Ceanothus

Ceanothus is also known as California Lilac. it is a shrub with glossy green leaves (as you can see in the photo!). It comes in other colors, too, but the blue is the original color. To me, it is always the sign that spring is on the way – and today I found it, along with a lot of other plants in bloom. I was as busy as a bee!

I used my Nikon V3 and 70-300mm lens, which, with a 2.8 crop factor, makes the 300mm closer to 810mm. It allows for great shots and I totally forget, until I use it, what a wonderful system it is.

Red

This morning the sky is mottled with clouds and the light is soft. Bright red flowers seem even brighter than ever.

I keep meaning to find out the name of these – never seem to find their label in the garden. Time to set about on a hunt, like I do annually for the daffodils and narcissus.

Just Washed

I am not a fan of washing dishes, or housework in general, so modern conveniences like dishwashers are much appreciated. However, some things are just not meant to be sent through the dishwasher. These include wooden cooking utensils, such as this one made by my husband, teflon pans, Le Creuset, and so on.

And, besides not liking housework, I must admit there are times when immediacy is a true pleasure. That pleasure can be found with the digital camera! If you have been following along here, you know that film is by far the dominant photo force these days, but yesterday after spending several hours cleaning up the side patio of last year’s dead things, it was nice to pull out the Df and wander around. I wandered around the house, the back yard, posed my vase of daffs, observed my porch lamps, and so on. Nothing exciting, just enjoyable. The dogs were even well behaved and I got a couple of cute ones there, too.

So, en route to the Valley – the San Fernando Valley to be specific – I will drop off a roll at the nearby photo lab – and await its return. Meanwhile, the Df is back in action, and will be now that the weather has sweetened up a bit. Digital and film are great companions when you are out and about.