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!

 

  

could have been any given afternoon

post #439
         Such is what I see just wandering around. If the light is OK, then there are many temptations.  This first photo shows the chicken yard, seen on a recent post as well.  I've now added a photo of the two ducks in there with them.  Both look happy and healthy, so it's just weird, but not harmful.  

       However, there is this pond close by where the ducks could be swimming and showing off their beautiful selves in the beautiful reflections.... O well. (Please notice the hint of cardinal flowers on the lower left of this photo.)

cardinal flower and attendants:

(R, fun to realize that we each saw the same possibilities for this same cardinal flower!)

     
        Later, along the way during a drive to visit some neighbors, I stopped a few places to explore some shapes hidden from the road:

from the family cemetery on the top of the hill along the road

different light, though only twenty minutes earlier

Back at the chicken yard (see fence behind), there's a new chair, back and all. The rest of the tree is now firewood.

           I would hope that some of the monies designated to build a useless ego-driven wall in the wilderness can be liberated to help out instead our near neighbors in the Bahamas.  They are continuing to experience such a nightmare after being under a horrible hurricane for days.  Food and shelter seem to be a more urgent and compelling use of funds. A bit of kindness in the world would go a long way.  Just sayin'.