The last launch of Space Shuttle Discovery is planned for Thursday at 4:30pm (Eastern.) Personally I am sorry to see the program retired this year. I'm very glad I got to see a launch of Discovery some years ago--it was quite an experience! I scribbled this sketch (at right,) in my old, handwritten journal the night before that launch. It's been my only shuttle-based work. Perhaps it's time to do a proper, painted tribute...(see below.)
The other night I attended my first Slidell Photography Club meeting. I met some really nice people, learned more about the club, had a good time & even won an award or two!
Delicate seed pods (for what, I couldn't say.)
Out in the longleaf pine savanna, the last stand of such mature trees in the Florida parishes. I love it out here--it's just beautiful.
A few weeks ago Charles & I helped plant longleaf pines at the Flatwoods near our house. We won't live to see them grow this tall, but I'm glad that we helped the cause.
I had to take a picture of the smilin' log.
The creek here runs into the Tchefuncte River a few miles away.
There are lots of red-bellied woodpeckers (like this male,) all year round, everywhere around here.
Huge numbers of yellow-rumped warblers Winter here.
Northern mockingbirds are a year-round sight. This one was particularly tolerant and patient.
Hundreds of American coots come every Winter. During this visit I noticed lesser scaup, blue-winged teals and redheads among the flock.
Common moorhens are also a regular, Winter sight.
Regardless, it was too nice an afternoon not to take advantage of the opportunity to get outside. Unfortunately, once again, our temps have fallen & clouds have moved in. Again I am housebound.
Here's some detail from a painting I'm working on. I hope to finish it this weekend, since our weather's pretty crappy again. Tonight we're facing freezing rain, which I never thought I'd see here in S. Louisiana. We even had a few flakes of sn*w the other day. It was horrible.
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