Category: Nature

Are Ferns Flowers?

No, but you probably already knew that. Ferns are nonflowering plants that reproduce by spores; flowers are plants that reproduce through seeds. But to me they are just as beautiful. I see them regularly in the damp woods of the Pacific Northwest, these from… Continue Reading “Are Ferns Flowers?”

Shadows and Reflections in the Woods

It’s hard for me to tell which is which, but I think I found both – shadows and reflections – on yesterday’s walk in the woods. It was a new trail to us, a boardwalk, through a bog – West Hylebos Wetlands Park in… Continue Reading “Shadows and Reflections in the Woods”

Color before the Storm

It’s raining heavily now, and more rain is in the forecast. Fall’s stormy weather is upon us. But earlier this week I returned to Coulon Park for a final look at the color on its famous boulevard. Nearer to the lake, there were other… Continue Reading “Color before the Storm”

Favorite Fall Florals

Not this year’s garden. I didn’t plant any new fall flowers, and previous promised perennials don’t always come back; their high prices mean I sometimes hold a grudge. Still, they live on in my archives, especially this favorite: Kismet Orange Coneflower. I really should… Continue Reading “Favorite Fall Florals”

The Salmon are back! Spawning in the Cedar River

It’s been a long, long journey for these sockeye salmon, but they have returned at last to their spawning grounds in the Cedar River. Not the greatest video but stick it out to the end to see the female lay her eggs. I love… Continue Reading “The Salmon are back! Spawning in the Cedar River”

Back by Popular Demand – Fall Color at Coulon Park

They come from far and wide to see the trees in glory. At Gene Coulon Memorial Park in Renton. ~ Susanne

Taking the Scenic Route – Turquoise and Gold in the North Cascades

“Is the Park open?” (“You’re in it now,” I thought to myself, “just open your eyes.”) But I understand. There’s a government shutdown, after all. And North Cascades National Park is different from the others. No fanfare. Just mountains. And a river. And creeks.… Continue Reading “Taking the Scenic Route – Turquoise and Gold in the North Cascades”

Celebrating Animals in the Air, on Land, and Sea

Hooray for animals! Terri at #Sunday Stills reminded me that October 4th was World Animal Day. “World Animal Day is an International Day of Action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4th, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.” Wikipedia Okay, honestly,… Continue Reading “Celebrating Animals in the Air, on Land, and Sea”

Welcome October!

We were walking in a park near our home today when a dozen *eagles came from nowhere and soared overhead, on a mission to somewhere. The most I’ve seen in the sky at once – though I couldn’t capture them all on my phone… Continue Reading “Welcome October!”

More Postcards from the Big Island

I’ll keep words to a minimum in the spirit of a postcard, but I’m delighted to share more pictures from our Hawaii adventures! Waipio Overlook Little cutie on the trail to Akaka Falls Akaka Falls 442 ft Kilauea Volcano, in between eruptions Chain of… Continue Reading “More Postcards from the Big Island”