Selah Ridge
Looking up between the rows of trees, I can catch glimpses of the Selah Ridge. The sagebrush covered hill sides are what the land is like without irrigation. The strip of basalt rock is from the great Columbia Basin lava flows which occurred 14-6 million years ago. It was pushed up as part of the Yakima folds development.
Neighbor’s Cherry Orchard
There is an old cherry orchard just up the road from our house. In fall, the leaves turn shades of yellow and orange. The grasses turn to a golden straw color. Birds are everywhere fluttering about. A hawk frequently perches on an overhead orchard fan. It is a nice place to walk and explore during all seasons of the year.
Sections of the orchard are being removed each year to make room for new young trees. I do not know how much longer the old stand of trees will remain. So until then, I will explore as often as I can. I will present images of a walk I took about a month ago in my next few posts.
Yakima Ridge
This image is from one of the many scenes I look at from home every morning. Each morning portrays a different perspective of what the coming day may be. It is a great way to contemplate what new adventures the day will bring. I love the morning!
“Fire in the Sky”
Wow! I looked out the window this morning and saw fire in the sky. It was ablaze! I love getting up and watching the first light coming over the horizon. There is always something new and different. Nature is amazing. What a wonderful way to start the day!
“Pure Energy”
How can I make a simple branch covered with frost pop out from its surrounding??? Just move around to position something interesting behind it. I found a faded clump of Japanese Forest Grass for a background. Using a shallow depth of field caused the grass to look like a radiating energy force field. I could feel the energy emerge as I recorded the image.
“Don’t Pass Me By”
Brilliant beauty is everywhere. This single red maple leaf, edges covered with hoarfrost, made me stop in my tracks. It was just hanging there waiting for me to discover. Just a few ice crystals held it captured on the branch. After taking several photos, I turned around to look for other treasures. I glanced back, the red was not there. The leaf had fallen to the ground.
Lesson Learned: Never pass up a gift!
Hoarfrost
The leaves have fallen. A few stragglers remain. Hoarfrost on the remaining vegetation is a mild reminder that winter is on its way. Walking around our yard in the midst of beautiful branches and leaves covered with ice crystals was like walking through a wonderland. It was a gift from above.
Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Happy Thanksgiving to all. Here’s an abundant harvest of pumpkins and squashes from the Bloedel Reserve.
Today is a special day to give thanks for our health, families, friends, and the wonderful world that we live in. Each day, each moment is a gift. Each of our roles is to step back and cherish each moment we are given, to live a full life, to make the world around us a little better, and to make someone’s life a bit happier.
“October Glory”
This is the first tree I planted after moving “back home” to Selah, WA in 2016. I planted it for its fall color. I am not disappointed. Last fall I planted 3 more in the surrounding area. In a few years, I expect this corner to be a peaceful place to enjoy fall color.
Bloedel Reserve
This willow caught my eye from the other side of the pond. It was like a sentinel watching over. Walking around and getting under the willow’s canopy gave me a much more interesting and unique perspective.