Pineapples and Roses ~ Guest post by my grandson ~

 

Baby non-edible pineapple plant ~ by Ethan ~

My grandson's daddy, is a professional photographer . . . I think my eight year old grandson inherited his dad's gift! Ethan is using an older digital camera . . . a Canon EOS20D,  that his dad just recently gave him and was no longer using. We decided to take a "photo" walk in the neighborhood this morning and capture flowers or whatever came our way. One of our neighbors was out washing his car and invited us to photograph the many plants and flowers he had in his backyard . . . turned out to be a photo goldmine and a great place for both of us to practice.

We both took lots and lots of photos . . . our neighbor must have had every plant and flower under the sun. We took as many as we could and Ethan is excited to share some of his photos. As time permits, I will share both our photos here. Ethan even created his photo logo . . . you can see it in the lower right corner of his photo above. He took some pretty awesome photos.

 

~ Pink Moss Rose ~  by Gini

This was my very favorite flower in our neighbors yard (besides his vintage roses) that I took with my new Canon EOS Rebel T3i 600. My older Rebel died on me (which is in part why I haven't posted on my photo blog for a while) . . . I was told it needs a new motherboard and I might go ahead and have it fixed for my granddaughter down the road but I am loving this new camera!

 

Neighbor's Pink Moss Rose in a swan pebble planter ~ by Gini

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Autumn leaves ~

Autumn Leaves 

Jones Very (1813 ~ 1880)

The leaves though thick are falling; one by one

Decayed they drop from off their parent tree;

Their work with autumn's latest day is done,

Thou see'st them borne upon its breezes free;

They lie strown here and there , their many dyes

That yesterday so caught thy passing eye;

Soiled by the rain each leaf neglected lies,

Upon the path where now thou hurriest by;

Yet think thee not their beauteous tints less fair,

Than when they hung so gaily o'er thy head;

But rather find thee eyes, and look thee there

Where now thy feet so heedless o'er them tread;

And thou shalt see where wasting now they lie,

The unseen hues of immortality. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

More roses in Fall ~

Just one of the few that are left on this pretty rose bush.

Roses in Fall ~

Wisteria in Fall ~

Halloween at the neighbors ~

Street View

I promised > here < I would take a few more shots of our neighbors up the street and their very cool Halloween cemetery in their front yard! It's much better in person and at night but I wanted you to see it clearly as I have issues with "night" shots!

Every year, this neighbor goes all out . . .  it's alot of fun and I look forward to seeing what new items have been added each Halloween . . . my favorite . . . the "Rigor Mortgage" Sign!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Halloween at the neighbors ~

My neighbor up the street just decks out their front yard for Halloween . . . I took several photos but this one was the only one that came out decent. The sun was very bright so the other photos just didn't come out well. I am going to go back and take photos when the lighting is better or more of a night shot because every year, this neighbor goes all out and it's good and it's something to see.

Cosmos ~

Berries in the Fall ~

Fall in the neighborhood ~

These two perfect pumpkins were grown by my friend and neighbor . . . thanks, Cal!

Glass garden art ~

This glass garden art piece was made by my friend and neighbor in her Warm Glass class . . . she has made some beautiful pieces. This one sits in the middle of her vegetable and herb garden.

Pumpkins in September ~

This pumpkin, which belongs to my neighbor, came a bit early in the season but it's great to see little signs of Fall.

Power on ~

San Diego had a massive power outage yesterday. Our home was hit about 3:40 p.m. I didn't think too much of it at first . . . I turned to my smart phone and started inquiring as to what was going on . . . it was then that I realized the severity and how many areas were affected.  Our electricity/power returned this morning, we were some of the lucky ones. Many are still without but it is said that slowly today, most will have their power back also.

We made the most of it last night . . . joined our next door neighbors for dinner (pasta and meat sauce!) prepared on their BBQ (thank you Dave and Claudia!),  fun and pleasant conversations while the kids enjoyed the swimming pool.  Later, we decided to roast marshmallows, I ran home and grabbed the chocolate swirl marshmallows recently purchased!

We even enjoyed being able to hear the owl and quail near by, and, for the first time in a long time, enjoyed looking at the stars up above. It was amazing how our community came together helping those that were in need . . . it was a bit scary and strange there for a while . . . several of our friends were stuck in parking structures and massive traffic jams . . . everyone is ok and that is a blessing.  The entire time, my thoughts turned to our ancestors and how they lived without electricity and the luxuries we have . . . I told myself, if they can do it . . . so can I!

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Scattered Eucalyptus leaf ~

Scattered Eucalyptus leaves from my neighbors tree often end
up in my yard . . . many are more heart shaped.

Pretty in pink ~

Wild Maine Blueberry Jam ~

My neighbor just returned from, Maine, after visiting family members. . . the same neighbor I was house-sitting for and has the lovely garden, the one I so enjoyed tending too. She brought me a wonderful little gift . . . Wild Main Blueberry Jam and it is sensational! Promptly, I made myself a cup of tea and a slice of toast . . . I think it's the best jam I have ever had with the exception of my mom's homemade blackberry jam, which is my all time favorite.  I love the little jar and the label . . . thank you friend and neighbor, I am very grateful . . . I am hiding this little jar from my family, otherwise, this is the last time I would be able to enjoy it (good thing they have little or no interest in this blog)!

Echinacea ~

~ Some species of Echinacea are also used in herbal medicines ~

Garden Gazing Globe ~

I love garden gazing globes/balls . . . this one belongs to my neighbor but I feel they really bring beauty and a delightful charm to a garden. The reflection of the Palm trees is wonderful.

Home grown grapes ~

I am home sitting for my neighbor for a few days . . . she has the most wonderful garden.  These grapes look so good  . . . once ripe, we are interested to see how they taste. The vines are full of grape clusters . . . a neat little mini vineyard.

Eggplant and Orange flowers ~

My neighbor grew the pretty orange flowers and the eggplant in her garden. She doesn't recall the name of the flowers and I have no idea what they are but they sure are pretty . . . the buds actually open up after they have been picked. Thank you, neighbor!