Today almost felt like summer. The temperature hit 78 degrees, but still a lack of a serious summer feel with no humidity. I miss having a real summer.

Sunrise was a bit "dusty" this morning, a term I recently heard a  4-year old use at the lake when he walked out of the house on a super foggy morning. He looked around and stated, "It's SO dusty!" Loved it! My new word for fog. Yes, it can get quite dusty some mornings around here.

I'm rather obsessed with paddle boarding at the moment. Yep, my new passion. I don't want it to take over my photography but I doubt that I'll stop shooting photos. I believe the more you do the more you're able to do. I included a photo of me on the paddle board on my blog today - I never post pictures of me on my blog. An exception. Only for today. Taken by my dear friend Greg Adrian with my little point and shoot. 

Summer is beautiful despite the fact that it's not living up to its reputation. Come on summer!! Not much time left.

Another gorgeous sunset on Swago Pond

On Swago Pond - me.

sunrise -  a little dusty

Cow

Summer?

Today was a peculiar summer's day. The temperature never got above 60 degrees and it rained most of the day. Had to postpone my paddle boarding adventure until the sun comes out. Soon.

Meanwhile, I took a walk attempting to capture the 'beauty' of the rain.

Rainy Day

I was supposed to be paddle boarding this morning but it's raining. Sigh. Maybe later. Or perhaps I'll paddle in the rain.

Another beautiful sunset on Swago Pond last night. A chilly night with autumnal winds in the air. I love fall but not quite ready for it. Saw an orange maple leaf on the ground while out on a bike ride yesterday. Yes, fall is just around the corner.

Meanwhile, summer is gorgeous!

This Morning

I live in a beautiful place. At times I long for the sea but there are days when this place, my home - well, it is a slice of paradise.

Took a walk this morning. Not a car went by and still after an hour not a single vehicle. This quiet is peace.

Make hay while the sun shines - from a few weeks ago

this morning

Weather

I have always been fascinated by weather. Eric Sloane's Weather Book is a favorite of mine. He wrote it back in 1949. It remains a Bible of sorts for me to this day.

From the first page in the book:  "The weather is with us wherever we are, yet nothing is more taken for granted than the daily drama of the sky."

Today was a particularly interesting weather day. A gorgeous red sunrise signaling "red sky in the morning, sailor take warning," followed by ever-changing skies throughout the day.

I know a sailor with a "weather eye." It's different from being a meteorologist as they are all slaves to that weather mapping stuff even though they get it wrong much of the time. The one with the "weather eye" has what Eric Sloane refers to as a "sky philosophy," one who can look up at the sky throughout the day and have a keen sense of what's ahead. I'm working on it! I'm forever looking up at the sky and my camera captures much of what I see. I can't always predict the weather though. In time...

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning.  On the way to work I was listening to a Dar Williams song. These lyrics struck me -

"Well the sun rose
With so many colors it nearly broke my heart
It worked me over like a work of art..."
~Dar Williams.

Later in the day, a summer storm rolled in, somewhat dramatic in nature. My car got washed, garden watered, and my dirt road is less dusty. Now brilliant sunshine has returned. I love weather!

Summer

Although I don't typically get personal on my blog, I'm referring to this season as my summer of discontent. The contributing factor was a relationship gone awry. Most people navigate successfully through these situations and I imagine I'll get to the other side. I hope! Fortunately, I'm resilient by nature, a good thing. Time will help and I await the passage of time. I'm lucky to be surrounded by incredible friends who make me laugh and keep me going.  Plus, there's my camera. I shoot pictures every day. My passion.
Weather-wise, it's been an odd summer. A little on the cool side. And a bit too much rain. Not much swimming but fine days for boating - sailing, kayaking, rowing.Plus the rain is great for the gardens.
It's afternoon now and I'm sitting on my porch - in a sweatshirt. Definitely not late July weather. But, it's gorgeous. Cows graze in the field across the street and the outside world is incredibly green. The perfect bucolic setting.
Last night I was at my friends' lake house about a 1/4 mile up the road. We had just finished dinner and I glanced at the sky. Based on the clouds (which I've come to know), I had the feeling it was going to be an amazing sunset. Yep, some magnificent colors. Here are a couple photos. One was down at the lake. The other photo was what I happened to see when I looked behind me heading down to the lake. Always a good idea to look in all directions!

I mentioned  I live across the street from cows.  I'm beginning to realize they're quite social. I love photographing them. Sometimes I think they rather enjoy it too.The often appear to pose for my camera. Here's a particularly special photo of one of the girls. Love her expression! It was early morning just after sunrise and the light was perfect.

Today my entire house smelled like manure with a strong wind blowing. I'm grown accustomed to the smell of sh*t, plus I love the girls. We have a great relationship.  Here they are in the early morning fog. My favorite time of day.

Nova Scotia...more!

Today I was struck by the wildness of the sea. The power, the beauty.

I sat close to the breaking waves for a long while. A place of comfort.

Something about the ocean. Can't get enough of it.