m is for...

[click on photo for larger image]

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You would find my little cubicle deep in the heart of the building, far from any hope of direct sunlight. Our spirits had been repeatedly trampled by unseasonable cold and snow and the dismal dripping of freezing rain, almost to the point where we began to get accustomed to it. So sometimes it is advantageous that I cannot see what it looks like outside.

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But this day, people were all abuzz with excitement. It was one of those days where everybody can't help talking about the weather. At my first break, I raced away from the inner caverns of our carpeted walls and artificial light, and made my way to the front entrance.

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Two full magnolia trees keep their sentry posts on either side of the main entrance. The heavy fragrance of these ivory guards has arrested me several times at the front door. As I approached, I could see the sky was so blue, it was surreal! I pushed open the door and squinting a little bit, filled my lungs with a deep breath of sweet air. I had almost forgotten what I was going to do, but the camera in my hands jogged my memory. I put a polarizing filter on the lens and began snapping pics.

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This one is my favorite from the set. If you look carefully, you will notice that my magnolia comes with a little surprise just behind the blossom. It is a mosquito.

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Funny thing. As I said, this turned out to be my favorite shot, but guess what... it was the only capture taken with the flash. Foolishly, I decided from looking at the preview screen, that I didn't like the flash. Now, I'll probably start bracketing sunny outdoor shots with and without flash.

tropical temps

(Click on any photo to enlarge)

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We had amazing weather on the last day of our Florida trip. I wish I had worn a hat and taken water, because my unpreparedness left me with a headache. But it was beautiful nonetheless, and I took photos for you. The first, is a palm tree in the park, where we let the kids play before the long drive back. The next photo is the longish bridge between the park and a lake. That bridge was just a few yards over swampland. There was a nearly dried creek that had a winding groove that I imagine could have been left by a meandering alligator. I didn't spot any of the toothy reptiles, but this last photo suggests that I might have guessed correctly. I wasn't afraid. I was rather hoping that I could have spotted a 'gator, so that I could snap a pic. The closest we came to any danger was poison ivy. (I got a good pic of that, too.)

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But we're having one of those days up here, where it's dangerous to allow employees out of doors, because they just might succomb to the temptation to play hookie. I stepped outside at lunchtime, and right here, it's 70 (21° C), sunny and breezy with the barometer dropping. This is pretty close to ideal for me! If I had a kite in the car, I would have taken off running for the closest open field!