...the real Detroit Tiger

Detroit Zoo....08.28.2011

...butterfly beauty

Detroit Zoo....08.28.2011

...hot off the press

...stolen seconds

Time is a thief.  It steals every precious second I breathe and does not apologize for it.  Maybe time is trying to tell me something.  Maybe it is telling me that it can't stop what it is doing and those stolen seconds are opportunities to be taken while they still exist.  I guess I shouldn't waste what I have...while I have it.

Digital Flowers

...flower power

...ok....another Barn

Burt Lake...Brutus MI   2011

...words of wisdom

"I plan to live forever.  So far so good."------Stephen Wright

...Burt Lake MI Barn

I don't just take pictures of Ralphy, but what I like to do is photograph something that looks interesting, like this barn.  Though still very useful today, the barn is an endangered species.  With large corporations taking over the farming industry, the need for a good old barn is not that much.  I like them and it reminds me of a time....not my time...but a time when people got up at the crack of dawn and worked the fields to raise crops for us to eat.  I hope we don't lose the barn and the family farmer because they represent a very good thing of what our country used to be.

...Royal Flutter

I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to taking for granted all sorts of things...like reveling in the wonder of this Monarch butterfly.  The idea of having all the time in the world to sit, look and enjoy is so untrue, so it makes sense to take the time even if it is just a moments glance.  Open your eyes to the beauty and smile...its good for you.  See ya..............jimmy

...lazy summer afternoon with the Ralphy

...don't BUG me..!!

This is a Cicada, and if you are wondering what kind of insect makes such loud shrilling sounds in the muggy summers of August...this is your bug.  I got his pic as he was hanging on the side of the brick wall at our home.  He apparently was getting a bit of sun before he finally left to do whatever cicadas do.  He is kind of creepy but a cicada is really a pretty interesting insect to look at.  Hope you like it.  Maybe I will give him a name.....mmmmmm....I will think about it.  Peace.   jimmy

...color drama

...update on the Bear

It was just a year ago when Bear was a puppy, and now it is plain to see he is a big doggie.  He has an absolutely wonderful kind and playful personality and has been a welcome member to the family.  Chris and Sarah  have  really done a great job with him.  

...colors of August

....ittsy bitsy spider

...august lilly

...swallowtail

...hard to believe

...old guy

I was just getting back from lunch when I spotted this older gentleman hobbling to his car with his two canes.  He frequently comes to  the pharmacy  to visit me and talk about all sorts of topics.  I admit, there are times when I try to avoid him, because I get quite busy and it is difficult to just stop my work to talk.  Anyway, like I said, I spotted him and I decided to park my car far enough away so he wouldn't "catch me".  As I purposely walked a longer version of getting to the pharmacy, I could hear my name being called out.  It was ....well...it was him.  I walked over and stood in front of this very old guy and spoke with him for about 5 minutes.  He had been in the pharmacy while I was at lunch looking for me and here I was doing my best to avoid him.  He wasn't looking to talk to anyone...he was looking for me.  What an honor... for him to think of me as someone special enough to talk to.  If he only knew, and I am glad he didn't,  at my  poor behavior acting the way I did.  He just wanted to talk...to me.  Sometimes a beautiful flower stands in our sight and we choose to pass it by or ignore it.  This is not a good idea, because every person we meet in our lives is significant.  I am  sorry for being so "dumb".  Peace...............jimmy

... the time is now

I have been reading a book that makes the observation at how children look at things like a flower and sense its beauty, but as they become adults, they can walk thru their backyard with flowers abound and not even pay attention to them.  This reminds me everyday to not take the "normal" things around me for granted but to observe like I did as a child.  It is also good advise to do the same when it comes to the persons in your family or maybe your friends.  Always see them  as a sense of joy, because life is fleeting and the time to feel the joy is now.

...a richer life

I am simply amazed everyday at the wonder Ralphy brings to me and my family.  He seems to have a knack at understanding our feelings and showing us how important we are to him.  By simple observation, it is plain to see and comprehend just how intelligent he is.  I for one would love Ralphy no matter, and for him to be my friend,  has made my life richer.  Thank you...Ralphy.

...bird brain

I always wondered what birds thought as they sat atop the metal pole in my backyard.  Uh....no not really, but I do imagine this particular bird was just enjoying his life in the summer breeze as I was clicking my camera on him...or her.  The term "bird brain" is meant as an insult to someone's intelligence, but I suspect a bird is quite smart....at being a bird.  Isn't that all that matters?

...just pics

...in memory Katie Lynn 2011

A faithful and loving companion...Katie Lynn will be missed.

...friends

...summer buzzzzzz

...summer flutter

...being thankful

...the flower

I had a very good friend of mine the other day lose her cat to a serious illness.  It bothered me in a variety of ways and since I am now writing concerning this sad event, the bother is still there.  First I felt bad for the cat, a wonderful individual from what I am told, a cat who brought much 
joy, laughter and love.  Her name is Katie Lynn and though I felt bad for her,  I am grateful she is not suffering anymore.  Katie's human mother I felt terrible for because she doted on her as she would her own child, and anyone should know how tragic it is for a mother to lose her own child.  The hurt may never go away, but Katie's memories hopefully will put a smile back on Mom's face.  It will get better.  Lastly, everyone who knows me, understands the wonderful love I share with my dog Ralphy, so the passing away of Katie, reminded me of the reality of someday having the same sad experience.  Of course I might beat Ralphy, but the odds are.....well you know.  So instead of moping about the future, I decided to take my own advice of being thankful for my times with Ralphy, and to never take this precious and unique flower for granted.  Ralphy is a flower, a delicate individual who has a personality of pure beauty and a heart as soft as petals.  Love your pet or as I call Ralphy...my friend and companion.  He shows his feelings of love to me every day and with Katie leaving,  it brought me back to the realization of knowing that I cannot possess anything forever unless I put that possession into my heart.  In my heart, he will always be with me.  Peace...............jimmy