Friday 23 February 2018

February 2018 Photo Treasure Hunt

Once again Hawthorn has devised an interesting list of topics for us.  A pleasant way to get through what has been a cold and and rather miserable February has been to search through my archived photographs.



1. WHITE

I have many lovely snowy views out of our lounge window but this one showing the clear tracks cutting through the pristine snow covered field made by a tractor delivering feed to the sheep at the far end of the field is a favourite. 








2. METAL/METALLIC

While living in South Africa our son had a foundry making mainly ornaments for the tourist shops. This mare and foal are a couple of my favourites.  A lot of work goes into making something like this, many hours of cleaning up and polishing.  B used to help him after work.  The two of them would be grinding and polishing in extremely hot temperatures, up to 40 deg some days.   I don't keep them as clean as I should do. Not a job I am very keen on doing. 







3. CAMOUFLAGE

Can you see her? 



It is a female kudu almost hidden in the scrub bush at the side of the road in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.  Also in the picture are a couple of guinea fowl  but to be honest I was not photographing them and only noticed them when searching for this picture.  The kudu will be there one minute and then disappear into the bush the next with their stripes blending in with the long grass.

They are one of the largest antelope in Southern Africa and the male has most impressive horns.  (Picture of male thanks to Google).






4. BEGINS WITH A .....J

Again this picture is taken in the Kruger National Park.  We lived on its border and would visit as often as we could.  Jackal are well know scavengers,  hanging around a lion kill waiting for leftovers. Like our British fox they are smaller than one imagines.  We did not see many as they are nocturnal and this is the only photo I have of the black backed jackal out of hundreds of pictures.  The smaller picture below is once again thanks to Google, but it does show his black back in more detail. 







5.  BUD

Eldest Grandson gave his mother and me an amaryllis bulb in a pot at Christmas.  I waited patiently for it to grow, then when this topic appeared I thought I would photograph it weekly for the whole month, showing its progress.  It started to grow alright but then seemed to have a brown mark down one side of the stem.  It seemed very stunted especially when a second bud appeared beside it and rapidly overtook the original but when I saw Hawthorn's plant at full height with three gorgeous flowers I knew mine was in trouble.  But it still falls under this category so I will chart its progress for you.


5 February 2018
11 February 2018




17 February 2018


21 February 2018
Collapsed overnight


21 February 2018
Propped up. I'm still hoping
the bud will open before the stem
completely dies off.
Kate has rudely suggested my bud looks like Audrey
from the Little Shop of Horrors!  I wonder why?
















I give up.  Its too late to find an obliging bud
so here are some daffodil buds instead.
 Much more spring like than my very sad
Amaryllis called Audrey!!!




6. MY OWN CHOICE

Whilst looking out snowy pictures for 'White' I came across this beautiful one of a young Roxy, our son and daughter-in-law's chocolate Labrador, lying in the snow.  She loves lying flat and dragging herself on her tummy through the snow.  I thought I'd use it as my own choice as I'm sure there won't be a topic where I can use it for a while. 








25 comments:

  1. Love the photos especially the Amaryllis. Love the last picture

    Julie xxxxxx

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    1. Thank you. I'm watching it carefully, can see 3 flower buds but don't know if they will open. Hopefully the tall bud will flower normally.

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  2. Great photos & I love the bud story. Your snowy pictures definitely make me somewhat cooler after another warm & muggy day. Take care.

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    1. Hi - glad I have cooled you down a bit. I know that warm and muggy feeling. Just hoping bud will manage to open before stem dies completely. Must have some borer insect in it.xx

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  3. I love that Kudu image, even though I know she is there, my eye is drawn to the guinea fowl first each time. Brilliant camouflage. I love your new background - it makes the photos stand out beautifully :) thank you for joining in the photo-hunt xx

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    1. I too love the gentle face of the kudu. Thanks for comments on new layout and for help setting it up.

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  4. I love all your photos. :) Camouflage is very clever indeed. And what a gorgeous chocolate lab. With such a beautiful face.Maybe more snow in the forcast for next week. Not rid of it yet!

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    1. Yes, it is colder here already. Not looking forward to another cold snap. Yes, Roxy has a lovely gently expression.

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  5. What great snow images, we've pretty much avoided it down south so far this winter.

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    1. Yes, you have been lucky this year. We have had more than usual here. Though both snowy pictures were taken a few years ago.

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Gorgeous pictures, the first and last are definitely my favourites.

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    1. Thank you. I love the snow on Roxy's whiskers and toes.

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  8. The Kudu was well camouflaged at last I spotted her lovely face. Love your snowy photos. Your amaryllis is trying very hard to grow and flower, lovely bright daffodils too:)

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    1. I must apologise for not replying to your comment. Not sure how I missed some. I love the Kudu picture too and think she is well hidden.

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  9. Love all your photos and stories this month. My favourite has to be the tractor tracks! A friend buys me an amaryllis each year as well as one for herself. Hers did not do well, with the bud growing at a funny angle do she cut it off, put it in a vase and it did flower. Mine had one good flower stalk but no leaves. Perhaps it is a poor year for them.

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    1. I have had to cut the flower bud as the stem is now completely rotten and as you suggested and put it in a small vase. Hope it opens.

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  10. Such unusual photos and I do love the first and last.

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    1. Thank you. Both snowy ones and I love them too.

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  11. Great photos, my favourite has got to be the last one though :)

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  12. A great collection of photos, I really like your camouflage photo.

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    1. Yes, I think it is my favourite too. I'm always amazed how they can just disappear.

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  13. I'm sure I previously left a comment but it seems to have disappeared. However, this is a great collection of photos, with the last one being my favourite - young Roxy looks so adorable and huggable :)

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    1. I must apologise for not acknowledging your comment. I found it lurking in my Spam folder. Got it sorted now. Yes, Roxy picture is a favourite of mine too.

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  14. Thank you for your kind comments. That is my favourite picture of Roxy. She is nine years old now and still very obliging when it comes to looking cute in photographs.

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