Watching the sailboats,....

A few evenings ago I took my youngest grandson out for supper at a local hot dog stand. We got them "to go" and went to the boat launch to watch the boats while we ate our food. To a second grader, this is great fun.

Invasion?...

In the past decade here in the Adirondacks several plant and aquatic species have been labeled "invasive species." Efforts have been made to eradicate or at least control, if possible, the spread of these species that in their own growth choke out our native plants.

I'll only show one of them here,.... purple loosestrife. It spreads along roadsides, and into fields. It eventually chokes out the cattails.
Here you can see a few loosestrife plants just beginning to invade a growth of cattails.


A pretty plant, with its tall spikes of brilliant rosy-purple blooms, some people have innocently transplanted it into their home's flower gardens. Over time those people may regret introducing it into their property.

If you wish to learn more about purple loosestrife and other "invaders" you may visit this site:

http://www.nature.org/initiatives/invasivespecies/features/art8863.html

Clouds, Rain, Fog,...

It's like living in the bottom of an old boot! However, the dreary weather this summer does make for some interesting landscape shots,...

Annie sang "The sun will come up tomorrow!".... can we hope?

P.S..... It's now 10:42 a.m.... and the sun has arrived! A very welcome sight!

Spruce Hill,....

For nearly ten years I drove to work via route 9N, which took me up and down Spruce Hill. Years ago it was a much narrower road and had a dip and a curve in the middle about half way down the hill. Before the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid it was changed into a very long, nearly straight highway. The view from the top and as you come down the hill is one I treasure, no matter the season or weather.


Yesterday it looked like this,...



Although I no longer make this trip on a daily basis, it is always a treat!

Sweetest scent,....

Along the roads and in the fields this plant grows in abundance. The Common Milkweed,... considered a weed, for the word is contained in its name! But look at the lovely broad leaves, the tiny star shaped flowers growing in clusters,.. and most of all, breathe deeply the scent, -- a heavenly aroma!

I do not find anything "common" about this gift from nature. I guess it's like love, all in the eyes of the beholder!

Home again,...

Just got home from camping,.... see you all tomorrow a.m.!

Company for breakfast....

This little fellow... or gal,.... joined us for breakfast!

Nibbling donut crumbs,...

And then "Chippy" carried some crumbs back home,....