A Touch Of Nature

 

 

 

Chickadee In A Tree

 

 

 

 

A Black-Capped Chickadee

 

 

 

 

A White Breasted Nuthatch

 

 

 

 

Oh cage me not, lest I become a prisoner of man’s ego.

Deny me not my right to fly in God’s blue sky

And spy upon these mortals there below.

Then when I see a friend, I may desend to serenade.

And when my song is o’er,

away on freedom ‘s wing to soar.

-May Hickman

 

 

 

 

 

 

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

– Shakespear

 

 

 

 

  In Harmony with Nature

Up Close and Personal,

The Look of Trust ,

Eye to  Eye,

It touched my Soul.

Written by - Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. – John Muir

 

 

 

I Was Looking For Owls

I was looking for Owls, and I found  Chickadees, 

or should I say , “they found me”.

I was looking for Owls, and I found a Nuthatch,

and again, it found me.

If you truly love Nature you will find Beauty wherever you go.

Look! Expecting to find,

Leave your tunnel vision behind.

You may not find what you are looking for,

but treasures you are sure to find,

and you will be touched by nature of some kind.

What a Joy to be in Harmony with the Beauty that surrounds you, whatever that might be.

I believe it is God’s  intended plan for all of humanity,

and  Nature, of His Own  Creativity.

Written by- Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

It was funny, while driving home on the 401 hwy. I saw a big beautiful owl perched in a tree along side the 4 way hwy. I admired its beauty for a moment, and then shook my head and laughed. It didn’t bother me that I didn’t get a photo with my camera. I treasured the moment with a thankful heart and I had just come from having little Chickadees and a Nuthatch in the palm of my hand. There little talons felt wonderful as I experienced a touch of nature that I will never forget. Now how special is that!!!

Hope to find you all well. Take care and God Bless each and every one who passes by.

ox Dianne :)

Special note: Pictures of me were taken by my hubby. Steve is legally blind but has great insight, and not bad with the camera either. I think he is pretty amazing. I am  Blessed to have him in my life.  :)

 

Hug A Zebra Day

 

 

 

 

Hug A Zebra

 

Did you know

Today is hug a Zebra Day?

You say oh my gosh

I did not know!

So hug your Zebra with all your might.

If you don’t have a Zebra,

Then hug The One your with.

If you are all alone,

then hug the First Person or Zebra you see!

Or give Yourself a big old hug,

and say I love me.

You say oh my gosh

I could never do that.

What would people say?

Can you imagine that?

You could always send a hug,

to all your Blog Friends,

Or go out and find a Zebra.

No matter what you decide to do

or who you hug .

Have a wonderful day!

Poem written  by Dianne dsphotocats

Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

These photos were taken a few years ago at the Toronto Zoo. It was a very bright sunny summer day. The sun was harsh in the top photo but the pose was perfect. I just happened to be around at the right time. I will gladly sacrifice perfect lighting for this perfect pose. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the mother zebra put its legs around her baby in the form of a hug. Isn’t nature wonderful! I think it is awesome how God makes even the animals to have such affection towards their own. God uses His Creation to show us His Love. At least that is my experience. God can reveal Himself to anyone who is truly seeking to find Him.

Romans Chapter 1:20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse.

Isaiah 55:6  Seek The Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near.

I even think of our dear pets and how they show us so much Love and Affection. What a Blessing they are to us. God can use anything that He created to reveal Himself to us. God is not limited. He is Almighty, and the Author of Love. God is Spirit, and God is  Love in it’s Purest Form.

Although it is not until Feb. 14th, I would like to wish you all a Happy Valentines Day.

Love and Hugs to all my Blogger Friends

Dianne :)

Jelly At The Zoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moon Jellyfish

 

 

When a person goes to the Zoo most people think of Lions, Tigers, Giraffes, Elephants, Monkeys and such. I decided back in Sept. I would check out a few different species in the Pavilions. I found it challenging due to the lighting in these buildings, and of course the crowds of onlookers, but thought I would give it a try.

I could spend hours at the zoo in awe of all the amazing animals that I see, and want to see. I find it so fascinating. I think I could spend weeks there and not have enough time to spend with all my animal friends. I love animals and so does the One who Created them all. What an imagination our God and Creator has to make such a vast diversity of life on this planet called earth, and we humans haven’t discovered it all yet and probably never will. Scientists are no match for God The Creator of all life, including them. :)

These pictures were taken at the Toronto Zoo which has over 5000 different animal species to see. At some point I will post some of my other zoo pictures.

I will leave information on the Moon Jellyfish at the end of this post for anyone who may be interested in reading it and finding out some fascinating information on this animal. There are plenty of good sites on the internet as well.

I haven’t been out with my camera in quite awhile due to life circumstances. It has been on the shelf for now, but when the time is right I will be back out capturing the beauty that surrounds me each and every day. For now I am just thankful for eyes to see the things around me day by day. I am thankful for many things in my life. Life is precious. I hope to find you all well. Thank you for those of you who remember my mom in your prayers as she suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease. Life is challenging and an uphill battle for her. She is very courageous, and a woman of Faith. I am a much better person because of my mom. She has always been there for me, and I for her.

Hope you all take care and have a wonderful week whatever you do or don’t do.

Until next time and I hope to visit you all soon.

xx’s Dianne :)

 

 

 

Moon jellyfish

 

Location at the Toronto Zoo: Australasia

Region:

Australasia

 

Scientific Name:

Aurelia aurita

Description

: Jellyfish are ancient creatures. Fossils have been found in rocks that are 650 million years old. Today there are more than 2000 species. Jellyfish are 95% water, 3% protein, and 1% mineral. There are four life stages from birth to adult. There is no backbone, brain, or heart. Adults drift with the currents, but can swim horizontally by pulsations of the bell to keep close to the surface. A primitive nerve net controls muscle contractions as it swims. The adult form is a transparent bell shape that ranges between 5 and 40 cm wide. Underneath is a central mouth surrounded by four oral arms that carry the stinging tentacles. From above, four crescent shaped gonads surround the mouth. On the rim of the bell are eight sets of eye spots sensitive to light and eight statocysts that help orient jellyfish when swimming. Jellyfish are primitive organisms with an outer layer (ectoderm) that covers the external surface and an inner layer (endoderm) that lines the gut. Between these is a jelly layer or mesoglea. The simple digestive cavity acts as a gullet, stomach, and intestine. There is one opening between the oral arms that acts as a mouth, anus, and entrance for sperm (in females).

Distribution

: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

Habitat

: Shallow coastal waters as well `s brackish waters with a salt content as low as 0.6 %. Jellyfish can survive in water from 6 ˚C to 31 ˚C. The optimum temperature is 9 ˚C to 19 ˚C.

Food

: Jellyfish are carnivorous plankton eaters. They feed on fish eggs and larval fish and other plankton, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and copepods etc. Food is collected on the mucus surface of the jellyfish and by the tentacles. Flagellar action of the tentacles passes the food items to the margin of the bell and then up into the mouth and stomach.

Reproduction and Development

: Jellyfish are either male or female. Sexual reproduction begins when a male medusa releases sperm through its mouth. The sperm swim into the mouth of a nearby female where fertilization occurs. Further development into free swimming planula (larval stage) occurs in brood pouches along the oral arms. The planula settle on the ocean floor and attach to the bottom forming the polyp. Polyps bud asexually to produce free swimming larvae known as ephyra, which grow into the adult medusa.

Adaptations

: The transparent body makes a jellyfish less visible to predators. Oral arms have tentacles that carry nematocysts (stinging cells) that stun prey or deter predators. About 70 species are harmful to humans. The medusa can shrink in size when food is scarce and grow when it is abundant. Radial symmetry permits finding food in any direction.

Threats to Survival

: Predators include sea turtles, ocean sunfish, spade fish, tuna, swordfish, and other large fish. Humans, particularly in some Asian countries, capture and eat dried non-venomous jellyfish.

Status

: IUCN: Not Evaluated; CITES: Not Listed.

Zoo Diet

: Cyclopeeze, and live brine shrimp.

Sunset

 

 

 

 

 

As I was walking I came upon this sunset.

It was a cold night but I didn’t notice or feel the cold while I admired and focused in on the the radiant light that filled the sky and washed over me.

The trees looked so pretty all dressed in a  lace of silhouettes.

The sky was glowing on the edge of night.

I thought to myself , there is a time for the sun to set and a time for the sun to rise.

It is all part of God’s Plan.

May the sun follow you and make your heart glow.

And may you feel its warmth where ever you go.

And when it’s dark

Just rest in Him.

And remember, The Sun Will Rise Again.

Written by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

 

 

 Darkness Gives Way To The Light

Sunrise!

 

--------------------------

I hope you are all doing well.

ox Dianne :)

The Birdhouse Café Series

 

Male Cardinal Enjoying The Berries

 

There aren’t many leaves left on the trees, but there are berries, and birds. That is one thing I like about this time of year. You can see and spot a bird even in the distance. One thing for sure, you can’t miss the beautiful red Cardinals. They are one of my most favorite song birds. I love listening to them whistling. This time of the year has so much beauty to see, and hear. All one has to do is look beyond the bare trees, and see God’s little treasures no matter the Season.

It always takes me awhile to adjust to this time of year. It is like I have to learn to refocus and look beyond the grey skies, and dark clouds that hover above, and the colder weather.

The time really does fly by and even if the weather is cold, and sometimes damp, I am reminded of a few things about this time of year that I love.

I love sitting by my small fireplace curled up with a good book, and a nice hot beverage and  my little dog lying by the fire enjoying the warmth, keeping me company.

I love waking up in the morning feeling all warm and cozy and the feel of  flannelette sheets.

I love the seasonal foods such as homemade soups and stews.

There are others things I like about this time of year also.

So I will try not to dwell on the things I don’t like , and make the best of the things I do love. I do have my moments like everyone else but I am reminded of so many things I am thankful for.

Hope to find you all well. Hope this week is kind to you all.

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the LORD, offer it of your own free will ... Lev 2:29.

Times Are Changing

 

 

Like An Old Photograph

 

 

 

Times are changing

As leaves are falling to the ground.

A Tapestry in the making

Red and yellow,

orange and bronze

A blanket covers the grass

Summer is gone

Fall will soon pass

There is a chill in the air

As the wind blows

Times are changing

We can fight it

We can grin and bare it

We can accept it

We can embrace it

or some may even run from it

No matter what we do

We can't control it

Times are changing

What will be will be

Nature will take its course

For in everything

There is a Season.

Poem written by Dianne © (dsphotocats)

 

 

 

 

 

Every Season Is Beautiful in it’s own way.

I hope to find you all well, and enjoying life.

I know life has it’s problems, difficulties  and  challenges galore. Take heart. Your not alone. We need each other, and together we can make a difference. We were never met to go it alone.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

“But”

Faith looks up.

True Faith and Courage

are like a kite -

an opposing wind

raises it higher.

……

 

But they that wait upon the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles,

they shall run and not be weary;

and they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

 

If you are going through a hard time, may this encourage you.

and …

If not, may you encourage someone who is.

I thank the Lord for family, and friends, and I thank the Lord that He is their at the mention of His Name.

Take care and God Bless you.

ox Dianne :)

 

 

A Walk In The Park

 

 

I wasn’t the only one out for a walk on this Beautiful Day

 

 

 

 

I love when the leaves are on the trees and on the ground. A beautiful canopy above and a carpet of many colors to walk upon below. I love the sound of leaves crunching underneath my feet as I walk. Autumn is such a Beautiful time of the year.

 

 

 

 

This tree looked as if it was reaching for the sky, basking in the warmth of the sunlight shining down upon it from above.

 

 

 

 

I found this little girl who had climbed up into the tree, her family down below, taking a few pictures as well.

 

 

 

 

I just loved this tree. It had so much character no matter how you looked at it. These branches looked like some kind of prehistoric creature. At least that is what I saw and imagined it to be, and tried to captured it with my camera.

 

 

 

 

I took many more pictures in the park that day but will end with this one. To some it may be simple, but I do love the simple things of life. I just loved how the trees seemed to be looking upward. I loved the contrast, and the little white cloud floating by just like the afternoon just seemed to float by. It was a good day, and I forgot about everything accept living in the moment as I walked, and stopped to enjoy the beauty that surrounded me. It was a week ago today that I went for a walk in the park.

 

 

Hope to find you all well.

Have a wonderful week and remember there is a God who loves you. Seek Him and He may be found. He is as near as the mention of His Name.

 

Love and Care

Dianne :)

 

Summer Moments Captured at Davis Lake

While camping this summer I enjoyed taking photos of an area different from our ranch.  It’s a more relaxed time where my camera is always ready to capture that special scene.    I also enjoyed hiking, biking and swimming while relaxing on beautiful Davis lake.  Hubby of course was always out on the lake fishing in our canoe giving me many photo opportunities using him.  So please enjoy my special moments captured with my little camera.

I am always drawn to the sparkles on water when the sun is setting and try to include something passing thru it.

Our camp right on the lake.

Enjoying a fire and the full moon rising.

At home due to the narrow valley I rarely get to enjoy sunsets like this out in the open.

Ever present on the lake my hubby.

High mountain lake trout a healthy source of fish.

The geese always present at this lake and unlike our geese near our home  were very use to people so I could get close.

Camping and children just plain go together.

 

One morning I got up early and captured the fog coming off the lake.  Hubby was always the first one out.

A magical moment with the fog, light and geese.

There were many lakes in the area that I explored on my mountain bike.  All alone discovering new beautiful places.

 

One evening while going for a walk I discovered a rope swing off a big old tree.  Ok always drawn to the sparkles.

The next day ventured back to the rope swing where others were hanging around as well. 

Wow did that ever look like fun.  Yes I tried it also twice.  I just had to do it, forget how old, fat and out of shape I was.  I did get full swing out but my shoulders and hands just couldn’t hold on.  No that’s not me in the photo. 

Forever enjoying those reflections on the lake.

Some more birds that let me get reasonable close.

Just another lazy summer day.

I just love capturing with my camera those silhouettes gliding across the sparkles of the lake. 

Always inspired by other photo blogger, even with my little camera I  have tried panning with a moving subject.  So in the late evening light trying to pan with the boat I got this shot that looks very ghostly.

Summer is now long over and I know fall colors are already showing up, but I really wanted to share these special moments and photos from summer.  So as the sun set on this summer evening I bid farewell to summer memories.

May you also see, feel, experience or capture those special moments in your life and also have
a
Good Morning…   Good Afternoon…  Good Night…
Whatever it is to you..

Photo & Words
by
Here I Am/Carrie

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

 

 

Heading West On Highway 60 Through Algonquin Park

 

 

 

 

Arowhon Road (Side Road Leading To Mizzy Lake Trail)

 

 

 

 

Guess Who!

 

 

 

 

Entrance To Trail That Leads To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

Walking Along The Path Leading To Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

A Portion Of Mizzy Lake And The Bogs

 

 

 

 

Another Section Of The Bogs On Mizzy Lake

 

 

 

 

One Of Many Lakes In Algonquin Park

(Not sure of the name of this Lake)

 

 

 

 

Oxtonge Rapids Just Outside The West Gate Of The Park

 

 

 

Steve and I went on a road trip to Algonquin Park last Saturday. It took 3hrs. one way to get there. The Sugar Maple trees were almost at their peek. Not many leaves on the ground yet , as you can see from these photos.

One day is not long enough to spend in such a vast area with so much to see and do. I in no way could ever take photos that would ever do justice to such a Beautiful Wilderness as Algonquin Park. We were only there for the day, and the time went by so quickly, and it was starting to get dark in the park around 6 p.m, so we headed back home through the park , this time heading east. 

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of Autumn in the park. Here is a link  if anyone is interested in finding out more.

 

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/       

 

Have a wonderful weekend one and all.

xx’s Dianne :)