It had been threatening to rain all day.  In fact, there were major floods in the southern part of the state. We were out for a drive and I had to stop for this tree in the middle of a field. There was too much contrast to capture the green of the field, but it is still beautiful.

Today is a two-fer. This red dogwood flower was also photographed at Fernwood in Michigan.

This was taken at Fernwood Gardens in Niles, Michigan. Flowering dogwoods are such a welcome sign of spring this year.

In the sequel to the previous photo the pair are preening and have their backs to me. To me the image says, “let it be spring soon!”

I had to go for a walk around the lakes today and the swans were out showing off.

This location would have been easy to miss, but it was a lovely day and we decided to peek out the back door of the historic landmark. Even though it was late January, it was still a gorgeous spot.

My friend, Lynn Young, took this one. I tried to take some myself that night, but was unable to figure out the right settings. You can see more of Lynn’s work at Wolfsong Photography.

It was a gorgeous Saturday in January, sunny and warm, but very few people were out visiting the missions. I confess that I like most of my shots to be free of people, but it was a shame that so few people got to enjoy the way the different lights played in the hall.

The bells are emblematic of San Antonio’s missions, and after three hundred years they still call the faithful to mass. The photographers’ favorite spot, twenty yards away and directly in front of the entrance, is as obvious as a pitcher’s mound. I tried to catch a different angle.

January is not the best time to photograph flowers, even in San Antonio. This was the best-looking rose in the garden, and it had the added benefit of a tiny resident. Don’t worry, I’m not going to attempt any metaphorical comments about Texas and a faded yellow rose…