Saturday Storms and its time to cut the grass

April 16: The lawn is overgrown and my mower in the shop. Borrow a mower (thank you Ben) and decide to cut the grass at 10:30 a.m. before another rain storm comes through. How can it be a windy, cold day in the middle of April while I cut the lawn? It is, but the job must get done today or be ostracized for having the worst looking lawn in the subdivision, without a doubt. I have to cut it twice, and three times in the front, to make it look presentable. At the end of the day, guess what? The storms have passed and it's time to enjoy some chocolate chip cookie dough that I discover in the refrigerator while I warm up.

Covered Bridge

Whenever I am in the Hillsboro, Missouri area, I take a five minute detour off Highway 21 to visit a little park that features this covered bridge. This day I found a few bikers eating their lunch in the park and this couple enjoying a stroll and the Spring weather.

FINAL STAGE

The dogwood is now fully developed. The flower is much like we are. Each stage of our life is interesting but the last stage is the most beautiful.

Bumble bee, one more time

How does he hang onto the flower? Look at the hooks on his legs.

Dogwood and life in full bloom

A few days ago I posted a picture of a bud on our dogwood tree. The tree is now in full bloom. This is the most beautiful time of the year - green plants, blossoms, warm weather, children playing outside, yard work and General Conference. It is a time of renewed optimism and energy.

Cherry pink and a bumble bee

How fortunate was I to capture this image of a bumble bee among the cherry blossoms? For those interested in photography the shutter speed was 1/2000th of a second to freeze the motion of the wings.

Dogwood bud

The buds on our dogwood tree are just beginning to open. Here is a glimpse into the interior of one of the buds. Also, upper left on the bud, you can already see on the edge of the pedal the beginnings of the distinctive dark stain, which tradition says is a drop of Christ's blood.

Snow Storm

During the most intense part of the Spring snow storm, my eye was attracted to this colorful scene. Notice how big the snow flakes are in the picture.

Forsythia and Snow

The yellow Forsythia is the sure sign of Spring. But wait, here comes the snow one more time.

Snow or Blossoms?

Both. The surprise Spring snow put the blossoms in the cooler for a while. The snow came right at the time when the early blossoming trees were in their full bloom. Although the snow is beautiful, we are ready for moderate Spring weather.

Snowy crown

This daffodil was crowned with the beautiful
Spring snow.

A Friend for the Grandchildren

How many legs does this insect have?

It's not the sun

I was just having fun with an orange in a dark room.

Mysterious Garden

Look at the unusually jagged edges of the flower as it grows in its tangled environment.

The Great American Symbol

Look at the head feathers on this close-up shot of a great American Bald Eagle on display at the St. Louis St. Patrick's Day parade.

Clown

My favorite of many wonderful clowns at the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Louis.

World Bird Sanctuary at St. Patrict's Day Parade

It was an exciting thing to see the young lady handle the large and beautiful Bald Eagle

St. Patrick's Day parade

The last St. Patty's Day parade I went to I discovered reflections from the Tuba. Here is the best one yet. You can see the military band, buildings along the side of the street and even the Arch as the band marched down Market Street towards the Arch.

In Vietnam

It was a year that I would not care to repeat, yet an experience that strengthened our marriage and gratitude for the blessings of faith and family.

Dreary Morning

The past few mornings in St. Louis have reminded me of this misty, dreary morning off coastal Chile. However, last night was a thunderboomer night with a sudden drop in temperature, the tornado sirens, lightening, hail, wind and rain.

A Simple Straight Pin

A new macro-photography lens has arrived. Unseen possibilities for photos come into view.

Remembering her first snow

It's not like Pasadena