Return to me

"Stained Glass" (Clematis viticella 'Venosa violacea' aka Stargazer Clematis), Nikon D300, 105mm, F/5, 1/200s, -1.0EV, ISO 400, SB800 w/Gary Fong Lightsphere Cloud, -1.0EV

I didn’t think I’d see my Stargazer Clematis bloom this year since the vines, which typically flower in summer, were cut at the base by a critter in early June. Nothing more disappointing than seeing a thriving plant, covered in buds, suddenly wilt and die!

But knowing clematis is resilient, I made a clean cut below the chewed area and removed all the dying material. And then, I waited.

And waited. And waited.

When I noticed the two buds mid-September, I prayed the weather would hold out long enough for them to bloom. We’ve had some unseasonally cold temps, followed by unseasonably hot temps, so it could go either way.

This week, the buds opened! Yay! 🙂

A vacation in my mind

Looking at this dahlia, I wish I was on the tropical island of Bora Bora, toes in the sand, sipping a fruity drink and relaxing to the sounds of the ocean…

"Island Girl" (Cactus Dahlia 'Bora Bora') Nikon D300, 105mm macro, F/8, 1/200s, ISO 640

Road Trip

Took a ride out to Russell Orchards in Ipswich to enjoy the gorgeous summer-like weather (and to pick up some of their yummy cider donuts hot off the fryer!) The resident greeter feline was slacking off a bit, soaking up the late afternoon rays and ignoring all the attention from passers-by.

“That’s My Name” (Russell Orchards’ Resident Orange Tabby), Nikon D300, 105mm, F14, 1/500s, ISO 400, SB900 w/Gary Fong Lightsphere Cloud, -3.0EV

Several people took photos of the sleeping cat, but I can guarantee, none got this shot! 🙂

A day of rest?

Well, not really as I had to do some unexpected client work due to my own screw up. Grrr!

But, for Project 365, it is sort of a day of rest as I captured this image late yesterday, after unloading all our gear (tent, table, artwork, etc.) from the Lexington art show. When I went out to the backyard to grab the chaise lounge cushions (knowing it was going to rain all day today), I noticed the early evening light striking a newly-opened pink hardy hibiscus blossom. And as tired as I was, I schlepped back to the house to retrieve a camera. (I didn’t even look at the images until just now).

"Pink Pinwheel" (Hardy Hibiscus) Nikon D300, 70mm, F/8, 1/80s, -1.0EV, ISO 640

With the weather being oh-so-dreadfully-rainy today, I am so glad I did! 🙂