A Bloy and his Blog

Another shot from the conservatory at Olbrich Gardens.

I’ve been interested in getting a longer lens for a while (especially to get closer to wildlife). A few days ago I bought a Promaster 70-300mm F/4-5.6 macro lens. Since normal telephoto shooting is fairly straightforward, I was anxious to test the lens’ macro capability. The conservatory at Olbrich Gardens would be the perfect spot to do that.

I’m going to like being able to get in close, like the above shot of the very young and fuzzy ficus leaves.

read the rest of: Testing the new lens

Spending time in the warm humid air of the glass domed conservatory at Olbrich Gardens does wonders during a spell of frigid winter weather.

read the rest of: Winter orchids

I went to Olbrich Botanical Gardens to check out their annual Holiday Express display. I found the look of wonder on most of the children’s faces the best thing about the exhibit.

read the rest of: The wonder of trains

One of my favorite Christmas songs. I love the melancholy mood of it. Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas time is here.
Happiness and cheer.
Fun for all that children call,
Their favorite time of the year.

Snowflakes in the air.
Carols everywhere.
Olden times and ancient rhymes,
Of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air.
Beauty everywhere.
Yuletide by the fireside,
And joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here.
We’ll be drawing near.
Oh, that we could always see,
Such spirit through the year…

While I was shooting my stonecrop plant the other day, I wasn’t the only one interested in it. There were also a couple of bees collecting the last nectar of the season.

read the rest of: Last nectar of the season

Back in July, I thought the perennial flowers blooming at my house were done. A couple of weeks ago the stonecrop began to flower.

read the rest of: Stonecrop