Coexistence in the Gardens

 

Insects on flowers series: aphids on calendula; bumblebee on chives; ant on peony; wasp on calendula. Summer began with bumblebees and ants pollinating the chives and peonies. Summer ended with aphids and wasps visiting the calendula.

Time to Fly (just about)

It's getting a bit crowded in the nest. The baby finches were squawking and pushing, so I decided it was time to capture them on film before they fly. Momma arrived on our wind chime to scold me and warn her babies to be quiet. They literally froze, for minutes, until I left. Haven't yet gotten a photo of the third and fourth ones. 

Guardian of the Nest

 

Family Moment

 

These family photos were taken on the final day of our summer vacation at the cabin on Sweet Lake, less than a month before dropping Sam off at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities for his first year of college. It was a bittersweet respite, with Sam struggling to "be with" us while trying to stay in contact via sketchy WIFI with his friends. I was sad that I couldn't get him or Tom out to kayak with me on the lake more, a sacred ritual for me. On the water I watched the loons guiding their chick, reminded of my similar role as Sam's mother. I am conflicted by my fear of that ending while excited for his new beginning. 

Last Breaths

A sadder moment of vacation at the cabin on Sweet Lake was when this sharp-shinned hawk crashed into an upper window and broke its neck. Sam and Tom sadly witnessed it taking its last breath. We buried it in a pile of leaves in the woods. 

Becoming Pears and Apples

 

Little Waves on the Big Lake

In a nod to the death of songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, I felt the need to get out and see the Big Lake (gichigami or great sea in Ojibwe). Hampered by a fractured foot, I took these shots from an overlook on the North Shore. Even from that distance I was invigorated by the breeze (and spray) off the lake.