Watching Dragonflies

There's something magical about watching dragonflies. Seeing them is one of the real treats of summer, in my opinion. Their wings are such delicate engineering accomplishments. I once watched this exquisite red dragonfly get caught by a lizard...right outside my front door. He'd been so happy just seconds before. This photo was taken this past weekend at the NC State Museum in Raleigh at their waterlily pool. Luckily, there weren't any lizards nearby. And that new museum building is so contemporary and beautiful.

Sunrise on the Neuse

There is a proposal for 11 squadrons of F-35B aircraft at Cherry Point which is a few miles downriver from us. Research that I've done registered an F-35B landing at a noise level of
109 dB. Deafening. And we are looking at 176 of these babies flying overhead aroung 2014. The prospect is frightening. This tranquil surrounding may not be so tranquil after 2014. Not to speak of home values.

Looking at more gulls....

I look at gulls a great deal living around here. They're pretty fascinating birds and I love to hear the sounds they make. I have a number of gull photos. This one I decided to play with to create a soft watercolor impression.

Gulls Pattern

I'm going to crow a bit tonight. My "Gulls Pattern" photo won "Best of Show" in the Beaufort County Photography Show in Washington, NC. The reception was tonight and while I hadn't gotten the check yet -- there's a little bit of cash award with this. Not bad for a painter who took up Photography just a few years ago.

Wild Turkey

One of Frederick's dear cousins, (Gene) was buried last week. He was 85. One of the nephews claimed Gene spoke to him in a dream and requested some "Wild Turkey" a couple nights before. Gene loved Wild Turkey. So, before the casket was lowered into the ground, the ceremonial "Wild Turkey" send off took place. The bottle was opened, sipped by the three remaining male relatives standing around. They toasted him; poured some Wild Turkey over his casket and placed the bottle in the hollow of the casket before the vault was sealed. I was there and can report this firsthand. But, I have to admit that I didn't partake of the cherished liquor. If Gene was looking on, he would know how much he was loved and how memories of his life will be treasured.

We had a few days of reprieve from the heat. And seems my blue bird hatch box will be in use again. A new pair of bluebirds have taken over the box and Mama was dragging in some grass this morning. This will be the 3rd nesting for the year!