Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 19:52

I got myself off schedule last week, posting Friday's post on Monday. Then I missed posting this on Wednesday, so here we are on Friday again. I should be posting on Psalm 133, instead I'll be showing you pretty pictures from last week's jaunt to Lake Buchanan.

I realize that my 'self-imposed' schedule likely goes unnoticed by you dear readers. But I'm one of those who tends toward schedule making, list making, eating the same thing off the menu every time . . . you get the idea. Anyway, I'll get this show back on the track soon, but for now here's a sampling from last week's lens-life . . .

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Our pup, Sandy, had a tumor removed a couple of weeks ago. She's pretty much back to her old self. Digging holes to China, and then hiding in them. Does anyone else's pup do this???

The hole is deeper now, I can't even see her when she's inside. Crazy girl!

Our spring wildflowers are mostly faded, and we're seeing summer blooms here now. The Dreamer and I ventured north last week and WOW, what a show!

Prickly Pear Cactus, Firewheel (sometimes called Indian Blanket), Purple Horsemint

Prickly Pear Cactus Blossom

The firewheel (Indian Blanket - Gaillardia pulchella) will literally take your breath, but the purple horsemint is a favorite of mine. Such a neat flower.

Purple Horsemint in motion

Did I mention that the entire time I was standing beside the road taking these pictures, the wind was blowing about 18mph+ and my hair was in my face. I must have looked like a stick figure version of Cousin Itt from the Addams Family. {smile}

Further down the road I was pleasantly surprised to find bluebonnets still blooming!

Bitterweed and Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets and bitterweed

 I love it when I download a picture and find friends I didn't know where there.

Bitterweed

This is an odd picture, but I'm including it because it was interesting to me how many different focal points were in focus. It's probably a good example of what not to do in photography! However, when you're doing your Cousin Itt impersonation, it's difficult to see what you're focusing on!

Finally, we found some sweet mallards on the lake shore.

I was hoping to see more shore birds, but where we were was a pretty active place. They probably stick to quieter coves. Our daughter just bought some property near the lake, so we'll be visiting again soon!

What are you seeing through

 your lens this week?

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 13:52

We've had some beautiful, sunny days this past week. But a strong north wind, 30mph gusts at times, has made it uncomfortable to be out-of-doors. Early mornings and early evenings, when the wind is calmer, have been best.

We have more bluebonnets on the property this year - and I'm thrilled to see that they are reseeding and spreading out! I'm doing a wildflower series on my instagram, if you want to follow me there.

The black-chinned hummingbirds are back. So far I have two males and a female. If anyone has an angry bird meme, this little guy would win the prize!

Defending "his" territory, no doubt! Of course, the female is as sweet as can be.

The neighbor's horses were back this week. Looking longingly at our green pastures.

I planted some geraniums, very early, Easter morning. And then played with the camera for a bit as the sun was breaking through the clouds.

It was a beautiful, blessed morning.

I like to play with light and focus, and just see how the camera responds - - what it captures. These are new leaves on one of my rose bushes.

As I mentioned, it's been very windy. A few days ago I noticed two large birds soaring high over the property. They were quite far away, but I could tell they weren't vultures. It's unusual to see hawks together, so I think they might be a breeding pair. By zooming in on a couple of the other shots, I think they are red-tailed hawks. I can't be 100% sure, but that is a likely bet.

I've really been enjoying the female gold-fronted woodpecker. As I mentioned in a previous post, this is the first year the female has been around. So my little male has finally found a mate! I'm hoping they nest nearby and I can report baby bird sightings soon!

I like this picture because you can see  how she uses her beak to forage down under the bark for bugs.

The wildflowers are peaking early this year and there are tons of butterflies around!  No complaints here! These common buckeye butterflies are especially fun to stalk and capture. With my camera, of course!

So, what are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 5:52

Sad to say, with everything going on, I haven't been out and about much. Which makes it even more amazing that I got these shots! I've been trying for three years to get pictures of the Western Meadowlarks that winter here every year, and I finally succeeded!

As you can see, they blend in very well with the grasses.  They are nearly impossible to spot, and very timid. They always fly before I even know they are there.

Normally, I can't get within 10ft of them. And this time was no exception. These are taken with the zoom on my Canon Power Shot SC50 HS.

The field had been mowed earlier in the day, and I just happened to spot these two foraging when I stepped out onto the front porch.

Pardon the "butt" shot, but it's the only one that shows a hint of their brilliant yellow fronts. The little buggers never turned around for me! So technically, they are still on my bucket list, since I'd love to get a shot of their beautiful yellow fronts, marked with a distinct black V.

Hmm, maybe I should install a few fence posts.

My other delight this week was this American Lady butterfly.

You can distinguish the American Lady from the Painted Lady by the small white dots. I was so thankful that my purple lantana has continued to bloom. I can't imagine where else the butterflies are finding food!

I've lived in TX nearly nine years now and this is the first time I've seen butterflies in January! If you're snuggled in under a warm blanket of snow, wishing for spring, I hope this brings some warmth to your day!

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday at Pierced Wanderings

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 02:52

I can't believe it's been three months since I've shared #LTTL! 

October is always a blur with #write31days and then November and December were filled with gratitude and anticipation!

This edition of #LTTL is in keeping with my new theme this year. All the images were developed in Lightroom. Whereas I've worked exclusively in Photoshop before, I've finally taken the Leap into Lightroom! And I'm so glad I did! Starting off the year with my pictures organized - that in itself is awesome - but Lightroom offers so much more!

If you're interested in getting your feet wet, Kim Klasson offers a online course. Just click on Leap into Lightroom above, and it will take you there.

So these are my first attempts at editing in Lightroom, after only three lessons, so bear with me as I learn.

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The gold-fronted woodpeckers are always a great source of amusement. Doesn't it look like he got into a box of melted crayons?

There are still some plants blooming around here. Mistletoe for one. I know it's a parasite, and we have to be careful that it doesn't overwhelm the tree, but it sure is beautiful!

A few leaves are still hanging on. I love the way the afternoon light makes them glow!

I looked out my window the other day and saw this:

Why drink out of the bowl of fresh water that mommy puts out when you can get  your stretches in by drinking out of the birdbath. Cats!

I have to say, editing and cataloging these in LR was a lot of fun. But it was the export process that really blew my mind! LR is the master when it comes to workflow. Check it out.

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global