Fly away home!

 

Here he comes again... It's that Heron who likes to pretend he's a pterodactyl. I think he looks splendid against the golden hour clouds.

 

Let's go!

 

The last roundup...

 

Colorful!

 

Safe in the arms of a fallen tree, 7 separate Foxglove plants light up the forest!

 

Light pink, a bit smaller and more delicate-- this is another Columbine!

 

Columbine!

 

Colors and patterns-- Happy flowers! Life is good!

 

Spring-- Even the simplest plants can be incredibly beautiful!

 

When the cat we call Bunny is not being a ferocious jungle beast in the garden, he's often grabbing a nap in some of the oddest places. We always check the wheels...

 

This is one of our neighbors' cats. He likes to pretend he's a ferocious jungle beast when he's wandering in our backyard.

 

A glorious path on a glorious day!

 

I'm always amazed by the Rhododendrons. We don't have the rhodie flowers very long, but they're always a joy!

 

The amazing Great Blue Heron, looking for a snack in the wetlands!

 

She likes the little bird--- and when she finally gives birth to her foal, she says the bird can be an uncle!

 

Here comes the guardcat! "Who goes there?"

 

I guess that means KEEP OUT!

 

That little shed has the world's most mossy roof!

 

The way the setting sun highlights this spot makes me wonder what used to be here...

 

Isn't she beautiful?

 

It's just an ordinary moth, no bigger than a 25 cent coin, resting on the side of our house. But look at those wings! They're like feathers on an exotic bird. I didn't have my camera handy so took this picture with my iPhone!

 

Beauregard, the bull, isn't getting past this fence!

 

Iris, Foxglove, and beautiful grass-- Hidden treasures on the wetlands path!

 

The Rose, by any other name, would smell just as sweet...

 

Her Majesty, the Queen-- splendid in all her regal glory!

 

Come on, everybody-- Smile!

 

Who needs flowers when you can have a bouquet of just plain grass like this!

 

Sweet, simple, always happy! Daisies are special!

 

And among the May flowers, one of the most beautiful-- Foxglove (Digitalis)!

 

You can't really love the light unless you love the shadows...

 

May in the forest-- It's beautiful!

 

The koi has finished his dinner-- Now he's making bubbles.

Feed me! One of the large Koi is gobbling up his share!

 

Pussywillows with raindrops! I'm always surprised by how much they make me smile.

 

A long way down, but it's a wonderful spot for a picture!

It's always nice to run into an old friend...

 

The magical little bridge over Lacamas Creek...

 

A gull soaring over the surf as the sun is going down...

 

Splash! Is he chasing waves, or sea critters?

 

Fresh green leaves, a rainbow, and Minnie Peak in the distance all add beauty to this view from the east end of Coldwater Lake.

 

More sunbreaks on a showery day-- Mt. St. Helens is obscured by clouds, but the valley floor, nearly 2000 feet below, is glowing in the afternoon sun. Look closely at the lower left, and you'll see the Toutle River. That's a long way down!

 

A rainbow highlights the bright sun and the dark clouds as the rain falls near the mountain...

 

There is no better example of Springtime whimsy than the new lily pads! They twist and turn, they put on shows, they show different colors, and one even sprouted a yellow flower. And they do it all looking like they're floating in space! What more could you want!

 

The view from under the shelter in the woods...