April 19, 2021 – Beautiful Photographs

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge: Violet

Published on April 19, 2021 by Russell Smith10 Comments

Thank you to Cee Neuner for alerting me to this challenge! I’m afraid I’m going to use some of the same subjects for this particular challenge that comes to us by Terri Webster Schrandt of Second Wind Leisure Perspectives.

These wild violets have just a hint of purple in their blossoms.

This iris has two shades of a violet nature.

Our wisteria is just starting to bloom. When it become full-fledged, it is a stunning sight to behold.

One more for the road…

I came across Purple Dog just yesterday. In the background, you can see his friend, Pink Monkey.

Becky’s Bright Squares Challenge #19

Published on April 19, 2021 by Russell Smith4 Comments

Becky B from the blog Life of B has been hosting the April Bright Squares Challenge. It’s been enormous fun.

Now for a square on a smaller scale…

Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge: April 19, 2021

Published on April 19, 2021 by Russell Smith3 Comments

Here is my contribution to Ludwig’s Monday Window Challenge.

The pursuit of ugliness continues unabated in Annapolis.

These windows afford some lovely views of Spa Creek.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Sizzle

Published on April 19, 2021 by Russell Smith11 Comments

Tata Sous-sus’ elevation to chief lady-in-waiting to Princess Pirouette resulted in many changes at court, primarily in Tata herself. For the first few days and weeks, she practiced looking stern in the mirror. Thanks to a generous stipend, she was able to outfit herself in a completely new (and more fashionable) wardrobe, including several new wigs, new cosmetics and brand new shoes. With the assistance of Princess Pirouette and her official dresser, Abigail Hofenhof, Tata polished up her overall mien.

To Tata the most important job involved in her new role was to control, or rather restrict, access to the Princess. All of the courtiers who’d enjoyed making fun of Tata were now in the unenviable position of trying to seek her favor. For the most ambitious and self-seeking, there was little effort involved in cozying up to the new chief lady-in-waiting; however, for the more proud and haughty set, it was an ordeal. These were the people who spoke to Tata through gritted teeth. For Tata it was a secret and most delightful pleasure to watch the high and mighty flush with anger when she shook her head, no, the Princess won’t be receiving you today. In fact, she would swear she could hear their brains sizzle and see smoke issue forth from their ears.

“Take that, Lord So-and-So!” She thought to herself. “Take that, Lady Muckety-Muck!”

Cee’s FOTD Challenge: April 19, 2021

Published on April 19, 2021 by Russell Smith5 Comments

Today I visited my favorite nursery in Annapolis, Windwood Gardens. I’ll be sharing my finds there over the course of the next week or so. I’ve always loved coleus. Their blossoms may not be much to look at but their leaves are stunning. I think they make a great border plant.

While I was at Windwood Gardens, I took the opportunity to buy some cockscomb, also known as celosia. My masterplan is to build a nice butterfly garden. Yesterday I planted some buddleja, which also goes by the name of Summer Lilac or butterfly bush. I’m hoping and praying that I can attract butterflies to my home, sparing me the need to go out into the field to track them down. Not that I don’t want to sally forth, but it would be nice to have some homegrown butterflies as well.

At last I am beginning to appreciate Cee’s devotion to dahlias. Today I saw such a variety that it made my head spin. So this is my offering for Cee’s Flower of the Day challenge. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted on the progress I’m making with the butterfly garden. If anyone has some suggestions for other flowers to include, I’m eager to hear from you! Cheers, fellow flower lovers!