Thursday, June 21, 2012

The first evening of summer...

FirstEveningOfSummer
Happy first (full) day of summer, everyone!
During summer, my favorite time of day is sunset, when the warm light ignites all the plants and our neighbors wander out into the lengthening shadows to enjoy that moment when the day's warmth gives way to evening cool.

38 comments:

  1. Yay for summer! Yay for that light...love it all! (and yes it really does require three exclamation points)

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    1. Hahahahaha...too funny! Yes...summer in Portland is kind of amazing...it's a far cry from our horrid midwestern summers back home. Can you believe I used to HATE summer...it's THAT bad there!

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  2. It is a magical time of day...your garden looks delicious in that light!

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    1. Isn't that light just delicious...and so fleeting!

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  3. Scott,
    What a magical photo of your garden. Lots to look forward to this season.

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  4. When I grow up, I want a garden like yours. Unfortunately, being middle-aged doesn't give me much time. :) Great composition!

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    1. Hahahahaha...thanks! I'm still waiting to feel "grown-up" as well...when does that happen, do you think?

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  5. Evening cool... What's that? It's early morning in the garden during summer for me. It could also be that I'm on the eastern side of a hill so don't get light like this in my yard as the sun sets. :-)

    Beautiful shot.

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    1. Oh Alan, I remember that kind of weather (from when I lived in the Midwest). The heat, the humidity...and how it never seemed to cool off at all. Early morning light is almost as good...luckily, our house is a corner lot, so I get the benefit of morning and evening sun!

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  6. Hi Scott,

    Beautiful; I really wish we had more days similar to yours. It's been the most horrific *summer* I can ever remember so far.

    Today is another stinker; but I guess I have to be happy that earlier this week was rather nice.

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    1. Ugh...so sorry, gwirrel...that sounds awful. I'm crossing my fingers our summer is mild and pleasant like last year...but the weather has been so goofy this year so far that I'm nervous it will be a scorcher :-(

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  7. I do love the long angles of the sun in the evening...yours does sparkle. Love how the sidewalk gardens have filled out. Yours is a garden I would love to see!

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    1. Isn't that low-light just amazing...it really makes you appreciate things in a new way. It's made me really focus on grasses and things with "hairy" stems (like the Knautia) that really catch the light. Anytime you're in my area, feel free to stop by...maybe I'll even give you some free plants ;-)

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  8. That's the time I like to put down the garden tools and sit in the backyard and appreciate what I have. Oh, and assure my spouse I haven't forgotten about her.

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    1. For real, Jason...it's those times that remind me WHY I garden in the first place ;-)

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  9. Yes, that's the perfect time of day to put away the tools and look on your accomplishments with pleasure, while enjoying a cool drink with that special someone!

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    1. Exactly, Jane...it's what makes gardening so rewarding...those brief times we can just admire the view :-)

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  10. OK, I have to disagree about summer in the Midwest--in a "normal" year. It's usually amazing here in southern Wisconsin. But, alas, a strange drought surrounded by flooding (weird, I know) can make it difficult. That said, your first evening of summer is fantastic! Enjoy!

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    1. Hahahahahahaha...well..Wisconsin is likely not QUITE as bad as Nebraska ;-) Then gain, we all have our adversities, no matter where we are, right?

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    3. Yes, that is probably true, Scott. :) I usually think of Wisconsin's adversities as related to bitter cold. But this year it's definitely the drought. I'd definitely be in your part of the country right now!

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  11. I wouldn't mind strolling down that sidewalk!

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  12. Happy Summer Scott! What a wonderful picture you captured. I love the lighting and shadows.Summer evenings are always a favorite time here too.We have some beautiful sunsets here with the oranges, reds and pinks but the trees in the woods block them so I cannot get a good picture. They all turn out just spooky. LOL! Have a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Hahahahaha...it is SO tricky trying to get a good photo of sunset...either you get the awesome sky colors, but the foreground is dark...or you have the foreground ok and the sky is washed out!

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  13. oh, I bet your neighbors love walking past your house!!

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    1. We do get our fair share of compliments, to be sure ;-)

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  14. The pretties just get prettier in the evening light :-) I never seem to be able to capture in a photo what my eye sees, though. I guess being in the moment adds to the beauty that we see, but the camera can't feel how beautiful it is, too. Your picture does a pretty great job of doing it, though :-)

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    1. That's so true...and to be honest, I've never been totally happy with how photos at this time of day turn out, as well...they are pretty...but you're right, they can't capture the magic of the moment!

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  15. Looks magical! what a great neighborhood to stroll with gardens like yours around!

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    1. Indeed...it certainly makes evenings pleasant, right?!?

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  16. Happy Summer, Scott. Maybe on July 5th it will unofficially be summer. :)

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    1. Hahahahaha...you just never know, Grace...but that seems to be the magic date, right?

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