Green Day

I ran away a week or so ago to see what could be seen and capture what could be captured. Heading west toward favorite wild areas and Wilson Dam, I enjoyed several days of isolated bliss snapping photos of a variety of things. Upon arriving back to the City House and downloading my gems I discovered most of my favorite shots were of things green. The old Eastern Red Cedar above was a first favorite years ago when it was immortalized by my Sony Cybershot 5.0 digital camera. Comparing the two shots should be fun.

Green grasses protect the Canada Geese at Joe Wheeler State Park.

Green trees and green shrubs hug the bank along greenish waters.

A green trail beckons.

Green moss glows along the riverside.

Green moss accentuates a shoreline rock.

A dead tree cascading over a cliff side adorned with greenery.

Back home again, the shagbark hickory's green leaves are beginning to turn gold, catching fire in the sunset. This is the beginning of the Golden Tree Hour at our lake house. Cheers, everyone.

February 28, 2008

Back when the Subaru was running well and could be trusted to take me there and back again without incident, I found this dirt road leading to a pond. I'd seen an egret, so my thought was to sneak up on the creature and capture him (or her) for posterity. The egret wasn't having it and flew away upon my noisy arrival. However, this gaggle of Canada Geese had been, oh...I dunno...sunbathing? They popped up their heads, which waved about atop their long necks like snakes. It was such a funny moment. I barely got this shot through the windshield before they began rising and waddling toward the water. It was a simple pleasure that made me laugh all by myself.

Road Trip - Montgomery's Birds

Gentle readers I must share my bird friends from Montgomery. First, the stately and elegant egret encountered at the Montgomery Museum of Art. This particular egret was extraordinarily used to people and allowed me to get quite close. A family with bags of bread kept him nearby and focused, allowing some nice shots including a lovely portrait.


My hotel faced a small man-made lake, punctuated at the center with a tall exclamation point of a fountain. The lake was healthy and popular, as evidenced by the presence of several varieties of ducks and the ubiquitious Canada Geese. I was delighted that a family of 5 were constant residents. I watched them over coffee in the morning and wine in the evening, enjoying the peaceful and tranquil sight. The parent's protective posturing was constant as they kept the three goslings close by, usually in between the two of them. They were a joy to watch, but I was careful to keep my distance so that Mr. Goose wouldn't become alarmed and give chase.

A sunset swim.

Finally, I'd seen flitting amid the cattails and grasses a little green heron, but was never able to capture him digitally. Loading up the car I hear all the birds sounding alarms and the little green heron is perched on a wire above the parking lot. Odd, that. Herons are ones to perch in such a manner. The reason becomes clear - a cat walking about underneath is causing quite a stir. Thanks cat - I got my photo.

So that's it. The birds of Montgomery, or those I spied anyway. The ones that gave me pleasure and added to the texture of the trip.

Road Trip - Montgomery

My daughter attended a leadership conference in Montgomery last week and through the weekend, representing her school among 150 other delegates doing likewise. She had a ball, learned a lot and made a great many new friends. Moreover, the experience opened her eyes to the future and changed her forever.

She had to stay on the Auburn University in Montgomery campus, so The Mama got to stay in a hotel. All. By. Herself. The hotel was new and located right smack dab in the middle of the exclusive EastChase shopping area. There was a fitness room, a pool, business center and great shopping and restaurants nearby. The suite had a separate living room with kitchenette, and a bedroom with two queen-sized beds that were THE most luxurious and comfortable beds I've ever, EVER slept in. I wanted to take one home. Actually, I didn't want to leave.

I decided to read and rest, pamper myself, and simply visit nearby gardens and museums. The first was Blount Cultural Park, which are the photos you see here. "Uniting art and nature which fosters education and the preservation of open space." This park was calling my name.

Driving in through curling roadways and gently rolling green hills dotted with trees and walking trails, this bridge, "Thunderhouse" and viewing deck, above, was the first sight that greeted me. "Thunderhouse," is named such as it provide shelter during the odd "pop-up" thunderstorms that are common.

Standing on the observation deck, this is what you see. There were Canada Geese in abundance, and many had babies in tow. There were many areas I wish I'd seen but didn't. The heat was pretty intense, and I wasn't acclimated to it. Still, this lush green park instilled within me a peace deep in my soul.

I was drawn to Shakespeare's Garden, which is located next to the Alabama Shakespeare Festival building. The bronze sculpture, above, is one of my favorite titled "The Puddlejumpers."

Lovely bench in Shakespeare's Garden where I rested and pondered.

These trees lined the paths within the garden. I thought they were sycamores, but can't find a sycamore listed on their website. More research must be done and I'll update this post when I discover what it is. Anyone know?

The lighted amphitheatre is the center for outdoor musicals, plays, concerts and lectures, in addition to being a prime location for weddings and receptions.

I visited the Museum of Art as well, but of course no photos were allowed. However, I was serenaded by two cute teenage guys who were playing guitars by the waterfall, entertained by children feeding the egrets and Canada Geese, and amused by the little goslings following their mom and dad around.

Getting away by yourself is good for one's mind. At first I felt a little lost, but the first moment I spent sitting by the pool dangling my feet in the water, a glass of wine at my side, I felt a wave of tranquility. I'll post more later.