Photography Club

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Today's stroll that was full of gratitude and awe of all the new life springing forth. So far, it's been my most helpful distraction from the current state of things in the world.

The lilac bush is coming to life...can't wait to smell them...

The spot I chose near mom's memorial I made when she passed, next to the stream, to plant peppermint. Hoping it takes off and takes over the bank. With as much peppermint tea as we drink, we'd be in peppermint heaven...

Greenage popping through the raised bed!!! Oh happy day! It's either kale, spinach, or radishes. I don't remember which one we planted on which side, lol, but we'll find out eventually.

 

[whiteraven]

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Today's views from my little slice of the world....

Swiss chard that was shared from a local source, freshly washed and covering up the whole dish drainer and then some...

Anniversary flowers still brightening my days...

Wild narrow-leafed plantain be buggin' in the sweet sunshine...

Red-tailed hawk visits always make my day....

Puttin' citrus peels to good use - making a white vinegar/citrus peel infusion to clean with...

 

[blackemerald1]

He @Tornadic Thoughts what is the recipe for the citrus cleaner?

Over here (Aus) we call swiss chard Silverbeet? I'm growing some in a pot - so easy & full of iron?? :)

 

[Fahrenheit451]

Well this is a great day. With everything going on our little mountain bluebirds have returned. A sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Now if we could just lose this snow. :)

 

[whiteraven]

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I love those little vibrant blue birds, @Fahrenheit451 ! I found a blue bird feather today right outside of my door step. Didn't see it on the way out, but noticed it on my way back in. Grateful for the gifts from nature. More so than ever as of late.

Yes to the silverbeets/swiss chard being the same, @blackemerald1 . Cool. It's one of my favorites to saute with garlic and onion. Easy to grow, full of nutrients, and so pretty, too. Especially the rainbow variety.

The citrus cleaner is easy peasy. This link helps with the details:

How to Make Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner the Right Way

I also add some regular dawn dish detergent to a spray bottle with some of the citrus cleaner to scrub the tub with. Spray it on and let it set for a few minutes, then scrub it clean. Works better than any store bought stuff I ever used. Be sure to rinse really well.

I can handle the vinegar smell much better than I can handle the unknown chemicals and industrial concoctions that create "fragrances" meant to smell clean. They make me sick. I still open windows and turn the exhaust fan on when I clean with my own creations. The vinegar smell fades away after it dries.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

Ever feel like you're surrounded by a bunch of turkeys? Well, ya' just might be. I certainly was today...?

 

[whiteraven]

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

It was the last sunny day in our 'hood for a while, according to the forecast, so me and the camera took a nice long walk to see what captured our attention. Glad to have you join us. I usually don't feel cabin fever since it's in my nature and necessary for my health to stay away from most people anyway, but being told we must stay in makes the inner rebel in me want to go out even more. Grateful for the space to freely do so away from others. May the sights I see help others feel a little closer to nature as well.

Love dove visits warm my heart so much. I like grabbing my Native American flute when I hear them and making the same sounds they do. I often wonder if the male is in the tree wondering where the heck the female dove is that keeps responding to his call. Either that or thinking I'm the weirdest looking dove he's ever seen. lol Either way, we talk back and forth for quite some time, so apparently we're both very easily entertained....

One of the many gifts that keeps on giving. This was one of the kale plants we planted last year that's returned to nurture us once again. So grateful....

Black raspberries coming back to life - reminding me that even though life may be sweet, there's still a lot of thorns in the mix, so tread and partake mindfully...

A lone pear tree that needs a mate to produce fruit, but even all alone, it still blooms each year and share's its beauty with the bees...

The tulip poplars are coming back to life. Looking forward to their even more amazing displays as time passes...

The red maple seeds hanging like they do makes me think of waterfalls or fireworks....

More fresh asparagus happenin'....

I have yet to identify this little beauty. It arrives each year in the peony patch to share its beauty...

Being able to share pictures and seeing what you all see in your little slice of the world makes my day by making me feel apart of something really special. I wish none of us had to be here because of the reasons that brought us, but am so grateful for such a kind landing spot to arrive in. The feeling of being connected in the heart space is something I cherish. Thanks again for creating this thread, @bellbird .

 

[whiteraven]

So beautiful, @Tornadic Thoughts. I've been out practicing with my new camera - it's the only thing that's getting me out. Geese were everywhere today.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I love the looks on their faces, @whiteraven . The camera has been one of my most therapeutic tools, ever. Looking forward to getting the memory card into my laptop to see what I managed to capture is so exciting each and every time.

Then seeing things I didn't even know I got feels like opening a present. And it's a gift I can keep on giving myself without having to rely on anyone else. Bonus! Hope you continue to enjoy the adventures. Thanks so much for sharing your shots! :)