Squirrel Raid!




Ah, spring is finally here! I was staring out into my backyard this morning while drinking my coffee and observed this squirrel raiding one of my bird feeders for breakfast. I'm going to have to keep that feeder filled more often, as watching a squirrel trying to get food out of a hanging bird feeder is good entertainment!

Fooling around in Photoshop


Haven't been very productive lately. I've been to busy to go out and get photos. So heres a rework of a self-portrait that I'm thinking of using in my profile instead of the photgraph. What do you think?

Multnomah Falls Today


Heres a real quick, rather unedited shot from my drive in the gorge today. I had been whining all winter about how hard it was to get a shot of the falls with the sun on it. Well today, I finally got my chance. I'll probably clean this one up a little more.

Red Tailed Hawk




Here are some shots of a local Red-Tailed Hawk that has been hanging out in the area near the old rail trestle that crosses McLoughlin Boulevard at the end of River road. Theres a Bald Eagle that has just moved into the area and I plan on getting some shots in of him soon as well.

Portland Skyline, Portland Spirit and the Hawthorne Bridge


Yes, another shot of the Portland skyline from my favorite vantage point near OMSI. In this photo you see the Portland Spirit as it approaches a raised Hawthorne Bridge. I wish that I had the presence of mind to make my exposure as the boat passed under the bridge, but maybe I'll get that one next time.

The Spider and the Fly

The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
"Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy:
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to show when you are there."
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again"

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'l snugly tuck you in!"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, "Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are you gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your roves are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! How very soon this silly little Fly,
hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

The Spider and the Fly
Authored by, Mary Howitt
Published: 1829