Talking Turkey

I know these images are more appropriate for Thanksgiving rather than springtime, but it's mating season for the wild turkeys around here now.  While walking Nik the other day, I saw two Toms (above) putting on quite a show for the "ladies" - and the one below appears to have won.  (Sorry - I had to use my cell phone, and so these aren't as crisp as they could have been with a regular camera.)

Amaryllis

As my last post mentioned, I am gearing up for the gardening season again this spring and in sorting through old photos, found one of this beautiful lime green amaryllis from last winter. It was grown as an indoor potted plant, but can also be grown outside in the summer. The contrasting colors were so brilliant, especially in the sunlight, and helped brighten up our dreary Wisconsin weather!

Remembrance

With all the hectic things happening in my life these past few months, including the loss of my beloved mother of 95 years back in February, it's been a while since I've had a chance to post. In reviewing a few images from the past I've selected this one to post in her memory.  It was taken by my father, Oscar, back in the 1940's. He was a professional portrait and landscape photographer in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area during the mid-20th century. He learned the trade from his grandfather, Ole E. Flaten, who was quite a photographic pioneer in the Moorhead/Fargo area back in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

You can't tell from the B&W image, but Orvie had dark red auburn hair and aqua green eyes. Note that she is wearing white gloves - very popular with the ladies back in those days. I absolutely love that hat and the sparkle in her eyes, which she had until the end.

Now, in this new spring, I look forward to gardening again, which was one of her passions.  We cherish the memories of the past, but look forward to the promises of the future.

Happy Anniversary!

This month we'll celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. I just love the smiles on our faces in this vintage photo as we walk down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs. As with any relationship, there have been many ups and downs, and we don't always see eye-to-eye. But it's been said that a good marriage is not based on how much you agree, but how you manage things when you don't.

In Like a Lion

Ok - technically this was March 2nd, but the snows came overnight and made our rural community a winter wonderland! However, today's near 60 degree temps melted just about all of it. Let's hope that March's weather continues to be gentle as a lamb. :-)

Winter River Sunrise

During a quiet walk on a recent frosty morning, I took this photo looking south towards the Mississippi River bridge in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

A Cappella ...With Strings

This harmonizing group of gentlemen were entertaining shoppers on the steps of the Capitol at the Farmer's Market in Madison last weekend. After their set, the young boy with them played a very patriotic piece on his violin to the delight of the crowd. (His dad was one of the singers.) You can see the violin case lid in the lower left corner of the group shot. He made a pretty penny for his talents!

As you can tell, acceptable 'uniforms' in Wisconsin include Badger and Packers attire. :-)

St. Bernoodle

Half St. Bernard and half standard poodle = a St. Bernoodle! We met this big guy while walking around the Farmer's Market in Madison last weekend. His owner explained that the mix is the best of both worlds: he's big, soft, cuddly and gentle - plus he doesn't shed or drool! His name? 'Curly' Lambeau, of course. This is Wisconsin, after all. :-)

Wild Cucumber

While hiking around Balmer Park just east of here, Nik and I stumbled upon an unusual vine weaving itself through the shrubs. The leaves were so pretty and bright green, almost like a Sycamore. But then I saw the itty-bitty spiky fruit hanging here and there, and realized they were wild cucumbers. I had never seen these before because they don't bear fruit until fall and usually I'm not looking for that sort of thing. Plus this little guy was camouflaged among the wild grape vines.

According to Wikipedia, they are not edible, but with those little spikes, not sure I'd even want to try!

SkyWatch Friday: Fleece

The sun has been setting earlier and earlier each day this month, reminding us that fall is on the way. These fleecy clouds caught the evening glow in just the right way.

See more SkyWatch Friday images here.