The Wonder of It All

A blossom that looks suspended in air

 This past weekend was marvelous because there was another successful transport which means life goes on for some animals who may have otherwise not survived. No doubt I have said it before - there is a real "rush" that comes from being able to help, whenever it is possible, and sometimes making it possible by rearranging a schedule or two. Below you see Emerson, a handsome GSD who posed graciously while we waited for the driver for the next leg of his journey.

RW Emerson (I gave him the RW for Road Warrior)

 As he and I became acquainted we agreed it would be all right for him to get out of the crate when we reached our destination. It was a perfect time to capture his amazing look. He's off to a northern Wisconsin location now, making himself at home in a no-kill shelter or one of their foster homes.

Sometimes, It is difficult to let the passengers go on and he was no exception. Every driver I know has said, at least six times, "I'd keep that one" or "I'd take them all"...Most of us have several dogs and/or cats already and by several, in my case I mean 9. The best reward is knowing we do not have to take these home with us because they are saved already and going to be cared for until the right person or people come to them.

It doesn't take much to be a driver - a reliable, fueled vehicle that can hold as many crates as possible, your crates/bedding or else you can carry some Stay In Crates critters, and time. Time is your biggest gift - the time to drive and the time of life you give back to these animals who are so deserving.

Curious and chatty

Saturday afternoon my husband and I strolled around a nearby small town, where Lincoln walked of course! This and the flowering tree above were part of what we enjoyed seeing.

It was truly a weekend to relate to being thankful for all things great and small.

A Week-ette of Flowery Observations

Kate "Flowers in Her Hair"

Having spent the day in St. Louis, enjoyed a sumptuous meal on The Hill, some friends agreed with my suggestion of strolling around a couple of blocks before heading home. Our last stop was for gelato so we really should have kept walking some more. But the next to the last stop was this amazingly eclectic open-space conglomerate of artists' work areas. For two of it this was the place where ideas are born. The other two were, shall we say, tolerant of our excitement? Ah, but it was fun!
As we piled into the car and headed for the highway we passed the animal shelter, which was not on our list of places to go. But, we came close to stopping to see it for it looked oddly splendid! Knowing there's much to be done back in our area we drove on, somewhat reluctantly. I'd anticipate a return trip to visit and see how things are done there; if any ideas can be brought back and considered in our area.
Back in my own backyard, an acknowledged haven of all things, ranging from healthy weeds, long grass, wet everything, to get out and shoot photos, I opted for the last item. Here's what I'm lookin' at today.
This is actually a groundcover but by getting down into its depths I can get a pretty close shot, filled with light and detail. Loved the buds on the left - tells me there's more to come after these falter.

Irises make beautiful subjects, especially when it's possible to get the rain hanging on and the teensy details showing up. I think there's another shot you'll like, the one beneath this is a small, low to the ground iris with totally different petal structure. It too has the lasting drops of moisture from last night's rain. There's something to be said for all the storms. Gorgeous flowers abound.

I don't know what the delicate yellow blossom is but it is one of my favorites, residing near the driveway and flourishing early in the spring, before daylilies and hostas take over; this plants leaves turn darker in time.