Project!

Working with Flowers

Sometimes it just happens. I was sorting again through my flower images and stopped when I got to these. I wanted to try something new and different. Original images first... 

End Result!

Odd man out didn't make the cut this time.

The color was 'off.'

But I have another idea swimming around so you might see this one soon!

Good Morning

There is a fellow down the road who is a very avid fisherman. I see him all the time loading his kayak or canoe into the lake from the dam. The property from which he departs does not have beach front so he launches off at "my" end of the lake.  I see him often. He is a silent fellow and pleasant to watch. A catch and release guy who just has a 'go-to' place for a serene environment, I guess. This morning I took pictures and then just could not decide which image I liked best so here are four for viewing.

And then this bird flew over!

The Hostas are in full bloom now...

GOOD MORNING!!!

More 'Artwork"

I seem to be forever finding new techniques to create and change my flower photos. Experimenting is fun, no matter what the results are. Sometimes I like the finished picture, sometimes they are too much to take in and too colorful, bold and wild. So what? It's just an enjoyable hobby for me. 

Hot day hot flower!

Softness

That's it for now....

Today's Work

I KNOW I shouldn't be sitting for long stretches because of my leg situation, BUT......

I took the first picture in SC several years ago. I was looking through old images and it jumped out! So............

I pushed onward with an idea — fade it!

Then...delete background — cool!

I 'almost' thought of twisting and turning it, but — created new background!

Named it "Pretty in Pink."

I think you can see it larger by tapping on image.

Back to Thimbleberries

Surprise! My granddaughter had this shipped to me and what a surprise gift! I didn't know it was available! Just today I took pictures of the 3 cuttings I made last week from the large bushes here and now I shall have a taste!

Product Details

The Copper Country of Upper Michigan is well-known for our beloved thimbleberries that only grow in the woods along the old railroad grades and logging roads of the northern parts of the U.P. Thimbleberry jam has a robust, rich flavor that is a old-time family favorite on toast or muffins. Try it drizzled on top of your favorite baked bars or as a topping on some fresh vanilla ice cream. You'll love it! This Wild Thimbleberry Jam does not have any added Pectin, additives or fillers.

• Brand: UP Foods
• Measurement: 9 ounces (255 grams)
• Country: Sourced in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Made in U.P. of Michigan
  
  

Just call Me Happy

It's a wonderful sight to see my daughter able to get in and out of the lake much easier for her swim. 80° at noon here. Nice day. Happy me!

Took long relaxing swim! Then...

Something New - Good

For years my family has been diving off the dock and then walking out of the lake through sucky mucky sediment at the shoreline. I ordered a four step aluminum ladder and today it was put together and attached. I anticipate watching my daughter who swims here often, use it and hope it works well. See pictures that my "go-to" contracting business has sent me after installation.

image above from Bass Pro (no shipping!)

Threes...

First the sewer situation, then the full day of crowded surroundings and stress, now the third occurrence that is the most difficult! Guess that I'm being a crybaby and wanting sympathy. No, that is not it. IT is that when things in life go awry, I have difficulty with getting them set right. 

I woke up yesterday morning with a swollen, red, hot and burning leg and foot. I had warning the day before but didn't suspect what might be going on and am still not sure. BUT! I called a nearby friend to take me to emergency because I knew it was an extreme situation. After the doctor looked at it, the RN took swabs of the sore on top of my foot and started a medicine IV fluid drip. That lasted two hours. Then my friend picked up a prescribed antibiotic for me and when we got home I started to arrange things to be able to get my foot and leg above my heart. Not easy, as I have the frozen shoulder and a bad back. I did my best. My friend then did the large grocery shopping that was planned for Monday and I rested. Went to bed 8pm, got up this morning 6:30am and leg still looking the same. I do have a follow-up appointment with my regular doctor this week. The cause is suspected to be a tick bite. (I did see a tiny black dot on the top of my foot for several days but didn't pay attention to it.) I have been going out barefoot to pull weeds in the flowerbed in front, a couple of times in the early mornings. WRONG! 

I sure hope the antibiotics will start doing their job and it will all go away! The lab result of the swabs taken should determine the true cause of this painful cellulitis. 

I am SOOOOO lucky to have such a good friend nearby that I could call on when I needed help. In fact, I have several and love them all!

Jumping Through Hoops

Well that is what it feels like! But oh what a ton of hoops you have to go through to just get a date for one of two cataract surgeries! They did all the tests here at home when I went for eyeglass lens updates. Then it was determined I had cataracts and an appointment was made for me at the place where the surgery is actually done. It's about 45 miles away and my daughter did the driving. The place was completely full of people waiting for their appointments. My wait at first was 45 minutes. Then all the tests were done again! Then I saw the surgeon and then I had to get paperwork to bring home to fill out and also get a regular doc appointment to be cleared for the surgery. They also called in medicines for me to use after the surgery and they are not generic so the cost will be high. It was good to have my daughter, who has had 5 back surgeries already and is scheduled for hip replacement in September, with me. We both motivate with canes. We left at 8:45am and returned home at 2:30pm. It took all the strength I had to go through it plus there was a lot of walking and I was totally wiped out! She was, as well. So far the surgery will be at the end of August and that means at least a 2-3 hour wait for my daughter who will not be allowed to accompany me inside the facility.

If I didn't need my eyes for reading and computer work, I probably wouldn't even bother. I DO NOT like being in a facility with tons of others waiting and in my area even though we all had to wear masks. When you challenge yourself, it means that you're alive, not just existing!