Walking with Monkey in Spring

A fine spring is good for everybody. ~Russian proverb

I Monkey here.

Back-to-back posts from me within a week’s time? Yes, indeed. Count yourselves lucky, people, that Mama is busy with stuff and lets me use her computer!

Saturday dawned sunny and mild, so I Monkey badgered Mama until she agreed to take me for a nice stroll. Join us as we look at some of the Spring-stuff. Continue reading

Central Illinois Spring

Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb

I’m up to my ears in web design projects right now, but I figured if I didn’t get these Spring photos posted, it might be Summer before I come up for a deep breath!

We’ve been fighting our share of wind, rain, and coolish temperatures, but Mother Nature knows it’s time to put on her striking glory. See if you don’t agree:

Not sure but I think this might be a magnolia. Yes, we have them here! This one was in a little park outside of the business district.

Continue reading

Signs of Fall

Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night; and thus he would never know the rhythms that are at the heart of life. ~Hal Borland

Is it Fall yet?

How can you tell?

Oh, sure, the days are shorter, the crickets chirp a steady symphony all night long, the kids are back in school, football season is upon us, flannel shirts are showing up on store shelves.

But is that enough? Don’t you want more proof?

Continue reading

My Camera Loves Spring

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.”
― Bern Williams

Is anybody tired of Spring photos? Can we ever get enough of the beauty of this season, with its new beginnings, its promises, color and warmth?

Today is gray and gloomy. Rain showers and possible thunderstorms are rolling around, and I for one need a reminder of prettier days past. Join me, won’t you?

Looks like some sort of crocus

Looks like some sort of crocus

Solitary pink tulip

Solitary pink tulip

White dogwood against a blue sky

White dogwood against a blue sky

Fence row of colorful tulips

Fence row of colorful tulips

Pink flowering tree

Pink flowering tree

Purple and yellow tulips tower over white flox

Purple and yellow tulips tower over white flox

Pink dogwood

Pink dogwood

Azalea in bloom

Azalea in bloom

There, now, don’t you feel better? I know I do!

Fall Prepares to Leave

The bottom is supposed to drop out, temperature-wise, this weekend, so I decided I’d get some late autumn photos before nothing is left but sticks!

This sugar maple is decked out in reds and yellows

What says “Autumn” more than a yellow Chrysanthemum?

This Dogwood has all sorts of pretty colors, from shades of gold to crimson and bronze

I don’t remember my Crepe Myrtle turning this pretty last year!

Ooh, looks like somebody’s going to have to do some raking!

This miniature Japanese Maple is a profusion of brilliant red leaves

Even sidewalks get into the act — some feature leaves so deep you can really swoosh through them!

Here’s another yard just begging for a rake

In a sea of reds and yellows, this purple mum truly stands out — I like to think it knows how special it is!

Has Autumn been spectacular in your neck of the woods, too?

Note: So far, nobody has correctly guessed my Darling Doggie’s name! But you still have until 6 p.m. CDT on Sunday the 28th to guess. If nobody comes up with a correct answer by then, we’ll just have to toss all the names into a hat and draw one out — I’ll announce the winner on Monday the 29th (and make arrangements for shipping the earrings to them). Thanks to everybody who played along!

Happy Easter!

I’ve got a case of the lazies right now (let’s just call it Spring Fever!). It’s hard to be inside working when the sunshine is calling, birds are chirping, and nature beckons.

Anyway, with Domer home for a short spell and all the church obligations I need to participate in over the weekend, I decided I’d take the easy way out and post some spring pictures. You enjoy pretty pictures now and then, don’t you?

Here’s hoping everyone has a beautiful Easter!

Pair of pink tulips

I think this is a rhododendron

No clue what this is, but it's a mass of lilac-colored blooms!

Pink azalea

Dogwood blossoms