This is actually a Japanese maple tree of some sort. Doesn’t it look amazing? The red is RED, full on. It’s taken from my neighbor’s, looking at my front yard. It will almost be a shame when the leaves come out.

For more fascinating photographs using the color red, click HERE. And try posting your own, too. It’s tons of fun.

The other morning there was a surprise inch of snow on the ground. Soon the sun came out and it was gone, but before it did, I caught this shadow underneath the big old cedar tree out back.

For other shadows of all kinds, click HERE.

This is from December; we had so much unaccustomed snow here in Seattle. This is a view in my backyard of the neighbor’s barn. Even though the photo is almost black and white, there’s some color, too.

For more watery photos, click HERE.

Here’s something a little different for Skywatch Friday. This was taken a few weeks ago in my backyard. It was cold, but yes, green and beautiful.

For more skies around the world, or to post your own, click HERE.

Today’s weather was in the high 40s at least, so I was able to be out in the garden pulling weeds, which I actually enjoy doing. I thought I’d show a snow photo from December as a bit of contrast. Snow could happen again, of course, but we wouldn’t have the pretty Christmas lights if it did. And I know they’re not really shadows, but so pretty anyway I thought I might get away with it as a shadow post.

For more real shadows, extremely artistically photographed, click HERE.

The only good thing about the short days is that the slanted light is still there when I get up. I am not an early riser. It was quite cold the other morning, but the mustang horse in the pasture next door doesn’t seem to mind any weather at all.

For more shadows of every type, click HERE. You can post your own, too!

Today it was over 50 degrees F. and sure enough, some bulbs are peeking through. The top ones are daffodil leaves from a neighbor’s yard (see the buds showing?), and the bottom photo is shoots of new crocus bulbs I planted myself in the fall. They are only two inches tall now, but it surely means spring is on its way.

This is a Double Delight rose from a couple of Junes ago. It is my favorite rose to grow. Not only is the bush tall and healthy with dark green foliage, the flowers AND the fragrance are just heaven. Sweet and spicy, just unforgettable. Ah, summer.

For more things ruby, click HERE.

This from a fall afternoon in the old house in Des Moines WA. You can actually ripen grapes in chilly Seattle, but you must have the vine planted in a southern exposure in as warm a spot as you can find. It worked! I hated to leave this grapevine we planted. It had super sweet, tiny loose bunches of tender yellow-green grapes. And the leaves were so beautiful in the late afternoon.

For more shadows seen everywhere, click HERE.

This is a lily, and also a little snapdragon which overwintered, which they sometimes do. Lilies are super easy to grow and very satisfying, scenting the entire garden with their strong perfume. If only photos recorded perfume, too!

For more flowers around the world, click HERE.