7.31 - Still Morning

7.31.12 Still Morning • © Margaret Helthaler

The air was quiet and still...

7.30 - Puffy Clouds

7.30.12 Puffy Clouds • © Margaret Helthaler

A brief respite from overcast skies…

7.27 - Field in Fog

7.27.12 Field in Fog • © Margaret Helthaler

The air remains wet and heavy after a series of threatening thunderstorms.

7.26 - Cicada

7.26.12 Cicada • © Margaret Helthaler

An early morning downpour knocked a few of these big guys out of the tree near our driveway. I'm assuming they made their way back to the green canopy above to sing their song that is synonymous with the heat of summer.

7.25 - Forgotten Pasture

7.25.12 Forgotten Pasture • © Margaret Helthaler

Years ago this fence was crisp white and sheep grazed in the field…

7.24 - Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly on Thistles

7.24.12 Yellow Swallowtail Butterfly on Thistles • © Margaret Helthaler

This yellow swallowtail seemed unbothered by the heavy, humid air wrought by the recent spate of circling thunderstorms...

7.23 - Community Pride

7.23.12 Community Pride • © Margaret Helthaler

Hats off to the volunteers to who maintain the hanging flower baskets in the town of Neversink. They are looking extra pretty this year. :)

7.19 - Dr. Seuss Flowers

7.19.12 Dr. Seuss Flowers • © Margaret Helthaler

I discovered these quirky flowers growing along the banks of the Rondout Reservoir. I don't know what they are, but I think they are fun. My friend thought they looked like "Dr. Seuss" flowers and I'm inclined to agree. I can picture them in one of his zany illustrations!

7.18 - Coneflower

7.18.12 Cone Flower • © Margaret Helthaler

The secret wonders within a small border garden on a hot humid day…

7.17 - Queen Anne's Lace

7.17.12 Queen Anne's Lace • © Margaret Helthaler

Magnificence in the mundane…

7.16 - Wild Blueberries

7.16.12 Wild Blueberries • © Margaret Helthaler

The greenery along the road is displaying renewed vigor after Sunday's heavy rain. I made this sweet discovery before the birds did...

7.15 - Storm Brewing Over The Catskills

7.15.12 Storm Brewing Over The Catskills • © Margaret Helthaler

7.15.12 Rain On The Rondout • © Margaret Helthaler

My busy schedule has interfered with my morning meanderings, but as we returned from a trip to Poughkeepsie Sunday morning my husband and I stopped along the Shawangunk Ridge on Route 55 to observe a thunderstorm brewing over the Catskills. As we continued along our way the sky became darker. The temperature dropped over ten degrees and we hit the brunt of the storm just as we approach the Rondout Reservoir.

7.12 - Teasel

7.12.12 Teasel © Margaret Helthaler

We are accustomed to seeing this plant in it's dried brown form - which makes these lovely living shades of green and lavender all the more pleasing…

7.11 - Summer Grasses

7.11.12 Summer Grasses • © Margaret Helthaler

I am fascinated by the countless variety of mid summer grasses. I love the contrast of color and textures. If you look closely at this image, can you see the little red ladybug nestled in the grass seeds?

7.10 - Some Roadside Color

7.10.12 Roadside Color • © Margaret Helthaler

The textures and colors along the our Catskill Mountain roadways are always changing. The fresh green shoots of spring have given way to a myriad of warm summer hues…

7.9 - Ferns

7.9.12 Ferns • © Margaret Helthaler

Luscious ferns grow in the cool shadows along Thunder Hill Road…

7.8 - Hay Bales

7.8.12 Hay Bales 1 • © Margaret Helthaler

7.8.12 Hay Bales 2 • Margaret Helthaler

Nothing says summer quite like a freshly mowed hay field... I've included two shots today since I missed posting an image yesterday.

7.6 - Black Eyed Susans

7.6.12 Black Eyed Susans • © Margaret Helthaler

The daisies along the Rondout Reservoir have given way to their more colorful cousins.

7.5 - At a Snail's Pace

7.5.12 At a Snail's Pace • © Margaret Helthaler

I nearly stepped on this little guy during my walk this morning…

7.4 - Nature's Fireworks

7.4.12 Nature's Fireworks • © Margaret Helthaler

A thunderstorm brews over the Catskills on this 4th of July evening…

7.3 - Milkweed

7.3.12 Milkweed • © Margaret Helthaler

Milkweed by the Rondout Reservoir…

7.2 - Pine Grove

7.2.12 Pine Grove • © Margaret Helthaler

A tall grove of pine trees near the Neversink Reservoir…

7.1 - Back Alley Barn

7.1.12 Back Alley Barn • © Margaret Helthaler

This gem can be found behind the Liberty Museum & Arts Center on South Main Street in Liberty, NY.