"Happy as a Frog"

While out on a nature hike recently I was walking along side of this shallow stream filled with rocks, a lot of them covered in moss. I then spotted a beautiful tuft of healthy green grass growing on a larger rock. I felt that if would make a nice image. Only after getting back home and putting everything on the computer did I notice this little frog sitting happily on the left side of the tuft of grass. The frog was just like a little bonus to what I feel is a lovely place to gaze upon. Please click to enlarge!

"The Red Doors"

Ok, I know this is a total change of gears here from my usual nature images, but I have driven past this old firehouse many times. I am always in a rush to get somewhere else. Well a couple of days ago, I was still in a rush but made a split decision to stop, get out of my car, and take a few shots. This is one of many. I liked this one really well though because it showed off the bright red doors, the numbers above them, the old windows, and the gorgeous English Ivy growing along the left side of the building. It looks like a trip back in time to me, when I see it. I hope you get the same feeling!

Colors in the Garden

 This little guy was just enjoying himself on this Cutleaf Coneflower. He didn't seem to be bothered by me at all.

 I kept seeing this pretty colored flower type plant everywhere. Especially near ponds. I finally found out that it's called Jon Pye weed. Butterflies seem to love it!

Finally this little lady was just basking in the sun. The sky was as blue as can be, and the colors of all the flowers were out in full glory.

"Keep Hanging On"

This is one of many gourds that are hanging from the vines on a huge canopy in the garden. This one is light green, but after I took this shot I saw many more of different colors. The leaves are so big I didn't see them at first. Nowadays we think of gourds as just ornamental objects of Autumn, but for hundreds, or maybe thousands of years they had many more uses, especially that of eating and drinking utensils.

"The Green Lantern"

These green colored Lanterns will be turning a lovely shade of orange soon. Another sign of summer coming to an end. I hope to be able to catch them during their different stages till they turn orange. This image was taken at a garden that has just about every plant, flower, and vegetable growing in it. I have some nice Gourd photos from there that I'll post later.

Double Decker

Well it looks like our Hibiscus blooms will soon start to fade, they were blooming in full force a couple of days ago when I shot this, but our temperatures have taken a great dive now, so I'm not sure how they'll be affected. I've certainly enjoyed them this summer. I have so many images from hibiscus of every color.
   When the long winter days set in I can always look back at the lovely blooms. As for now though after the gorgeous colors of summer start to fade, I can look forward to the even more beautiful colors of Autumn. Enjoy these beauties while you can!

"Splash"

This evening my son and I were out on a 2 hour nature walk. When we came to this pond he kept searching for smooth flat stones to skip. Well, he wasn't able to find any like that, but he did make a few big splashes in the water with larger stones. I caught the ripple effect after one of his throws. Splash!

"You're Benched"

When I came across this iron bench, the first thing I noticed was the shadow underneath. Since I really love shadows that made this image a must for me. The bench is located high above a walking trail, and pond area. There is a lovely view from there. I decided to this one monochrome to bring out the shadows more.