ANOTHER BLOOMING THISTLE

I like the feathery petals of this thistle and thought it made a pretty picture.
Enjoy it and this weekend too.

ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " O "

I have to admit that this is one of my sillier ABC Wednesday posts. When I saw this sign on the corner of a building I just knew it was a photo opportunity.
So here you have One Old buzzard and One cute chick for the Letter " O ".
To see what others have posted for the letter " O " go to Mrs. Nesbitts link on my sidebar.
Thanks for looking.

STRANGE BUMBLE BEE

We saw this huge creature when we were in Nevada. It measured a fat inch and looked like a Bumble Bee.
Instead of rounded wings this one had very sharp pointy ones, rather wasp-like.
Does anyone know anything about this shimmering, buzzing Bee?
Enlarging the picture may help in identifying it.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " N "

ABC Wednesday has rolled around again and we are at the letter " N ".
" N " is for Noon moon in the state of Nevada.
If you enlarge this shot you will notice a shooting star...NOT!!!...
Its just the vapor trail from a nearby airplane just North of the Noon moon..
Please check out Mrs. Nesbitts link on my sidebar to see what others have posted for the letter " N ".

FALL WEEKEND

This weekend our family did the annual trek to Apple Hill. So did a gazillion other people. After trying to look at and taste the samples of many different varieties of yummy apples and fighting the crowds to see the pumpkins we decided to have our picnic lunch and go a different direction.



We continued up the mountains to Lake Tahoe and went to Taylor Creek. There was just about an hour left of sunlight and we enjoyed a wonderful walk in the forest. The trees are just beginning to turn color and the air smelled so fresh and clean.



This is the start of the Kokone Salmon spawn. The salmon turn bright red as they make their way back up the Creek to lay their eggs at their birth spot. It is so fascinating watching them as they make their way against the current.
Remember to enlarge the pictures to see the detail more clearly.

SPLASHES OF FALL

Fall is trying really hard to finally make its appearance here in the California foothills.
Its such a beautiful time of year even without the definite seasons like so many of you have.
Have a wonderful weekend.

ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " M "

Monkeys were the first things to come to my mind for ABC Wednesday letter " M ".
While on our safari in Kenya we saw bands of baboons across the river from our tent.
This Mother was hurrying along with her baby clinging to her back .



There were many of these curious, pesty monkeys feeling very comfortable around our tents. The safari managers warned us to keep our tent doors and everything zipped tightly or we might have an extra visitor in our bed with us....



M is also for mushrooms. I saw these delightful garden sculpture glass mushrooms at the High Hand Nursery in Loomis, CA.



M is also for Meditation. I also found this magnificient sculpture at the High Hand Nursery. All the art pieces are forged right on the premises.

Be sure to go to Mrs. Nesbitts link on my sidebar to see what others have posted for the letter M.
As always, enlarging the pictures will show more detail.

DESERT THERAPY

Hubby and I went away for a few days to relax and get my strength back after being sick with the flu for so long.
The desert was perfect this time of year. Not too hot and not too cold. I enjoyed taking a few pictures and just enjoying the company.
Be sure to enlarge the thistle to see the detail.
Again thank you for all the get well wishes. This is a great blog-land family.

ABC WEDNESDAY LETTER " L "

I just had to share my pictures of Lions for the letter " L "
for ABC Wednesday.



Both the previous picture and this one were shot at dusk on the first day of our safari.
The Lions blend in with the grass so well. It was difficult getting the entire pride in the picture.
There were several Lioness and 4 cubs, but Mama made sure they stayed down in the long grass.



We went out at dawn the next day and saw the beautiful lioness.



There was no doubt who was the Lion King .
Go to Mrs. Nesbitts link on my sidebar to see what others have posted for the Letter L.
As always enlarging each shot will give you more detail.

SEEING THE FLU FINALLY GOING

I think I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. No temperature today and except for being sort of weak I feel pretty good.
I really appreciate all the kind wishes. Its wonderful to have you super people from around our world.

WISH I WAS HERE

Being cooped up in the house is no fun. I haven't even cared about taking pictures or reading or anything.
I really wish I was here at Lake Tahoe enjoying the crisp Fall air.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I will try to get around to your posts in the next few days.
Don't forget to enlarge the picture to see the detail.