Reader Rock Garden 2

I think I like the bokeh in this image even more than the Echinacea flower itself, which is one of my favourite garden flowers to photograph. Seen at the Reader Rock Garden in Calgary, on 22 September 2010.

Photographed at the Reader Rock Garden in Calgary, on 8 August 2012. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus

Photographed at the Reader Rock Garden on 22 September 2010. Today, I set my alarm for 5:10 a.m., as I was going on a day of botanizing at a new location, but heavy, non-stop rain made us actually change our minds. Useless for taking photos, and not exactly good for ones camera. Also, it was only 4C (!!!) when I got up this morning - soaring to a balmy 7C when we were in the car, driving to the meeting place to check if we were going or not. A coffee stop was a great idea, while the five of us waited to see if the rain might clear - which it didn't. It's always disappointing when a trip is cancelled, but this is almost unheard of. On the way home, three of us called in at Tim Hortons and had a delicious combo of coffee and a breakfast, which made a very tasty and enjoyable stop. Thanks so much for the treat, Stephen, and for doing the driving! Oh, while we were at the first coffee place, a lady stopped to chat with us (she works at the place). She was so funny, telling us one joke after another, all of them simple and very cute. One that I can remember is: "What did the 0 (zero) say to the 8?" Answer: Nice belt! I have two full days of botanizing tomorrow and the following day, so will be tied up and totally exhausted, ha! I find that back to back days are just too much for me now, but, all being well, I'll survive these two days of forest walking and getting down to the ground and back up again to photograph mushrooms amd other things. Hopefully, the sun will shine and we will find some new things to add to our existing lists of flora and fauna for these two locations.

Didn't have a pumpkin handy to photograph, so used this photo of apples that had fallen into a tiny pool at the Reader Rock Garden, on 26 September 2012. Wishing my family and friends, and all Canadians everywhere, a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have SO much to be thankful for, even in difficult or sad times. Enjoy this long weekend - and if you are driving, please drive carefully and don't drink and drive!

I always love to see the changing leaves on this Ohio Buckeye tree at Reader Rock Garden.

What a performance with uploading my images this morning. Ended up having to use the old uploader - but even that wouldn't load the last photo. I've been trying for about an hour now - but, success at last! Teasels are fun to photograph - this one was growing at the Reader Rock Garden in the city, on 26 September 2012. This plant is an invasive ornamental in Alberta. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipsacus

How important it is for us to remember those who have served their country (not just Canada) and made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, there are thousands more on this Continent and elsewhere across the globe, who have returned from fighting, only to live their lives in the suffering and torture that continues to haunt them. These men and women, too, so often tend to be "the forgotten", though I think there is a little more awareness now. So sad, when the rest of us have so much to be thankful for, thanks to them. I remember - and I am thankful. Yesterday evening, I was watching a segment on CNN Heroes on TV. A lady had the great idea to give war veterans a dog of their very own. She helps each man or woman train their dog, which accompanies them everywhere. They are learning to focus on their companion, especially when horrendous thoughts and flashbacks start to appear. They are finding that this can help to calm the owner. Sounds as if "man's best friend" is coming to the rescue yet again.

Thought this Hollyhock flower was interesting, the way it was opening.

From my archives, taken at the Reader Rock Garden on 30 June 2010. A splash of colour on yet another cold, foggy day - it's still a winter wonderland out there : ) Taken on my old Panasonic FZ35 - it was such a great little point-and-shoot.