In winter various birds congregate on the ponds just behind our house.
One photographer complained that he had to travel 50 miles to photograph birds and some people find them in their backyard! I am fortunate to live by two ponds, a nature area, and a golf course. Sometimes I see something and go for my camera. Other times I take the camera on a short walk and see what I can find.
The Garden Club of Punta Gorda, Florida celebrates the season by decorating four private homes and gardens with their creations made specifically for the site. They collect trimmings of plants and create beautiful or whimsical decorations. Each year is a whole new treat. Here are a few of my favorites from this year’s tour.
Yes, this little creature is alive! It hopped onto this tree limb and held still for its portrait. Merry Christmas to all Christians and Peace on Earth to Everyone!

in the American Express headquarters, where I once worked, their employees who died in 911 are memorialized, their names and adjectives describing their qualities in life, around and in the reflecting pool, with water falling into the pool, like tears being shed forever

trees planted along side the fountain in the footprint of the South World Trade Tower testify to the life that springs up after destruction

this enormous sculpture outside the new entrance to the PATH train reminds we of a bird taking flight

visitors to the 911 South World Trade Tower memorial were hushed and reverent as they traced their hands over names of victims carved into stone

my montage of the memorial fountain, bird-like sculpture taking flight, and the new tower say that love and freedom will prevail over hate and terror
As a member of Venice Camera Club, two of my montages will exhibited in our annual show, including the montage, Freedom Rising, above. A reception for the public will take place at Pinebrook South Clubhouse, 1343 Featherbed Lane, Venice, Florida, 3:30 – 5:30 PM.
The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is a national treasure. Majestic clouds swirling about provided a special opportunity to share their natural beauty.
The western coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along Lake Michigan’s dune area makes a great microclimate for farming. Oceana and Grand Traverse counties are known for their many varieties of cherries. I had the privilege of visiting there in July to see tart cherry orchards at harvest time. I also bought quarts of black sweet cherries at a road-side stand of a farm owned by the same family for over a century.