Busy bee .....

It's always wonderful to be invited to photograph a garden that you just know holds special opportunities!  Ahhh .... such was my afternoon today. This is just a snippet of pictures that I will share! You have to look close (in the pictures below), but this guy was having the time of his life ... even though it was only 40 degree!

             Wonder how he feels at the end of his day!  Thanks S & T !!

Here is your lesson for the day -
Bumblebees are social insects that are characterized by black and yellow body hairs, often in bands. However, some species have orange or red on their bodies, or may be entirely black.^[1] Another obvious (but not unique) characteristic is the soft nature of the hair (long, branched setae), called pile, that covers their entire body, making them appear and feel fuzzy. They are best distinguished from similarly large, fuzzy bees by the form of the female hind leg, which is modified to form a corbicula: a shiny concave surface that is bare, but surrounded by a fringe of hairs used to transport pollen (in similar bees, the hind leg is completely hairy, and pollen grains are wedged into the hairs for transport).
Like their relatives the honey bees, bumblebees feed on nectar and gather pollen to feed their young.

Feet! Yes.... feet!

 So many times (to be honest... most), when I sit down to create a post, I have no idea what will be the end result.  Heck, I don't even have a clue where I will begin.  Then it just happens! Like tonight.  Believe me when I tell you that I had no idea that I would write about feet!

But ..... think about it ...... it's so interesting. Life is a journey with a simple beginning.

      That changes  ... day by day.

 

And, it's expressive.

Time passes.  And the story of life builds ... with many experiences.












                                                      
                   So ...... play with all your heart.

.

Dance until  you can't dance any longer.

   Create in any way you want.

Celebrate the special moments.

Surround yourself with friends and family.

Laugh when the opportunity presents itself.

Your feet will carry you every which way .... make the journey all that it can be. 

Your soul is the picture of your life ..... may your soles be the vehicle that carries you on the journey ....run, jump, dance and play! 

Make it an unforgettable marathon!

Rose emotion!

I certainly have photos of flowers that I would consider "my favorites". For the most part, the criteria to get my nomination is - there has to be emotion.  I'm not sure how I would define emotion ... other than to say, it has to make you feel something ... strongly.  The yellow roses above ... are peaceful and gentile and lovely.

                                         This red rose ... is strong, yet soft and lovely.

These peach roses are ....soft, delicate, dreamy and lovely.

This peach/red rose  ..... is bold, strong and lovely.

The single pink rose  ....is dreamy, fluid and lovely

 These orange roses ... are mystical, transparent, unique and lovely.

 

 And, these lovely pinks .... are sweet, delicate and calming.

The common theme ... is the description of  lovely.  The definition of lovely - having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye. Yes, I believe that fits!

Durango / Silverton Colorado Railroad!

What a wonderful way to spend a day - traveling on this steam engine, from Durango to Silverton, which is high up on the  mountain. It's a bit noisy, a bit bumpy and a whole lot quaint and enjoyable

 I have a deep appreciation for the work of running this train.  Can you imagine shoveling the coal?!

You have to be careful of your clothing as the blast of steam contains pieces of soot ... which can burn holes. I prayed that it didn't land in my hair!

Branded, free range horses were found along the way .... along with lots of prairie dogs!

The scenic views were so very lovely.  Look at the color of that water.

People were standing up and snapping pictures from all angles.

 

The rainbow in the picture above came about when the train was blowing off water/steam as it was making it's way up a steep section of the mountain.

And, this is the tank that replenishes the water supply in the train ... wonder if it's cheaper than gas these days.

As you will see in these few pictures, the minerals in the rock produce the most wonderful colors.

   

 As we enter the town of Silverton, the picture takers were waiting and ready to take shots of this historic train.  I believe they said it is one of the most photographed steam trains.

 

We arrive in town ... literally.  The train pulls right up in the center of town ... and stops.  We all get off to shop, eat .... and are ready to return to the train after about two hours.  Low and behold, the engine is now on the other end and we are headed back to Durango.

So, on the way back down the mountain, we stop for a break ... and those crazy conductors do their own version of "letting off steam".  Seems that their favorite pastime during break is tossing rocks into the river below!

What a great ride!  All aboard!