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…