Good Neighbors

North Seattle's tall trees attracted the 1st nesting Merlin (falcon) pair in the city for the second year. Five young hatched, 4 fledged and the remaining less-developed chick tried to follow, crashed into a tree and fell. Watchful neighbors and birders rescued the downy nestling and took it to PAWS Wildlife Center. Two days later, PAWS returned it to the nest site for a successful release. All 5 fledglings are expanding their flight range but still being fed by the adults.

These Merlins bring birders and neighbors from both last year's and this year's nests to watch, encourage and exclaim their progress: practicing flight between trees and calling for food.

Boom Town

The Swinomish Tribe sets up Boom Town every year in a dusty lot on the reservation. The firework stands remind me of a circus midway with their bright colors and festive signs. My favorite stand is owned by the Wilbur women. It's called Boom Babes Unsafe and Insane. My kind of women!

Summer Project 2009 - Colors

My first attempt at fireworks, plus a shot from my trip to Seaside, OR. I am going to try for photos with vivid colors, and a different perspective for this year's calendar.

WINE COUNTRY CONTINUED

The grapes on the 10 acre vineyard.

OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Part of the vineyard with the Italian style home in the background.

Jon Armstrong the creative force behind the Purple Cow wine.

Picture below left is Sophi with their two kittens and below right is the Purple Cow label.

The grapes are setting on the vine seen here basking in the sunshine.

Here goes, the beginning of my summer project. The subject is "WINE". I plan to spend some more time talking to people and understanding the subject before I clearly define my project. There is no limit to the broadness the subject presents. So far, my favorite part is the people. It is like any other art that is worked with passion. We visited a small winery in Forest Grove, OR on our way to Lincoln City over the 4th of July. The owners found me taking pictures at the bottom of their road when they were returning from town and even though they are not open on weekdays they invited Garry and I to their home. When we left we felt like we had spent an hour with family. The picture of the little girl with the two kittens is their daughter. The Italian looking mansion above the fields belonged to their parents and they live in a smaller home on the vineyard. Yes, we did bring home a bottle of the 2007 Pinot Noir for a special dinner at some point in the future.