PARDON ME!

Yes Pardon ME!!  This Albino Raccoon can be seen at Greenview Avaries in Morpeth, ON.   

PURE DOMINANCE!

I took this picture of the Bald Eagle at the Detroit Zoo.  There were two beautiful eagles perched in the tree in their enclosure.  I think this bird displays such beauty, but at the same time a strength and dominance that I have not seen in any other bird.  I would love to be able to be close enough to get a shot of one of these beauties in the wild.  Maybe some day.

WHAT YOU LOOKIN' AT?

This baby Great Horned Owl was born just down the street from me in Paxton's Bush.  The adults have taken up permanent residence here.  This is one of the first times that the babies (there are two), were low enough to get a shot.  On one occasion the mother owl dropped in a rabbit for the babies lunch!

AGING WITH GRACE VII (to be continued)

The above three pictures were taken in Novi Sad, Serbia several years ago.  I have selected them for part of my Aging With Grace section because each of them are elderly and have remarkable stories to tell.  All three were living in a Refugee Camp when I met them. We were distributing food boxes to the camp on a cold snowy day.  These people were ordered to leave their homes and vacate within minutes only to watch their homes be burned behind them.  The tragedy and loss these people endured will for ever scar them.  Aging With Grace leaves them little choice.

AGING IN GRACE VI

I met the lady above in  Prague CR when we were on vacation.  She was with her daughter painting Easter Eggs to sell at the Easter Festival in Prague.   This is a generational craft that has been going on in their families for centuries.  I think she could have painted the intricate designs on the eggs in her sleep.  

The elderly man above was in Ottawa at the Ice Carnival.  This old lumberjack was making maple syrup.  Just the sweetest fellow, with a great sense of humour.

AGING WITH GRACE V

A persons hands speaks a thousand words or more... Every wrinkle and every callous reveals a persons activities, his worries, his hard work and his demeanour. This gentlemen is very confident, relaxed after many hard years as a construction owner and worker. He still wears the ring from his beloved who passed on a few years back.  Grace is what I see.

AGING WITH GRACE IV

This dear friend of mine turned 89 today.  Oh the stories I have heard from this lovely man.  Born in Brussels, lived through the war and immigrated to Canada.  He has enriched my life by the grace he has shown and the grace he has been given.   Happy Birthday Lou!

AGING WITH GRACE III

They say that eyes are a Window to the Soul.  I think this could be true.

AGING WITH GRACE II

A I have already stated I love the elderly.  I have gained so much understanding and wisdom from listening to them.  I have a huge respect for all they have done and continue to do in their lives.  It's too bad that society and even families have pushed so many loved ones aside leaving institutions to care for them when they need us most. 

AGING WITH GRACE

Probably some of the most rewarding pictures I take are of people. I love to hear their stories and get to know them just a bit before I ask to take their picture.  I especially enjoy seniors because they have so much to share.  I get to peer into their souls when I take their photo.  For the next little bit I will be focusing on "Aging With Grace."
I have a special place in my heart for these hands, because they belong to my 90 year old mother in law.

ELEMENTAL POWER!

This picture was taken at the Almafi Coast in Italy.  I was awestruck at the magnificence of the power behind this rushing water.  I am forever amazed at the power God has put in the elements and the powerlessness we feel when up against it. 

GREEN HERON

What a pretty little green bird.  When I looked up this bird I was surprised to find that it was a heron.  Most herons that I have seen have been very large birds.  This one was sitting patiently waiting for a passing fish in very green swampy water.

WHAT YOU LOOKIN' AT?

This ostrich was such a funny guy.  He followed us around as we walked along the fence.  I just love his soft peach fuzzy hair.

BEAUTY IN THE BUSH

I was fortunate enough to capture these beauties at a fairly close distance.  They were cautiously curious as we snapped away.  So gentle and such a beautiful animal.

PEEK A BOO!

PEEK A BOO

We were driving down the backroads to go and pick strawberries when we looked up and saw this awesome site.  Mamma and her baby perched high up beside a hydro pole.  These boxes were made for resident Osprey, but looks like the owls have moved in!

MR. AND MRS. OSPREY

We sat on the edge of the highway to capture these beautiful Osprey.  Mamma was sitting on the nest and later hubby came in with a fish in his claws.  They certainly didn't like our presence and made sure we knew it with their loud screeching.  The wind kept us from getting the sharp shots we would have liked.  Maybe tomorrow will be better. 

LOOKING FOR LUNCH?

There is no shortage of Turkey Vultures here in Florida.  The sky can be black at times with so many vultures riding the thermals.  There is also no end to the dead wild boars on the side of the road, therefore providing a feeding frenzy!

SANDHILL CRANE

We were off on a shopping trip today and stopped along side the road to see this beautiful Sandhill Crane just walking along.  We got within 2 feet of this beautiful bird allowing us to take his picture.  This Sandhill stood around 4 ft tall. Stunning.

MANITEE

Today we went to the coast near a place called Ruscus where there was a Manitee lookout station that you could go out and see the many Manitee that gather to the warm water.  There is a large chemical plant that has an inlet on the side of it that pumps out warm water.  The Manitee love the warm water so they gather here.  Unfortunately the Manitee didn't show much of themselves coming up only to get air.  

FLORIDA RODEO DAYS IN ARCADIA

I had never been to a rodeo until today. WOW what a show.  There were more cowboys, dirt and livestock than you could imagine.  My favourite was the 5 and 6 year old Mutton Riders.  Little boys riding sheep! How cute.  Bucking Broncos, Barrel racing,  Calf roping, and another favourite Bull Riding.  Enjoy just a few...too many to post!