November Photo Scavenger Hunt

Here is my collection for the November Photo Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Kathy at Postcards from the P.P.

The first two photos were taken at the local Legion on November 11, 2011. It was a strange day, starting out mild, but a storm moved in growing in intensity until it became so wet and windy that it knocked the power out for four hours.  It seemed quite fitting for the occasion.

An eagle sentry silhouetted against a dark sky keeps a keen eye on the salmon spawning activity in the nearby waters.

Something I made was a delicious strawberry rhubarb streudel drizzled with almond icing.

A purple African violet in a purple bowl:

For warmth, I chose a photo of the fireplace which not only keeps the home toasty but adds a cozy ambiance.

I have a couple of 'polka dot' themed photos. The first is a fallen leaf sprinkled with rain spots.

The second caught my eye as I walked by a home which had a decorative element with small round mirrors. The red foliage of a tree in the garden was reflected in the mirrors producing quite a spectacle.

Here's an even more spectacular view of the tree reflected in the window below.

Two black cats spotted on November 13 looked like good luck charms to me :)

What smells better than homemade bread/rolls for a comfort food?  Nothing. :)

Here's a staircase at a local restaurant bedecked for Christmas.

Something that lights up is this clump of ornamental grass! When I turned on my headlights, I was amazed at how picturesque it looked.

There now, all done...oh wait, a self-portrait. I quickly ran into the dining room and took a photo through a glass cabinet door. Oh, what a shame, I can only see a dark shadowy blob! ;)

I have photos to post of more visits to 'where the river meets the sea' salmon spawn, and also of a variety of interesting birds visiting my bird feeders...and one furry creature that gobbled up most of the 'woodpecker' food. A sample of more to come soon ...

Here's a photo of Scamper:

Looks innocent as all get out, doesn't he?

How about now?

Salmon Feast Life Cycle

Happy Thanksgiving Day to those who live in the United States! Our Thanksgiving Day was back in October, so will wait until Christmas for the next turkey dinner.

In the meantime, salmon feasts have been devoured in our local waters. On November 3 I took this video:


Yesterday, I captured this photo of a similar salmon feast. (Click on the photo to see down the sea lion's throat!)

When I was walking towards "where the river meets the sea", I could hear the huffy breathing of the sea lions as they surged to the surface. At first I thought the sound might be that of a bear, but luckily all the commotion was in the water, while eagles viewed the scene from their posts.

I can't really explain how I feel when I witness this cycle of life taking place in these surroundings. I know it is an extremely powerful experience. The seals are aware of my presence; they pop up and watch my approach and follow me with their liquid eyes. Nothing seems to miss the eye of the eagle, either as they survey their realm. As I stood their quietly, I watched a vast variety of birds, including trumpeter swans ~ what a cacophony of sounds.

As I stood transfixed, a rainbow added its spell.

Going back a bit in time ~ On October 31 I found a heart rock that I posted previously.

I brought the rock home with me. The next day it was my birthday and a friend brought me a gift of heart rock napkins and candles. I couldn't believe how the heart rocks were a near perfect match! Magical!

Napkins:

Napkins with heart rock on top:

To finish off, here is a photo of the full moon taken on November 10 after meeting a few friends at a pub on the waterfront.

Oh, and by the way - I think I finally captured a picture of the elusive four winged EAGULL ;)

October Photo Scavenger Hunt - BOO!

Like a ghost from blogland past, I'm here to pop in and say BOO!

During the month of October, a few highlights: Thanksgiving on Oct. 10 with much celebration and good food, our first frosty morning (Oct. 16), a day when so many different birds visited the garden, it was unbelievable

Steller's Jays, Red headed Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, Robins, Red breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, Juncos...all at once... and a black squirrel. I didn't know where to point my camera first.

... to finish off the month, Halloween tonight.

Here's the photo compilation for my October Scavenger Hunt photo choices, followed by larger individual photos.

Many multicoloured leaves gather together, waiting to play games with the whisking wind that swirls them out of their hidey holes in twirling dances of freedom. Where will they land next? I think they are stumped at that question!

Awaiting their ‘turn’, golden crowning glories cling to their high vantage points, swaying with the rhythm of the season until it is time to let go and fly.

A pumpkin candle lights up with a grin as it peers through the front window flickering at Trick or Treaters as they walk to the door.

Down the street, a pumpkin ‘bag’ leaps onto a chair as a ghost pops up with a BOO!

In the village an eerie sight hovers over the entrance way to a shop....enter if you dare!

Meanwhile one of the village cats carves a seat on a fence to watch passersby.

...while down the street, the glazed eyed black cat stands watch as always under his favorite tree (back view of cat).

Autumn reflects as a nearby river runs into the sea; salmon are spawning and large silver creatures are visible running against the current as they return home.

A portal to the Heritage Forest invites a cool restorative stroll...

This must be a drawbridge footing ;)

A mountain 'peaks' out of the misty clouds surveying its realm of land and sea.

The last sunset of October is accompanied by roiling waves. Flocks of seagulls soar aloft towards the west. In the opposite direction a pastel sky is brushed with windswept blush, while I am nearly blown off my feet!

A benevolent witch with a jaunty hat and an all-knowing smile celebrates All Hallows’ Evening.

The waves stole the show from the sunset tonight. The wind and waves were so powerful in fact that I turned off the audio of the tumultuous racket and replaced it with a gentler touch. I don't know how Sir Long Legs managed to balance in the wind...I suppose it was easier than trying to find footing in the water!

Hope you enjoy the video ~



A touch or two of magic to finish off...earlier this month on a walk in the wild, I was blessed with seeing this beautiful rainbow:

and tonight at sunset on the beach, I spotted this perfect heart-shaped rock ~ which fit just perfectly in the palm of my hand :)

Can you see it too? Wishing you a magical November :)



Photo Scavenger Hunt for November, thanks to Kathy at Postcards from the P.P.:  To view other Scavenger Hunt entries, click on her Scavenger List tab or here.

1. a poppy
2. memorial
3. silhouette
4. something you have made
5. something purple
6. warmth
7. polka dots
8. a lucky charm
9. comfort food
10. a staircase
11. something that lights up
12. and lastly ... a self portrait!