A bokeh of daisies

I was very conscious of the stark contrast between this image with its soft, delicate background and the horrifying images we are seeing on TV at the moment of the devastation in Japan. My thoughts are with all those who are going through this and with their families and friends living in different parts of the world, especially those who are unable to make contact with their loved ones.

It has been a beautiful day here today, sunshine most of the day, but becoming overcast later this afternoon. The temperature is 4C (39F) right now - feels so good after windchills of around -33C or -36C! I made myself go out for a short walk this morning. I woke up very early two mornings ago with a major cramp in my right calf, and wondered if maybe walking a bit might ease off the slight pain that is still lingering. Glad I did go, as a morning with a Northern Pygmy-owl AND a three-toed Woodpecker feels really good, lol! The tiny owl was perched way at the very top of a tall Spruce tree, but I was able to get a few very distant shots of it. Saw the Woodepecker twice in the same area and I think I've got one or two photos that are fit to post. Usually, I never think about using my camera on Sports mode but I did try it today and, unless it's just coincidence, I think that maybe the photos did come out better on that setting. It was so dark in amongst the Spruce trees and that Woodpecker just never stops attacking and peeling the tree bark. Such an attractive bird and we were lucky that it was a male, with the patch of vibrant yellow on the top of its head.