. That made me a bit sad. Great views helped cheer me up.

Juvies

2010-08-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

Harlequin bugs are infesting all of the mustard weeds along the river. It's interesting how different the patterns are on the juveniles as compared to the adults. Despite the bugs, the day was gorgeous, cooler and breezy and it was great to get out for a walk.

Blue Whale

2010-08-06T23:36:00.000-07:00

Besides the blue whale (whose tail fluke was 20 feet wide!), we saw a couple of humpbacks. And then there were the Risso's Dolphins and the Dall's Porpoises (not to mention the black-footed albatross). What an awesome experience.

Fairy Tales

2010-07-11T17:07:00.001-07:00

There's a small dragonfly in silhouette under one of the leaves (click the picture to make it bigger). Or maybe it's a fairy? Why not.

Mantis Egg Case

2010-07-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

I wonder how long until the baby mantises hatch. They're above a window so they don't blend in particularly well. Makes it easier for me.

Muscovy

2010-07-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

We saw what I think is a Muscovy duck while we were standing on the bridge gazing into the water below. It seemed to be caught in the current and made very little headway. The temperature is soaring once again.

More Where that Came From

2010-07-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

We picked our first ripe, non-cherry tomato on the 6th of July this year. Now that we're having consistently hot temperatures, we should have a lot more ripening. The joys of a warm, fresh-picked tomato cannot be overestimated.

Cabbageworms A-Comin' Soon

2010-07-07T21:50:00.001-07:00

And then it caught a bee...

2010-07-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Not only does the flowering oregano attract bees, it also attracts bee predators. This two-inch long praying mantis was hanging out waiting for dinner. A honeybee was the meal.

Pointy

2010-07-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

As one might suspect, my garden has many pollinator-friendly flowers. The bees don't mind crawling around on the echinacea even though the centers are rather sharp. And, here's a gratuitous shot of green tomatoes in the background.

Starbursts

2010-07-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Bonsai

2010-07-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Still More

2010-07-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

Green Day

2010-07-01T20:40:00.000-07:00