Welcome! I hope I bring a spot of calm and happiness into these uncertain times. I blog about my photography adventures, flowers, gardening, the importance of chocolate in a well lived life, or anything else on my mind.
More spring flowers from my yard, mostly taken late last week.
White Bleeding Heart.
Barrenwort.
Trillium.
Grape Hyacinth.
Yesterday we had a thunderstorm. It poured, with flash flood watches and warnings in various areas near us. May showers will hopefully bring more flowers.
Today
I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us
at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music
each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most
welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video,
please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)
Every
other week we have a theme. This week's theme is "Things in a song that make you think of May".
This first song is an oldie but goodie - Julie Andrews Vanessa Redgrave (thank you, readers, for noticing this error) singing The Lusty Month of May from Camelot. Because May...well, thoughts turn into certain directions.
It can also be the month of storms. Here is Billy Joel with Storm Front, from 1989.
This song takes place in July, but just thinking of a day like this makes me think of May. Some years, we have some of our warmest weather in May and you want to go to a park. Here, from 1972, is Chicago and Saturday In The Park.
And, since today is the Cinco de Mayo how about this song from WAR: Cinco De Mayo.
Finally, May means flowers to me. I love this song, and it makes me think of May. Since I had this song on my blog not that long ago, I chose this live performance from 2013. The sound quality isn't the best, but I liked hearing the modern Cowsills. Sadly, several of them, including lead singer Billy Cowsill, have passed away.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next week for another episode of Music Moves Me.
In honor of this May the 4th, which some call Star Wars Day ("May the fourth be with you") here's a photo from last April.
This picture was taken at the Rochester, New York celebration of last year's total eclipse of the sun. Although the sun didn't cooperate (sunny days the day before and day after, thick clouds during eclipse) we had a good time at the Rochester Museum and Science Center's indoor displays.
Spring is gradually winning its battle with winter here in the Southern Tier of New York. Athough we haven't had severe weather like other parts of the country, we've had some grim looking skies.
Photos taken April 26 right before a rainstorm.
If not for the green grass, you'd think this was taken in black and white.
Same sky from a different direction.
After the rain - puddles.
More puddles.
I like how this reflection came out, even if it didn't fit the B&W theme.
May May bring true spring at last. At least today, it has.
As today will be a busy day for me, I decided to depend once again on my guest photographer and her great pictures of birds. These were all taken in the last couple of months in the Southern Tier of New York State. Thanks go once again to my guest photographer, who has a DSLR, for these excellent captures.
Ruffled Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) .
Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum).
Finally this bird is not well loved by those of us who have backyard feeders, but you have to admit that in the right light, they do have a certain beauty. They also have an important role in our local ecosystem as both an eater of insects and a prey bird. This is the common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula, a bird that is actually considered in near threatened status despite me seeing them all the time where I live.
On a side note, I participated in the annual Blogging from A to Z Challenge for nearly 10 years. I was unable to this year since I can't blog daily at this time, but, on days I did post I followed the alphabet letter of the day. This is the final day (Z) of the Challenge. I hope you enjoyed my April posts and have the time to check out some of the 2025 A to Zers.
Today
I am joining up with other Music Moves Me bloggers (and you can join us
at the linky above). We are a group of music loving bloggers who blog about music
each Sunday or Monday (or even later in the week). If you have music to share with us, you are most
welcome to join! (Music Posts Only-meaning at least one music video,
please! Otherwise, your post link may be labeled "No Music" or even removed.)
Every
other week we have a theme. This week's theme is "You Pick".
And I'm picking an XC (90 in Roman numerals) birthday - Herb Alpert, who celebrated his 90th birthday on March 31 - while on a tour. Yes, he's still playing trumpet, and is still touring with a new Tijuana Brass. He's also been a successful businessman as co-owner, with Jerry Moss, of the former A&M Records.
Here are some favorite songs of mine, along with a song that has become viral on Tik-Tok (which I do not use).
The Lonely Bull, from 1963.
A song given to Herb by Burt Bacharach - This Guy's in Love with You. This 1968 song became Alpert's first #1 hit single, proving Alpert's versatility. Here, he sings lead vocals.
Another #1 song for Alpert - Rise, from 1979. In other words, he reached #1 for both an instrumental performance and a vocal performance on the top 100 charts. I'm not sure any other artist has done that but I'm sure I'll be told if it has been done since.
Tijuana Taxi. Honk!
One last song. I promised you the song that has gone viral on Tik Tok and here it is - Ladyfingers from 1965. How wonderful that new generations are finding this song, and Herb Alpert.
And that's a wrap!
Join me again next time for another episode of Music Moves Me.
