Black-Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans

Here in Holyrood, the weather was so bad most of the summer, that plants and flowers did not do as well as in other years. Only a few dahlias bloomed, the shasta daisies were flattened by the heavy rains and high winds, the Japanese variegated willows did poorly, only one coneflower bloomed and most other plants did poorly. My potatoes and carrots were smaller than usual, and lettuce, savoury and basil didn't grow at all even though I planted those gardens twice. Other than weeds, only nasturtiums, green peas and strawberries grew very well here this year.

The photos of the black-eyed susans were taken in Nova Scotia the day I went to see the Moody Blues. My son picked me up at the airport and we drove to the Annapolis Valley, where he had to work for a few hours. We stopped in a couple of places on our way back to Halifax. These photos were taken near the Muir Winery.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

La Rambla 2

La Rambla 2

The first photo shows one of the side roads that connect to La Rambla along its 1.2 km length. The second shows the Teatre del Liceau, an opera house that opened in 1847 along La Rambla. Artists also displayed some of their art along this famous street and I took a few pictures of some of them.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows

and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

La Rambla

La Rambla

The weather has been so bad here all summer that I am glad we spent nearly three weeks in the Mediterranean. It was the best weaher I saw all summer. Earlier in the summer I shared photos of several attractions in Barcelona. At the time, I didn't share photos of La Rambla, one of the most visited streets in the world, and would like to share a few over the next couple of days.

I didn't feel too comfortable photographing people on La Rambla, especially with the slow zooming and focusing of the Nikon Coolpix P500, the only camera I used in Barcelona. On some sales booths there were "NO PHOTOS" signs. I was being extra cautious because all I read about the pick-pockets and con artists on La Rambla.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

Tangled Garden

Tangled Garden

On July 8, 2010 I shared images of bottles of jelly in the windows of the Tangled Garden Gift Shop in Nova Scotia. Today I decided to share similar photos that show interesting shapes, textures and colours. Jars of jellies and other condiments were placed in front of every window in the gift shop and I made images of many of them. I really liked the combination of the colours as well as the shapes of the herbs inside the bottles. I shot wide and close views of several bottles and have uploaded several of them to my Blog this morning.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

Quaker House 9

Quaker House 9

This is the last in the Quaker House series. I'd like to thank those of you who helped with the explanations of a few of the items I photographed during my visit there. The small broom and stool in the kitchen caught my attention as did a couple of baskets and a coil of rope. As I walked through this old house, I tried to imagine what life was like before electricity and many of the modern conveniences we take for granted today.

If you enjoyed this series and would like to view more images of antiques that show how people in the past lived, feel free to check my series on Ross Farm, a living museum also located in Nova Scotia. http://www.lanephotography.com/ross_farm/ross_farm.htm

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

Quaker House 8

Quaker House 8

The first photo shows a couple of the objects I shared photos of yesterday on the mantle of the large fireplace in the kitchen. You will also see the bunches of dried herbs hanging from the ceiling as well as more jars, mugs and other items common in kitchens long ago.

As I photographed the kitchen I liked the shadows created by the herbs that were hanging from the beams. I mentioned yesterday that I dry herbs that grow in my yard, however, I don't hang them in my kitchen, but dry them in flat containers stored above the cupboards.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

Quaker House 7

Quaker House 7

As promised, this morning I am sharing photos taken in the kitchen of Quaker House. All photos taken during my visit to Quaker House were taken without a flash using my Nikon Coolpix P500.

The first photo shows a variety of jars on one shelf near the fireplace. I suspect the wooden mortar and pestle were used to grind the herbs they grew themselves. I have been drying and grinding oregano, thyme, lemon thyme and St. John's Wort but do not have these tools. I dry them then rub them together in my hands, grinding them into tiny pieces. I am very new to this and am learning as I go, so I have no idea if I am doing it correctly.

I thought the three candle design was a little unusual. It was made of metal and was fairly heavy. You can see the carrying handle near the top. If anyone knows why it is so long, please let me know. Most things they used 200 years ago were more practical than cosmetic and it wouldn't make sense to have candles that long.

I believe the other items are used in making butter.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.

Quaker House 6

Quaker House 6

I saw the sock hanging from the dresser drawer and made a few different views. I made a few images as I looked through the windows of Quaker House. And lastly this morning, I liked the chair which looks as though it is a chamber pot. I wonder if the name "throne" came from this type of chair? I also liked the display of tools and photographed some of them.

Tomorrow I plan to share photos of the kitchen in this historic home.

Photos of the Day are for sale as stock photographs
and photographic enlargements.

They can also be purchased as slide shows
and/or wallpapers/screensavers.