Zeb

This past week, Zeb graduated from high school. I had the honor of photographing him for his senior portraits this past fall. The following are some of my favorites from our session.

 

 

Spring

I think I can now safely declare it to be spring without risking another snowstorm. If not, I apologize in advance. But with all of the wild weather and extended winter, a June snowstorm just wouldn't seem as shocking.

 

Planting is well underway, both the pretties and the practicals. We've tilled up a new spot in our quest for a tomato bed that will produce enough to can.

These lovelies pop up wherever they will all around our yard. I believe they are a wild phlox.

Future salad, sown in one of my earth boxes. Windows open, birds singing, and thunderstorms, what a relief that spring is finally here.

April showers

  What a nice way to end a productive Saturday. With a gorgeous April shower!

 

 

The perfect end to a great Saturday, with a nice conquest at the auction. Not the tractor, but a nifty burr mill that we will use to grind our own grain for our goats. 

 

Time to change my header, too.

The Last Hurrah

As much as we whine and groan about the cold, the snow, the roads, the bitter cold, wind, wind chills, heating bills and bitter, numbing cold, there are certain facets of beauty that only winter can bring.

Yesterday morning, we had dense fog, and a drop in temperature. These are a collection from a combination of a drive in the country and a walk around the farm.

 

 

I wonder what kind of bird brawl was going on here? Or maybe just some mini attempts at snow angels?

Winter 2013, you were all right. Thanks for the final performance. Take a bow.

Birdfeeders

Today was a snow day, so I was able to recruit some help for topping off the bird feeders.

  

Less than 48 hours ago, these were in use, in nice, warm weather. Ah, Iowa. 

 

Our task accomplished, Elizabeth started the task of trailblazing. I took the easier job of snapping some photos. 

 

Below you will see one of our many resident squirrels. 

 

And an appreciative nuthatch, who wasted no time in resuming his lunch once the feeders were filled. 

Not mentioning any names ...

 Time to change the header, so the above is placed here for posterity.

 

There are a few people in my house who really don't care for spiders, no matter how photogenic they are.  One in particular, because one fateful day in the autumn, a veritable Shelob left an indelible physical impression on someone who dwells under the same roof as I. I won't mention any names.

 

This is one of the drum majors for the past marching band season, but she does not live in my house. This was their victory lap, their last performance after earning a Division I rating at the State Marching Band  Competition. They are a hard core bunch, playing in the rain both at State and this particular night, like it was nothing. Someone who lives in our house played alto sax for marching band this past year. I won't mention any names.

 Lastly, someone in this house is over 40, and even though her hands look much older than that, she still knows how to rock an awesome manicure.

 We won't mention any names.

Autumn Portraits

Before the weather got cold, while all the splendid color was still around, I was privileged to be asked by Andy's brother Aaron and his wife Alisia for a mini session before they went out for the evening.

It seems that wherever they are, laughter is inevitable. 

They are pretty good neighbors, also. Just having them close by, as well as Andy's other brother Ryan and his wife Jodi and their family, and him mom and dad ... we are in a blessed location. In the event of a zombie apocalypse, we are pretty well covered out here. 

Here is one of our neighbors who isn't actually related to Andy.  Brandy and Layla are our next door neighbors, and happened to be arriving home one evening during a spectacular sunset. Brandy agreed to let me photograph the lovely Layla to harness the spectacular light of the moment.

The leaves are all gone now, and now we await the first snowfall. Fall is way too fleeting.