Bullfrog

Happy Memorial Day!
Since I had the day off, I had the time to go out for a long photography walk during the day. I was pleasantly surprised at all the things I saw. This frog didn't sit still long, as you would expect, so I wasn't able to get different angles or lighting on him. I had not been able to get a clear shot of him previously though and so I was very happy to get this one. I saw several varieties of dragonflies, a couple types of turtles and the usual birds along with this bullfrog.

Trumpets and Bees

As I was leaving the office this morning, I ran across these flowers of the Trumpet Vine. The bees were in full on pursuit of the perfect flower. I captured a few of them with the little camera before heading on my way.

Dragonfly?

The right camera with the right lens and the right lighting when you come across the right thing is priceless! I have seen several of these "bugs" flying around lately but they rarely seem to stop moving. In fact, I was really happy to have gotten a decent shot of one flying around me a couple days ago, especially since I was doing manual focus.  This guy didn't stay put terribly long but he did actually stop on a branch and I was able to get focused and get the shot before he whisked himself off again. I tried to get a shot with some of the trumpet vine flowers in the background for a bit of color but he was on the move by the time I repositioned and I actually like the green I got here.

On the prowl

My cats took a little walkabout outside this afternoon. They are indoor cats, so this was quite the adventure. They all did their own things, from rolling in the grass and purring to walking very cautiously around and checking out every little thing to the full blown prowl here. She has this look of intense focus on her face. Though it was quite sunny, she was in the shadow of the house here and so it's well lit but not bright and makes her look as soft as she really is. We didn't stay out long in the heat of the day but they each enjoyed the time outside.

Momma Duck

I usually go visit the ducks in the morning but today I went out in the evening. I was hoping for some good lighting with the sun setting. This momma duck actually came walking toward me with her babies, very strange, but great for photos. She didn't get too close but she didn't mind posing for some pictures. I think she's just beautiful.

Pinguino

This is my life...Elli hugging a penguin balloon in my room over lunch, and no it's not even her birthday, it was Liz's birthday! What you don't see in the picture is the mouth to uh, mouth resuscitation that went on here! The balloon was leaking and Elli "fixed" it. Not much time for pictures lately but this was worth sharing :)

Kansas daylily

I bought this plant in Kansas a few summers ago. Ask Melissa all about it ;)
Since I planted it, the bushes have grown up and filled in and the plant has to peek through the top. I should probably move it to a better location but it's fun to see it stick it's head up through the top and open up.