A Quaint Scene

Built in 1850, this cabin is what some sources believe to be the first known home in our county.  Of course, it has been restored and moved to a city park where the local Master Gardeners constructed a charming flower bed to adorn the structure.  A gem nestled among mature trees, park shelters and concrete that I unexpectedly stumbled upon while hoping to get some interesting shots of more 'modern' subjects.

American White Pelicans

This photo was taken during a float on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming at the base of Grand Teton National Park.  And, in case you forgot or never learned this limerick regarding a pelican, here it is:

"A wonderful bird is the pelican,
His mouth can hold more than his belly can,
He can hold in his beak,
Enough food for a week.
I'm damned if I know how the hell he can!"

--Dixon Lanier Merritt

West Yellowstone, MT

 

Located about 500 feet from the west entrance to the national park in a Rocky Mountain valley is the town of West Yellowstone, Montana.  Earlier this summer, prior to entering the park, we spent a few hours here, and perhaps you saw my post in July that featured painted bison statues also from this place.  Today's photos include a street-side view of the town as well as some of the rescued bears, wolves and raptors that are now residents of West Yellowstone as they reside in the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.  Regarding the grizzlies, for example, each has its own story but the common thread is that they all live at this shelter because they were either identified as 'nuisance bears' or were orphaned cubs of a nuisance bear.  And, for these bears, they would likely be destroyed because they learned to get food from people, to damage property to get food and/or to become aggressive to humans.  If you happen to visit this area be sure to stop for a tour, get an up-close view of these amazing animals and learn about the role each plays in the Yellowstone ecosystem.

 

Gorgeous Greens

 

These photos depict the simple beauty of the world around us with the many shades of green plus numerous textures and shapes.  The photo above I happened to take just 'for practice' but really liked the finished product as, just from looking at the image, I can feel the needles on the trees and the wind blowing the branches above.  The picture below is some type of variegated ornamental grass that is striking with its strips of white and long, wispy blades. 

 

Ag Art

Today's post features another simple subject, a hay rake, that I photographed while taking pictures of some farm equipment.  Although I don't spend a lot of time on the farm, I must admit some of my favorite shots have been of things related to agriculture.  And, just like I mentioned a couple days ago, when I have a decent image often I enhance the original and create some variation that is equally as interesting. 

 

Birthday Boy

 

Today's post features some photos of a special little boy whose birthday is today.  Be sure to notice the cake that his maternal grandmother made as it is adorned with backhoes, dump trucks and crushed sandwich cookies that mimic dirt!  Wow!  That was so creative as well as delicious!  Obviously, this little nephew loves all sorts of machinery and heavy equipment; hence, the blue tractor we gave to him was a big hit.  May his birthday be as terrific as he is.

Orange Swirl: Before & After

 

Sometimes a simple subject, like this variety of impatiens, can provide a great foundation for a unique image after some creative editing.  Sure, the flower's blossom is pretty but the final product gives a soft, dreamy look that might complement the decor in your favorite room.  In addition to taking photos, I love enhancing the original picture and creating something new and intriguing.