Sky Watch Friday - Reflections at dusk

The tinted widows of the van make for good mirrors. I took these shots at dusk two weeks ago and they give an almost 180 degree view from our driveway of the trees in the neighborhood. Notice how little the leaves had come out then and compare to the maple on this Tuesday. And as a bonus you get me and my camera in the last photo.

Window Views - Window effect

Enlarge this one and examine the straight lines of the pole and curb on the other side of the street The distortion is not the camera or PhotoShop, it is the window itself. The hair salon that Marianne patronizes moved to an old house a few months ago and while waiting for her Tuesday, I notice the ripples in the glass of the windows and the interesting effect they caused. So I got my camera from the car and took this shot to share with you this week.

My World Tuesday - spring has sprung

After starting to feel like spring out side then NOT, we jumped straight to June with temperatures in the 90's this weekend.

Over the past week our cherry trees went to full bloom;

the dogwood blooms opened wide;

the lilacs bloomed;

the oak trees showed some green;

and dropped pollen over everything below!

PhotoHunt - Protection for my lens

This cover protects my lens when I'm not photographing subjects for my blog.

Sky Watch Friday - Stormy weather

Last Saturday was very much a spring day - blue sky, wispy clouds and warm!

Tuesday brought 2 inches of rain and the tail end of a rainbow.

Followed on Wednesday with clearing skys and a nice sunset.

Window Views - My window to the world

This is a view of my office and the window through which I view the world outside. I have occasionally posted under the theme "Rear Window View" on my Lew's pics blog. So when I saw Mary's invitation for a "Window Views" meme, I quickly joined. I also enjoy photographing buildings and houses, including architectural details. This week my view is inside looking out, though I expect in the future to be viewing windows from the outside. Mary/theTeach is the creator and host of this meme. To join in or see other views, go to Window Views.

Morning sun and clouds - April 22, 2009

After the rain - March 29, 2009

My World Tuesday - Construction

Construction has continued around Frederick, even with the economic slow down in the US. This condo building is going up in a parking lot next to the old train station (green roof building). The center of down town is one block north (exit left of picture) and one block west. Carroll Creek Park is on the other side of the Delaplaine Art Center (red brick building). Within a few blocks are office buildings, courthouse, restaurants, shopping and the new train station. Across the street work has begun on the Frederick County Public Schools new office building. And in the same area, one old building is being renovated for new uses. At other sites around Frederick, work is continuing, though at a few construction seems to have stopped.

Condo Building

New School office site

Renovation

PhotoHunt - Purple flowers

Crocus in our yard in March; grape hyacinths in our yard last Sunday;

and this ground cover in Carroll Creek Park Thursday.

Sky Watch Friday - Today and before

Sun behind clouds April 8

Wet birds in the tree top, April 11

Moonrise. April 11

For a great view of the full moon on April 9 (my photo was taken April 11), see this image from Nice, France.

Crane in the sky, April 16

Frederick City skyline, April 16

My World Thursday - Spring is here!

The sun is out, the grass is green;

the cherry blossoms are showing some color;

the dogwood buds have opened;

and the maple leaves are showing!

My World Tuesday - Frederick blooming

Today started out cold at out house with ice on the bushes and this weeping maple that is just starting to open its leaf buds.

But around the City of Frederick trees are blooming. Two shots from the south side of town. Looking north on Market Street (above) and this perfectly pink weeping specimen around the corner.

And two on the north side. This tree got a trim last year, but is showing some blooms and another tree lined street.

PhotoHunt - Triangles

You may be wondering what these trianges are doing on this building.

It's all in the name!

And a few triangles on my work bench.

Sky Watch Friday - Changing skies

11:45 AM Looking east

Last Friday started with (link to Apr 4) rain. By noon it was bright with sun peeking through the clouds and patches of blue.

11:46 AM Looking southeast

6:03 PM Looking south

Around 6:00 PM the clouds thickened and went rolling by.

6:04 PM Looking southwest

6:05 PM Looking southwest

6:06 PM Looking west