A Fruitless Search and The Goslings Swim!

I'll start with a pretty photo! One of my favorite blooms, the allium is short lived but so fabulous while it lasts! 

Rick and I joined the many others in the world trying to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights last week. I had visions of taking marvelously splashy photos of pinks, purples and greens in the dark night sky. I would do watercolors of them all. Ah, the stuff dreams are made of. 

We missed the first night. I realized -- about 11 (Rick had just gone to bed) -- when I saw FB posts of beautiful skies that I had missed something big. When I went outside to look, the sky was black. I chalked it up to too much light spill in the city. But we knew it was due Saturday too, so we'd go out and see them and I'd get my fabulous photos after all!'

'The next evening, after a classical concert and a stop for snacks till it was fully dark, we set out, heading north of the city. Rick knows these roads well from his cycling but most were new to me. We were definitely in dark places. Finally we found an open, north-facing field with a group of others. So we pulled over to the side of the road, got out of the car (in the mud, my poor shoes!) and joined them. This is what we saw. (Well, in "real life," you could actually see the shadow of some trees and stars.)

"Use your night setting," one helpful person said. None of us could find one on my phone. When I got home, I thought maybe with editing I could get something from the photo. I present to you my version of the aurora borealis.

Well, it was an experience.

Swimming Lessons

We were a little worried about the goslings, too. Rick and I went for a walk at the Ditch and there wasn't a goose to be found. We know they often move to the golf course across the (very busy) road but usually not till the kids are a little older. So, the next day I went back. It was a great critter day and I was not disappointed!

 

The family was out for a late afternoon swim. And it was a jolly time for all.

The family was chowing down and I have to say their stomachs are stronger than mine. I would never eat anything out of that ditch but they are in their element. Watch mom and learn!

(The lighting on these is erratic. I messed with the camera settings which was a mistake and they got too much light into some of them. Then I moved around without changing them. But you get the idea. Live and learn.)

The babies were the cutest. They were less successful at getting the greens out of the water than mom, but they were diligent.

And would succeed!

These little ones are so darned cute, sweet little fluff balls that just can't help but make a person smile.

 I didn't just see the goslings, though that would have been enough. Bunny Seventeen was hanging out... 

.... and so was the red-winged blackbird. They are everywhere this year.

 On days like this, I wish the world could join me on a walk. But this brief (and slightly shaky) video is the closest I can come.

 I leave you back on dry land with our fluffy friends.

Time for a nap!

 

Happy week ahead.

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