Mid-December 2024

Greetings to you all.  Summer will officially be upon us soon, (Dec. 21st.) but it is already summerish much of the time. I thought therefore that I'd show you some pictures from the gardens that lie just opposite our cafe.  While I was taking pictures, a bumble and a honey bee came along, not together, I doubt that they're acquainted, and I was able to add them to the shots.  Actually, in my opinion, they make the shots.

I hope that you enjoy what I'm sharing. 

The first two shots are a before and after of the sunrise taken on Dec. 6th. 2024. 

The sun is approaching the point furthest south in its periodic sweep across the horizon between the equinox and the the solstice.  On Dec. 21, this year, the sun will rise, when seen from our balcony, directly behind the pine tree which stands just to the right of where the sun came up in the following pictures.   

I like this rose because its name reminds me of the time Allie give me a bottle of 1951 Port for my birthday.  

These hollyhocks remind me of a time in my life when they towered over my head. I shot this picture a little lower than I needed to.  

And here we go with bees and roses.  

I hope you liked those.  

I'm going to finish this post with something completely different.  

I love You Tube.  There are so many fascinating videos available.  I came across this one which was particularly enjoyable.  Amazing number, great presenter.  What's not to like?

Here it is.  -djf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtyNuOikdE4

Swallows

 

This morning, as Jeanne and I sat on our balcony and sipped the day's first brew, we were entertained by members of a family of Waitakere Garden's winged residents.  They undoubtedly started their lives in our potting shed. In fact, the first shot shows them still living at home.   

This is our view of the Palms Building during its remediation.   It is here that today's aerial acrobats rested between forays to catch their breakfasts.  The time is about 6:30 a.m.

I wish I had centered this one better. It looks like a stealth bomber here, and notice its shadow (reflection?) on the plastic.  

While Jeanne and I couldn't see what they were catching, it was obvious that they were very successful. I hope you enjoyed seeing them.   -djf