Lighten Up!

We're having some beautiful weather, cool nights and sunny days. The plant life appreciates it too. There's no precipitation but the lack of heat abates the need for water. Jane has been busy in her gardens. The blooming season is past but butterflies and hummingbirds still have a few flowers.

I've always enjoyed Jane's gardens. I love taking pictures and what better subject than a flower. It's hard to screw up a flower picture, unless the wind is blowing. This columbine image is from Spring. Jane's gardens are filled with color throughout the year but Spring is especially colorful.

Jane isn't a big fan of the xenia. I am. It must go back to my childhood when Pat Alston and I caught and cataloged butterflies from the xenias that lined the Alston's driveway. With just a little water, the xenia does well in the summer heat. Jane thinks they are too tall and "leggy." I'm partial to the endless variety of color and the birds, bees and butterflies attracted to them.


After posting such passionate political commentary, I think a lighter subject is in order. I don't want to drive away any readers who happen onto the blog. Lord knows, my family hates talking politics with me. My sister is actually afraid to get involved. She remembers when Newt Gingrich struck back by having my taxes audited. At least that is the story. The timing of the audit certainly made it seem politically motivated.


There is plenty going on to get passionate about. I took advantage of a Congress.org message yesterday to call for Donald Rumsfeld's departure. The e-mail went to the President, Secretary Rumsfeld, Kay Bailey-Hutchison, John Cornyn, and my Representative Mike Conaway. Rumsfeld's retribution is probably what I should fear. I'm retired military.


But, trying to keep it lighter, the trips along the shoreline with Oscar are refreshing. The cool mornings make our walks very pleasant. I've been taking my camera along in search of unique wildlife shots. So far, the wildlife has avoided me. A couple of buzzards let me get nearly close enough. The herons and cranes are more leery. And, the killdeer are so small that great stealth is required to get "in tight." I'm thinking of building a blind under the fishing pier so that the wildlife will come to me. I do a lot of thinking and very little doing.


I didn't post for a couple of days. There is always something to post. I just got busy, lost interest, and thought that writing to myself is a waste of time. But, wasting time is what I'm good at. I'll try to keep the blog active with more time wasting.

Later.