Bees in August

Yesterday, I came across a cluster of sunflowers and found that each and every flower had a bumblebee visitor. Not two or three, but one each. It was as if an agreement had been made among all parties that this was the best way to share the goods--one on one, everyone getting a seat in the theater of pollen collecting. The bumblebees were so content or full or something, they barely moved, which made for easier picture-taking. Here's a few.

Summer in the City

This is one of my favorite times to be in the city. Boston is less crowded but there's a happy buzz.  Visitors from out of town are lining up for duck tours. Open markets in Copley Square, free musical concerts at the Boston Public Library and all kinds of surprises are happening on street corners. Along the way, there are always the flowers, a sky, a building's facade to consider and enjoy.

Considering infinity

Impossible not to wonder when looking through this leafy door.

symmetry

the John Hancock and clouds

A flower sparkler

The generous hydrangea

May 2014 wrap up

Beauty dangling on a thread.

What surprises are on the way to you?







Ferns on a Saturday walk in Boston


Did you know that the name for Iris comes from the Greek word for rainbow?


This fledgling robin spotted in our yard, then later seen scurrying across the road, then later still I saw Parent robin feeding him/her a meal.  Leaving the nest is an exciting and vulnerable time.

Everything in May

This spring came so fast after a slow start, everything is blooming at once. I can't keep up with what's newly showing and I certainly don't care to. It's all a wonderful unleashing of aromas and visuals, and awakenings. Here are a few recent sightings accompanied by short musings of sorts, which I hope you enjoy.

These buds on a tree are so ready.

 A peek inside Harvard Yard, newly greening

What shade of blue or violet, she asks.

Boston Public Garden

From a tulip's point of view in Copley Square

Are Peonies from another planet? This cluster of them on a bush at the end of our street popped open in one day, the size of them otherworldly.

Ethereal? Sometimes I think the humble dandelion gets a bum rap. I read somewhere that they offer bees early spring nourishment (pollen). Dandelion leaves can be used for salads and soups, wine and tea. The flower cycles through a wonderful transformation of color and texture-from deep yellow to this.

Flowering into the sky.

Petalfall

Boston Marathon, a year later

For the past few days leading up to Monday's big race, helicopters--security patrol--have been scrolling the Boston skies. It's a return to sounds from last year when our town went on lock down and my country watched from the internet wings. Those ch-ch-chuffing motors above my roof unsettled me a bit until I went downtown to Copley Square and saw the city sidewalks shimmering with pedestrians in an exuberant expression of happiness and hope--people walking five abreast on Newbury Street, every outdoor cafe brimming with runners about to take the stage; families with kids scattering on the asphalt byways.

The weather obeyed, too. The Boston Garden resumed its hosting activities for ducks, picnickers, swan boat drifters, and trees releasing their stunning magnolia blooms. It's that time of year. We made it. We're at it again.

Magnolia tree on Commonwealth Ave.

Later in the day, riding on a (very) crowded trolley, I met this lovely couple from Wisconsin. The husband, Randy Zemlicka, has run 32 marathons. His goal, he said, was to run a marathon in all 50 states. This was his first time in Boston. Randy was born with a congenital heart problem and has undergone multiple surgeries including a recent implant to help with pacing. And, here he is, ready to go. What a smile! I also learned that Randy is running for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as a partner for young cancer surviver, Ames. Sitting behind Randy and his lovely wife are their daughter and son-in-law who have come along to cheer him on. It's stories like this one that are recharging our city this weekend. We are celebrating our humanity. Thank you!  Learn more about Randy's inspiring story by clicking this link. 

Here's a few more photos from Saturday's stroll around Copley Square and Newbury Street. Enjoy!

Mr. Copley wearing his Boston Marathon colors

The Finish Line

Spring, for real

Yes. It has arrived. It's here. And I'm celebrating with proof positive pictures, and the morning songbirds, and the evening robins calling for mates.  The busy season is upon us. Renew and rejoice!

Winter Sunrise

Saw this sky when I woke up this morning.

Then, everything turned white a few hours later.