Thursday, July 31, 2008

Dog Days of Summer

August 1st is tomorrow and the dog days of summer are upon us. According to Wikipedia, the phrase Dog Days, or "the dog days of summer", refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer. This is clearly evident tonight. Outside the air is absolutely still and oppressively humid. Thunder rumbles in the distance and it has just begun to rain. This has been a daily weather pattern this week.

After a four week hiatus, my photo buddy Darlene and I braved the humidity and 90 degree temps for a walk around the pond at Madison Park. It was eerily quiet. Hardly a bird was heard or seen, the once abundant dragonflies were conspicuously absent, and the sky was thick with dark rolling clouds. We could see the heavy clouds dump rain in the distance, although we made it around the pond with only a few cooling drops.

Walking along the path I spotted a busy bumble bee. His wings and back were laden with yellow pollen.

A gaggle of Canada geese have made the pond their home since our last visit. I hope this will become a regular stop in their migratory pattern. If it is, we may find baby goslings next spring.

I've missed the pond. I'm looking forward to fall– my favorite season – and the colors of the various deciduous trees and vegetation. While I'm not rushing the summer season, I love living in a geographical area where we experience all four seasons. Winter in Georgia can hardly be called winter by northern standards, but we occasionally experience snowfall and temps get quite cold. The winter season is short lived and we have been known to have temps in the 80s during the Christmas holidays. In the mean time, I am happy to experience the summer season in all its hot sultry beauty. What is your favorite season?

Enjoy!

15 comments:

Chere said...

It is very hard to pick. I love spring but fall rates close to the top. All four seasons have a beauty of it's own. But spring is the awakening of everything. After the gray of winter, spring will brust forward with showers, green buds, bulbs, dogwoods and everything else that spring offers.

Anonymous said...

Well, I was gonna say it - but chere above said it better!! Spring, it is.

JoanS, in North Alabama

dsr524 said...

My favorite season is always the season that "is". I've never lived anywhere other than Georgia, and I can't image not having four seasons - each with it's own beauty and specialness (is that a word?).

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

Welcome, Joan S, and thank you for leaving a comment on my blog. I hope you will return again. Yes, I agree with you and Chere. I love spring with all it's rebirth after the winter as much I love the smells, colors, and magic of fall.

Darlene, I couldn't have said it better. I agree that my favorite season is the one that "is". I always seem to be rushing the season into the next though. I guess I'm anxious to see what's around the corner.

Roxanne Schwandt said...

My favorite season is Fall, as well. I love the turning colors of the leaves and the crisp fresh air the carries calming scents of the changing season.

I LOVE the pictures of the bee full of pollen. What an AMAZING act you have captured. The pollen even looks fluffy on that bee! I am at a loss for words - I can't believe it! Great work!! :)

Judyann said...

My favorite season has to be Spring. That's because Summer is on the way. I enjoy the warm days and sunshine and my morning coffee on the weekends outside. It's so relaxing to sit on my back deck with a nice adult beverage watching the birds and bees in my flowers. Lately, I've seen a humingbird or two in my yard as well.

Deb said...

First off, I love the signature at the end of your daily blog. It personalizesyour entry to your us, your beloved readers.
Hands down, I love fall the most. I love the long shadows on the grounds. The colors that nature selects in October and November are my favorite of all and probably is why I tend to decorate with the earthtones. The coolness of the days and nights yearn for open windows and fine sleeping. Taking a walk on crunchy leaves is the best sound ever.

Deb said...
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Deb said...
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Deb said...

It was me that deleted the last two duplicate posts. My finger tends to hit the enter key a bit too much as I wait for the entry to load. That's me...Miss Impatient!

Country Girl said...

Sorry. I'm still agog over the photographs. I need to catch my breath.

They are incredible! I love the bee covered in pollen. What lens are you using? It is so crisp and clear and perfect!

Favorite season: Autumn, hands down. Pie-baking, fire making, scarf knitting, cool and crisp. Love it!

Janette said...

Beautiful photos Debra!!! I sure hope those Geese come back for you. Nature is so much fun.

Sorry I have not been around much. I've had some surgery. (Lots of women stuff going on.) We also have Tara's wedding coming up. I will be back to look around. You've been busy here. I should email you and fill ya in more. I will try and do that soon.

Have a great weekend. Hugs!

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

Thanks much for the compliments. My favorite photography is nature. My favorite subjects are my grandchildren, but they rarely sit still long enough to be anything but a blur ;-)

Kate, I used my Nikkor 105mm lens (see complete lens description on the left side of my blog), then cropped and sharpened in PS. I didn't have to do anything else to it.

Janette, I admit I have been quite worried about your absence from blogging. I hope all is well with you and, yes, please drop me an e-mail at debra.rector@porex.com.

Thanks much to all for your sweet comments. Blogging has provided a great way to meet new friends. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know!

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

P.S. To Kate...what I like most about Nikkor lenses is the VR. I never, ever use a tripod. The lens is that good. I bought the macro lens you use and really like it too.

dlyn said...

I can find your blog now! I remember trying a few weeks ago and I got a page not found error.

Love your photographs. I don't really have a favorite season. We have 4 VERY distinct seasons here and in the course of one year, we can go from 95+ to -30. I love em all!