Li'l Red Truck

I've seen this truck around town, but I finally got right behind it the other day on the way to work!

Trilliums

Trilliums are the perfect "trifecta." - The flowers have three petals and the plant has three leaves.
This pretty pink variety was growing along the edge of Lindsay Road. I experimented with a b&w overlay to show the contrast of the flowering plants against the lush green background.

Spring Wildflowers

Spring is truly here and there are a variety of wildflowers, blooms, and fungus scattered throughout the woods during our daily walks.  Here is a delicate variety of spring beauties (or fairy spud!) growing in the shade under a canopy of ash and hickory trees. Latin name: Claytonia virginica. I'll have more postings of our discoveries throughout the week.

Sunset over Pewaukee Lake

We had one of our gorgeous spring days yesterday - 70's and sunny.  If only all days in Wisconsin could be like this!  To take advantage of it, we took a walk down by Pewaukee Lake to enjoy the people-watching and the sunset.  Love the silhouettes of the little kids playing on the beach.

Syttende Mai: CDP Theme Day

"Velkommen" (Welcome!) is the Norwegian greeting on this nightstand sign in our guest bedroom. This was a handmade rosemaled gift from my brother and his wife many years ago to my mother, a woman of proud Norwegian heritage. The woven wool runner on the nightstand came from Norway as well, a gift from my Uncle Harley, purchased during one of his many visits to the "old country."

The 17th of May (Norwegian Constitution Day) is celebrated in Norway and in many U.S. cities with Norwegian ancestry. "Glad Syttende Mai" to all!

See more CDP mid-month theme day images here.

Brrrrr!

The sheep at the neighboring Freyer Family Centennial Farm in Pewaukee had just been sheared and were frolicking outside their barn yesterday afternoon, enjoying a little bit of sun and fresh air. It was still rather chilly, so even though they were saying "baaa" they were probably thinking "brrr."  Bet they wish they still had their warm coats!

The "head honcho" of the group is this ram:

...and the most entertaining of the group is the Siamese "Border-Cat" shepherd!

Arts & Crafts Part II

Just down the street from the home posted yesterday is another gorgeous example of Arts & Crafts architecture in suburban Wauwatosa. This one looks like it belongs deep in the forest of a fairy tale.

...Except for the neon flamingos!

Vintage Arts & Crafts

An original Arts & Crafts-style house located on Stickney Avenue in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. There are a number of these beautiful works of art on this street, and throughout the city. This style of architecture flourished in the early part of the 20th century. They just don't build 'em like this anymore.

Faith

Last night some places in western Wisconsin got over a foot of snow! Earth to Mother Nature:  "Hello! It's May!"

Thankfully, the Milwaukee/Waukesha area was spared this indignity. We do have sunshine this morning, but it's only in the 30's, and most flowers and trees have still not budded out.  That's why I am posting this pretty image of my blooming clematis taken in May a few years ago - to remind us that spring will eventually be here - even if she is taking her sweet time!

CDP Theme Day: Creative Artisans - May 2013

This little family of cast bronze javelinas are on display at the Red Rock Ranger Station on AZ State Route 179, just south of Sedona.  I'm not sure of the name of the creative artisan who made these scultpures, but they are convincingly realistic from a distance!

See more entries for May's theme - the "creative artisan" - at City Daily Photo.