Sky Watch - Skies this week

Sunday - Evening fog

Tuesday - A few morning clouds

Wednesday - Blue sky and clouds

Thursday morning - nothing but blue

Window Views - Then and now

The view through my office window on February 7 (after our second big snow) and April 27. A major part of our weeping maple collapsed under the load.

My World - Spring planting

Spring planting has come to the field behind our house the past three weeks. First there was a little barn cleaning and application of natural fertilizer. Then the earth was tilled and seeds were planted. Finally, the weather cooperated this weekend and dropped some nice rain (along with a little night light show with acoustics!).

Geometry - Squares

A few of the square objects that we use.

To see more geometry, go to Katney's Kaboodle.

Sky Watch - Evening skies

A few sky images from March 24 as the sun set.

White streak

Smoke Clouds

Window Views - Wedding window

On my way home last Sunday, a 1947 Rolls Royce pulled along side at a stop light. It was an older model, very shiny, with a stately gentleman driver on the right side. I got this shot as he pulled away from the light and then followed him a short distance before I turned to go home. Lasting Impressions is a company in Westminster, MD that provides limousine and DJ service.

My World - Flowers and wind

Spring has arrived in spurts in our yard - some 90 degree days and some 40 degree days, with a few "spring" days thrown in. We cut the lilacs back last year so there are no a lot of blooms, but the ones we have are gorgeous. The cherry trees bloomed while we were in SC and the wind this weekend blew many of them off the trees.

Cherry blossoms in grass and driveway

Our yellow daffodils near the house bloom very early. These under the lilacs come along a month later.

PhotoHunt - Covered walkway

Next to the Visitor Center at the Riverbanks Walled Garden there is a trellis over the walkway. It looks like soon this will be a vine covered walk.

Sky Watch - Blue, gray, blue

The sky over the Walled Garden in SC was clear blue, so I caught a little water shooting up from the fountain. Back home a storm passed through dropping a little rain and then our dogwood blossoms against a blue and white background.

Window Views - Riverbanks Gardens

Windows of the Riverbanks Batonical Gardens Visitor Center overlooking the Walled Garden. For more views of the garden see My World last Tuesday.

My World Tuesday - Walled Garden

View from Visitor Center

While in South Carolina I stopped for a brief visit to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. The zoo and gardens are along the banks of the Saluda River just outside the city of Columbia. I was interested in seeing the Walled Garden, one of five themed gardens. The Walled Garden features a variety of plants, trees and shrubs arranged with walkways separating the beds. Ten of the beds are replanted twice a year - in the spring and fall. There is a central stair step canal with fountains at each end. At this time of year, the garden is bursting with color. Plants are identified with small tags placed near each type. The garden includes some art and benches are scattered throughout. The Visitor Center anchors one end of the Walled Garden and offers additional information on the gardens. There are also additional plantings outside the Visitor Center. More images will be posted on all three of my blogs this week and next.

Along the north wall

Stair step planter

Lower fountain and canal

Walk toward the Visitor Center

Bench by the south wall

Hybrid daylily in front of Visitor Center

Garden geometry

While in South Carolina I stopped for a brief visit to the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden. The zoo and gardens are along the banks of the Saluda River just outside the city of Columbia. The place is just full of geometrical shapes. The Walled Garden features a variety of plants, trees and shrubs arranged with walkways separating the beds. See My World Tuesday for more images of this colorful garden.

To see more geometry, go to Katney's Kaboodle.

Parallel lines and angles

Right angles

PhotoHunt - Vertical look

I got horizontal to take this vertical shot of our maple tree which has sprouted leaves in the last few days.

Sky Watch - South Carolina skies

During our visit to South Carolina, we had mostly hot skies with record setting highs for April. A few clouds drifted by on Friday yielding a muted sunset. Occasionally a plane flew by as we were near the Columbia airport.

Window Views - Fusion Bowl

Here are the front and side doors (and balcony windows) of the Fusion Bowl in Lexington, SC. We had a delicious dinner here Tuesday with Marianne's son and family. The restaurant serves a wide selection of Asian cuisine, as well as sushi. No one went hungry and there were no complaints.

My World - Trees in bloom

Trees in the City of Frederick have burst into bloom, with many more to come. Our dogwood and cherry trees will bloom later in April.

PhotoHunt - Sweet corner

Plenty of sweet stuff on this corner in Frederick!