Category Archives: nature

Multi-tasking

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The turn of the year, Rosh Hashanah, a bit of rain and slightly cooler weather has brought me back to life after a long summer.

Multi-tasking today to finish a one page resume (one page!), pack for a road trip, wrestle with an online banking problem, finish laundry for said trip, and meeting a roofer about a leak after said rain have me super conscious of time and efficiency.

Started out the day at Texas French Bread for a yummy breakfast with friends. I wasn’t quite awake enough to choose among the options, but the recommended breakfast tostadas are tasty!

The roof leak ruined a bedroom ceiling and made a royal mess. We did have buckets out and Jon punched a hole in the ceiling to keep the water under some control instead of spreading further. Fortunately we have a good company, Ja-Mar Roofing. Daniel and Lupe did a good job in finding a previous leak and tested it thoroughly. That one came through an outdoor electrical outlet and into the wall. This time my guess is that a seam where two sections of the roof come together is the source of the latest problem. I am thrilled with the rain; too bad some of it had to fall into my house instead of on thirsty trees.

The road trip is just to northern Arkansas. We’re aiming for Crystal Bridges Museum that friends have said is a good art museum in a beautiful setting. Travel is always fun, especially in a car. Side trips are always an option and no one is expecting us at any particular time.

The best part about having “too much to do”? I get much more done. Nothing like a deadline to keep me focused. Writing a blog was not on the essential list, but here ya go!

Backcountry Gallery

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Photography and nature go so well together. For the photographer it means getting into some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Lighting, background, equipment, and split second timing can make a good photograph quite spectacular. Every day I get an email with a link by PhotoBotos with a wonderful image and a description by the artist about how and where it was taken.

From PhotoBotos I was drawn to the nature photography of Steve Perry of Backcountry Gallery. When I was planning a trip to see my sister in Columbus, Ohio, I discovered that he would be present during a photo exhibit at the National Center for Nature Photography not far from Toledo!

On Saturday, Sept. 1, my sister Madeleine, her husband Richard, and I drove from Columbus to Berkey to meet the artist (and his wife Rose).

I was particularly drawn to two prints that feature water. Fall Cascades in the Smokies reminds me of similar places I’ve loved.. Color, sound, and texture bring moments of peace and plenty to we who thirst. Dead Horse Point Lightning Strike holds a promise of rain to a thirsty desert. Steve dared to stay for a few more shots while his son Grant was yelling at him to take cover. The two images hold such contrasting viewpoints of one of our most precious resources. As Texas and much of the country experience devastating drought, crop failure, and fire, the increasing demand for water becomes ever more critical.

Now I’m on Steve Perry’s website as his first visitor! click the following link:

backcountrygallery.com.

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