Wild Bird in the Gardens

The winter gardens at UNCC are filled with birds and deer this time of year because they have planted so many varieties of plants that bear colorful berries and winter fruits that they can eat.  I don't know what kind of bird this is but I thought the background was pretty in contrast to her feathers.

David's Commissioning

David graduated from NCSU yesterday Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering.  He was also commissioned as a Second Lieut. in the Air Force as a Pilot candidate hours later.  This is a picture of him with his girlfriend Megan (from Columbia, SC) after the final ceremony of the day in Raleigh.  I still cannot believe he is now a college alumni.  I am proud of all of his hard work and determination.  I am excited for him and the adventures ahead of him.

Bee

This guy is scarier up close than he was in person.  I love that the camera speed could capture his wings moving.  I am so glad for automatic technologies cause I could never have manually captured this shot without them!!!

Goose

I usually don't care for Geese.  They have on more than one occasion chased me around and always seem to leave nasty droppings everywhere they roam but I thought this one was so pretty swimming on the lake.  

Kendall's Last Game

Kendall's last soccer game bought a mixed bag of emotions for us this week.  She has been playing since Kindergarten and  has worked very hard to be on the club's Red team in her age group. She turns 16 this January and wants to drive and date and do all the things teens love to do and we simply have to make some transitions.  We will miss the excitement of her playing but hope as she moves into working and concentrating on academics she will find some new hobbies and friends. 

Hawaiian Flower

This flower is from Hawaii and can bloom all around the perimeter of the pink stem.  There was only a single bloom remaining on this one today but the petals were all over the ground from where it had bloomed out earlier.  I am sorry I missed it in its full array but isn't the contrast stunning. I love God's creativity.

Pansies

Pansies grow throughout the winter months around here and these yellow and purple beauties are my favorite.  I took these pictures from the gardens on campus because I simply cannot afford to buy any such luxuries for my yard this year.  I miss having flowers outside my front door but maybe in the spring things will be different.

Icy Cold Weekend

It was an icy cold weekend...My daughter played soccer in a tournament in Atlanta this weekend and this was a shot of the icicles from the fountain in the park.  BRRRR.

Strange Winter Flora

This strange flower was blooming in the gardens on campus today.  I could not find the species plate but thought it looked cool and would make an interesting picture for our blog...

Rays of Light

Sunsets always fascinate me.  They cast shadows that make us look at the world around us in a different light.  We have to squint a little harder, concentrate a little more and I don't know about you but I always sigh when the sun leaves for the day. I am left  in that new darkness wondering about the future and struggling to leave the past behind me.

Movies

I love to go to a good dramatic movie.  I seldom see a great one but every now and then I am surprised.  This is the theatre around town with the best seating arrangement and atmosphere. It is in the heart of an area they call Birkdale Village.  There are always lots of people around shopping, eating and drinking coffee.  It is very family friendly with apartments located over the shops.  It is very festive during holidays and the summer.