Hartley Park

The weather on Friday was so beautiful that I decided to take the afternoon off from work and soak up some of the last warmth of the season.  I stopped by the house, picked up Daphne and we drove over to Hartley Park for a hike in the woods.  Many others had the same idea as the park was filled with college students, families with young kids, seniors and lots of dogs.  The sun was high in the sky and a bit harsh for photos, but I brought my camera anyway.

Hartley Pond
Duck Pond

A few remaining wild flowers bloomed along the trails.  I was only able to identify a few.

Wild Aster
Gone To Seed
Buttercup
Lavender-Colored Flowering Weed
Goldenrod

I would like to go back and see the fall colors this weekend at the highest point of the trails if the weather cooperates.  High temperatures will only be in the low 40’s.  As long as it doesn’t rain, it might be worth it.  Check out photos from last year’s October hike in Hartley here.

Super Dog

Daphne is nearly 10 years old, but she still knows how to play like a puppy.  She loves playing fetch and tug-o-war.  Sophia wanted to see how far Daphne could jump when leaping off the deck to fetch her ball.  I think we were all impressed with her height and distance.

The Approach
The Jump
Nearly A Decade Old
Portrait Of A Boxer

It’s not often that we see Sebastian in a shirt tie.  He was all dressed up to attend an end-of-the season caddie banquet at the local country club.

Formal Affair

Most of my plants are done for the season including the garden vegetables and flowers. The deer have finished off anything that had remained except for a few blossoms on the hosta plants and one lonely rose.

Hosta Flowers
Last Rose Of Summer
Hen And Chicks
Fungus On Birch

The fall colors are beginning to show up on maple trees throughout the city.  I’m looking forward to capturing some of those changing hues in the weeks ahead.

 

This Week’s Photos

I’m too tired for a lot of writing, so without further ado, here are this week’s photos.

Yellow Bird
Feeding Time

 

Pair
Deer Feeder?
Taking Time To Chew His Food
Mmm, Mmm, Good

Time to rake the yard.

The Clean Up Crew
Bag Lady
A Break From The Rake

A couple of photos of our “senior” boxer, Daphne.

Portrait Of A Boxer
Thoughtful

I’m still waiting for these to bloom.  It’s been so cold, I think they are afraid to open.

Ready To Bloom
Daffodils ~ Also Waiting To Bloom
Northern Flicker
Looking For Dinner

Our first thunderstorm of the season brought hail.

Hail

The Honorable James L. Oberstar came in under the Aerial Lift Bridge at 9:30 this morning.  Yes, that really is ice in the harbor on May 8.  I photographed the boat back in 2011 the day before it was christened with Oberstar’s name.  You can see photos here.

Hon. James L. Oberstar
In The Harbor