THE BURROS

Whoa!! Someone had waaayyy too much to eat!

I spotted these two burros one day on the way up to Coos Bay. We take Seven Devil's
Road and there's a little fence that can be seen from the road. Ever since I saw them, months ago
I've always looked again, hoping they'd be out and I could take some photos of
them. Well, this morning I saw them right up close to the fence! But, as luck would
have it, we had an appointment to keep and didn't want to take the time that my husband
knows I would take, to photograph them.......after all, I do have to have a little chat and
pat with them! I had very little hope they'd be visible again on our way home, but, they were and
even though they weren't up close to the fence, I'd still be able to use my telephoto
and get some decent shots in. But as soon as I walked up they started coming in my
direction. Friendliest little guys!! Curious about the 'thing' around my neck that was
making such odd clicking noises, so I let them sniff the side of it (Norm yelling in the
background "Don't let them get the lens with their noses!!") But, aren't they so cute??
I just wanted to take them home with me. Sigh-sigh. Oh well............

STONES

For some odd reason I've always been attracted to various stones...or rocks.
Any trip abroad I've made always includes bringing some kind of "earth-ware"
home with me in my suitcase. One year it was some pumice from
Vesuvius found in Pompeii..... another favorite was a plain ole' ordinary gray & white rock that a
native Chinese man (meaning-he wasn't wearing too much!)
gave me as he paddled out boat up the Shanang River....I'm just always picking
up different rocks or feathers.......But the colors that were part of a lovely stepping stone
through a friend's garden really caught my eye yesterday. I still can't tell
whether that's the sky and trees reflecting in the green stone or it's just the
stone's unique markings. Whatever it is, I really like this photo.

BLACKBERRY BUTTERFLY

I was picking some blackberries yesterday and noticed a couple of these
little guys flitting around. I did happen to have my camera within reaching
distance and took advantage of one of the butterfly's time-outs. Pretty
little things, don't you think?

SEAL-COUNT

OK boys and girls.......time for a little game of 'how-many-seals-do-you-find?'
I counted 24. They aren't all that easy to spot....at least not with my eye-sight.
Many of them seem to just blend right into the rocks. So.....Start counting!!

HEADLANDS WILD FLOWER

Another couple of indications of the soon-to-arrive autumn.....a dried wild
parsnip on the top photo is surrounded by late summer grasses. And of course,
the purple thistle. That hits the 'ouch-factor' for anyone who's ever tried to
pick one with their bare hands. Better to admire from a distance, hmmm?

COAST GUARD STATION

These two photos were taken up at the Headlands park of one of the
old buildings up there. I think it's the shop but whatever the building
it is has a wonderful sense of grace and history. Notice the reflection in
the window on the second photo. Anyone who doesn't live on the south
coast of Oregon, would really make it worth their while to stop and take
a walk on the beautifully maintained trail up at the Heads.....see the
Coast Guard museum.....the beautifully restored boat and just breathe
in the wonderful fresh
air.

WALK ON THE HEADS

This morning I went hiking up on the heads with a new photo buddy.
This little guy landed in our path and with cameras poised, we shot.
I was hoping he'd open up his wings and show his beautiful colors, but
he was feeling shy today and flew away too soon. Still, I think this photo
reminds me of the coming fall season with the lovely warm colors. I did
doctor this photo a bit so as to have the butterfly stand out a little more.
Autumn is my favorite season.......a time for nesting, getting ready to hibernate
and become more quiet

HIDDEN

I'd forgotten I even had this little bit of statuary. I re-discovered it
behind an overgrown weigelia bush. I like the soft, warm look of this photo.
It will remind me of the one, and possibly only, evening this summer
that was warm.

ASTROLABE

Guess I need to do a little sweeping down out on our deck....
But before I do, I think I'll admire some spider's handiwork
for awhile.

AUGUST HOLLYHOCK

Hollyhock does very well at our place with the stalks growing up to 12 feet tall at times.
Last night I went out to take a few shots after dinner and this group shows the
continuation of the life of the flower. The bud, soon to be reaching it's fulfillment,
the bloom at it's apex, and the drying seed pods from this summer's flower,
that will be next springs new plant. Then, there's the deceiving fragile look of the
flower itself. It bends in the wind, thrives in not-so-wonderful soil and cheers the
soul with it's happy, bouncy way.

THE BUD

Earlier this summer we looked and waited impatiently for this fushia bud to
open.......and finally, it popped out..... in all it's glory!! A beautiful little faerie dancer! Tomorrow I'll post the results.
In the meantime, enjoy this sweet and simple little photo with me. I read somewhere,
years ago, that the first blossom of spring is more favored than the last rose of summer.
How true.

THUMBS UP

This is the right hand of a chimp I saw not too long ago.

The chimp, himself, rather hurt my heart to look at....not

a happy picture. It felt safer, feeling-wise, to take the

photo of his hand. And it is an interesting comparison to

our own, isn't it?In our everyday non-verbal language

a 'thumbs-up' is a sign that everything is OK.....great! I

really can't say that this was the message I felt this ape was

conveying though. A bit of a dichotomy.

WINCHESTER BAY

This photo was taken on a rainy and dreary day. Somehow you forget that
when you look at the bright colors. I think if it was a sunny day, the effect
might not have been as appealing to my eye. Winchester Bay is a picturesque spot
with a lot of fun shops. We used to have a boat that was docked there and
there was always something going on....especially with the waterlife. I didn't carry
a camera with me then as I do now. So, those would-have-been great shots will
have to be held only in my memory.......where they undoubtedly become more than
fantastic with time.

PORT ORFORD MISTS

We've had so much fog this summer! Figured I just might as well make good
use of it. Solid sunshine, day after day, can be such a bore, don't you think?
The swirls of fog rolling in and out, around, down and under, can really be
quietly beautiful. Think "Mists Of Avalon" or "Anne of Green Gables"..........

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Here are a couple of photos showing a few of the tools of the trade from the
very popular Lavender Wand workshop for the kids.....(and Moms!). The
entire room smelled so wonderful......quite a bit different from the Felting
class that was held a few months back!

REALLY, REALLY HAVING FUN!!

OK.....in keeping with the previous post, you can see
what great fun all the kids were having clowning
around...... Rio with her head thrown back in blurry hilarity, and
of course, Harry and his friend doing whatever boys
do. And the pretty blond girl in the middle, just sort of saying
"Aren't they silly?"

Yep......but only in the cutest way!

FUN TIME

OK.....these aren't great photos but it's time for some fun!!
First a warriors lavender wand-sword fight for the men.
And the ladies can't be outdone! The delicate but sturdy
lavender stems and fragrant blooms hang in there through
"thick and thin"

ELAINE

Yes, she really is this pretty! Nothing done except some cropping. Elaine has
helped me so much in giving me the opportunity to photograph all these
beautiful children you see. She is president of the Port Orford Art's Council and
a fantastic artist as well as a good friend.