Refreshment

White zinfandel- my favorite!

Railing

132 balusters. That's how many there are on our newly-painted railing of our deck. The last time it was painted was about 6 years ago... and I obviously had a lot more energy! The railing looks fantastic. Wish I could say the same for myself!

Yellow Lily

Planted some lilies very late this year. I was thrilled when they began blooming today!

Suds

So file this under "practice makes....". Well, admittedly this shot is far from perfect, however it is an improvement upon "suds session #1" this morning- a serendipitous moment of washing dishes, followed by "oh, that would be a cool photo"! Maybe if I'd had better lighting, or focus, or whatever didn't work. Session #2 was done after dark with a dark background. Again, although it's not perfect, I think it's kind of funky!

What Am I?

Found this critter in my garage this morning caught in a spider's web. I took pity and decided to free him. (He actually hissed at me.) But he was the most bizarre-looking insect I've seen in a while! About an inch long, and his antennae were easily twice as long as his body, with little joints along the length of each one, making it possible for him to flex them like appendages. Kind of freaked me out a little! An hour later after he'd disappeared, I began to wonder if he was some type of invasive, destructive species. I might just send his "portrait" to the Forest Service to be sure! Anybody out there know what this creepy critter is?

Grass

I love the jungle green shade of newly planted grass. My husband has several of these patches in the back yard, trying to cover up erosion from heavy rains this spring and summer. We hope they remain!

Fern

Humidity and occasional showers are back. As much as I dislike them, they give the plants a tropical look!

Dandy

My apologies for yet another flower shot. They are just so plentiful this time of year, not to mention colorful!

Quartz and Mica

I found this rock glistening in my dirt driveway earlier this week. The quartz and mica gave off considerable "bling" as I walked by. Was intrigued at how it reflected off this glass tabletop.

Pink

No clue what this pretty pink flower is, but it has appeared in my garden. Lovely!

Japanese Beetle

The Japanese beetles have arrived. They've wreaked havoc on my poor blueberry bush here. Colorful little critters. But destructive.

Chilling In The Window

It's been a few weeks since the last Graham-pic. Cooler, drier air has finally filtered down from Canada (thank you, Canadian friends). One of Graham's favorite evening activities is to sit in the window, look about the yard, and take in the cool breezes. The tough life of a cat!

iPod

iPod in B & W. Not much else to say.

Lake Sunset

Okay, so this is slightly "cheating". Unfortunately, of all the photos I took last night and today at the lake, these two were my favorites, and (technically) taken last night. Couldn't resist the at- and after-sunset shades in the sky. This place is and always will be my "happy place"!

Morning Potatoes

Back at the lake for a work weekend and tenting out. This morning tried out potatoes and southwestern eggs. YUM!

Queen Anne's Lace

Queen's Anne's Lace always looks so elegant...hence its name!

Stained Glass Light

A few years ago (before the house painting) we renovated our kitchen. My husband installed this stained glass light over the sink. I really love the iridescent shades that stained glass gives off, as well as the patterns around the bottom rim.

Paintbrush

The house painting continues. Almost halfway done... but it's still going to be a while before it's done.

Moooooo.....

I collect all things cow. A student from years ago gave me this cow mobile as a gift. Still enjoy watching them float about in bovine bliss!

Iced Tea

Thanks to the suggestion from the Daily Shoot- 2010/07/21: It's summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Make a photo of a cool, refreshing drink. Go for something creative. #ds248. No problem! Has to be a cold glass of iced tea!