back to spring

         I've made some photos that have benefited from this year's spring leaves being later and slower to show themselves.  At the same time I've had a request from someone who has never been to this part of the northeastern Appalachian mountains to explain our version of "straight roads" or the number of curves per mile in certain places. Had the various trees been already laden with leaves, some of the curves would have been even harder to see. At the same time, this year's seriously damaging ice storm helped open spaces in the woods that had not been there before -- I like to think it's another proof that the forest knows its part on how to help nature's healing.

        In any case, I have really enjoyed being out and about with a camera this past week during this cool, wet, and therefore lingering spring in northeastern Kentucky.

 

 

 

       

The Marathon pipeline shows off our hills and their challenges.

mayapples, with a blossom in the ready

 

 

 

 

redbud tree in transition

the dogwood, under a fallen limb, beautifully blooming

mud mansion

    I wanted to end with this "last lilac" photo, out there all by itself, survivor of the ice storm, a vision of faith in the future, even though the wind was blowing while I was marveling at it.

     I hope this has been a good week for everyone, stay healthy, speak up for justice, and here's a big welcome and bravo to Chrystal Wilkinson, Kentucky's newest poet laureate!

 

  

Chris Garris, photographer

    I'm fortunate to have a young friend, Chris, whose photography I have always admired so much.  He grew up close to where I have lived for the past 45 years. He currently teaches at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) but he has recently moved up into the mountain range west of Denver.  This year he made some fine images from his new home location. Thanks, Chris, for letting me share them on my blog today.  

    I should add that I was in Denver this past week for a great visit with my son and family. The weather was beautiful the day I wanted to drive out to see Chris. Starting the next day after that , however, he eventually had over a foot of snow! Close call for my being able to visit!  

    BTW, his dear dog is Coleslaw, and the cat is Peanut. These images are from earlier in the season.

 

from inside the house

I suspect this wonderful image must have required a lot of patience!

 THE VIEW:

MOMENTS:

  This last photo shows both playfulness and art --  all while making the best of a momentary hand injury:

    

      Next week it's back to spring in Appalalchia. I hope everyone is able to get the COVID vaccine. I wouldn't have wanted to go on my trip without both of mine.  Please, everyone.

    Chris - if you want to say anything about your photos, please let me know so I can add that to this post or to next week's post.  Thanks for that and for the usual working out of some of my camera questions..!    Ann

A week away from Appalachia in April

         I am so glad to be with family, no matter where they are, but I do love Appalachia in April.  There are wonders everywhere.  This year, because of weather and that prolonged severe ice storm, things are running a little behind. Since I am not there today anyway, I decided to share some photos from earlier years. 

        

on the way to town last week

last gasp from last year's cattails, beside my small sweet pond

a trillium in bloom, in the woods, near the creek

 

redbuds

abundance

spring leaves near the second waterfalls

 

barn to house, at the home place, photo by Rebecca Wright, 2019

  

    Then, for part two of today's post, there's this week away, leaving Cincinnati for Denver, the photo showing left to right Ohio, the Ohio River, and Kentucky -- if so inclined, see the two ball parks on the Ohio side of the river:

AEO greeted my arrival with a hospitality question, and then she fixed a pitcher of water with sliced limes -- and we got into bubbles and light, and a bit of refraction action.

local humor

She assembled what I said I might like to eat...

Riley: "You made me spend the afternoon getting cleaned up, so I darn well deserve to sit in ANY chair I want to for now!!!

        So, ending with family, wishing for everyone to have a supportive one of whatever kind. Enjoy the spring you have as well, wherever you can find one!

another spring theme, with a very random collection of photos

        Spring is a favorite time of year for many of us, in Kentucky as much as in other places.  I am inclined to have a little fun, though, with these ten photos that don't usually see the light of day. Celibrate the season, and be thankful for all the essential work it does.

I wish Kentucky were at least a purple state...

annual northern flicker visit, en route, and rooting

dogwood 1, with blooms

 

 dogwood 2, with dog, but no blooms yet

blue herons, busy with their nest egg(s), in New Haven, CT  (See bank below.)

 

 

 

roadside bank, moss and more moss

down by the big waterfall, which we would have a hard time getting to this year

 

 

 

 a true wall hanging, seen from my front door

 

     

I can't resist sharing this old photo that I happened upon this weekend.  With spring on my mind, the title that came to me is something like "four spring chickens, now no longer spring chickens but still laughing anyway."    

thanks for the visit, Ann