View allAll Photos Tagged Reliable,
Sturdy and reliable, my Witch Hazel shrub (Hamamelis 'Jelena') blooms in defiance of the darkest days of winter. Its rather weird, bronze-yellow blooms add color to the January gloom just when you need it most.
"In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone; ...
~ Christina Rosetti
"All art is but imitation of nature."
~ Seneca the Younger
Reliable sources mentioned today, that Gustaf took an evening off........
He was seen standing at Tranquil Bay watching the view for quite a while, before he started to fish.
Moment at Autumn Trace, Tranquil Bay :
“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections,
predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal.
standards for people to live up to.” – Alfred A. Montapert
♫ Andrea Bocelli, Ellie Goulding - Return To Love ft. Ellie Goulding♫
[Verse 1: Andrea Bocelli]
Quand'è che spento il cuore?
Che ho smesso di sognare
Un nuovo amore?
Il dubbio dentro me
E ho smesso di sperare
Ma a un tratto, tu
[Pre-Chorus: Andrea Bocelli]
Risvegli nel profondo
Un fuoco che mi accende
[Chorus: Andrea Bocelli & Ellie Goulding, Andrea Bocelli]
I'll return to love and risk it all
Per regalarti un mondo
And I'll return to love and resterò
Per costruire un sogno
One more time
[Verse 2: Ellie Goulding, Andrea Bocelli & Ellie Goulding]
Who cares about the past?
Who knows about tomorrow?
L'amore è adesso
And maybe this won't last
Maybe this moment's all we have
Let's find out
Primis Player Placeholder
[Pre-Chorus: Ellie Goulding]
And though I'm still afraid
You're worth a leap of faith
[Chorus: Andrea Bocelli & Ellie Goulding]
I'll return to love and risk it all
To see the world that we make
I'll return to love and take the fall
As if my heart cannot break
One more time
[Bridge: Andrea Bocelli & Ellie Goulding]
Here and now, up against the edge
Promise me you won't look down
Won't fall off the ledge
Take my hand and show me how to love again
[Chorus: Both, Ellie Goulding & Andrea Bocelli]
And I'll return to love and risk it all
Per regalarti un mondo
And I'll return to love and take the fall
Per costruire ancora
One more time
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h (50 to 80 mph) with the fastest reliably recorded speeds being 93 and 98 km/h (58 and 61 mph), and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. It typically reaches 67–94 cm (26–37 in) at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m (3.6 and 4.9 ft). Adults weigh between 20 and 65 kg (44 and 143 lb). Its head is small, rounded, and has a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognised.
More gregarious than many other cats, the cheetah has three main social groups—females and their cubs, male "coalitions" and solitary males. While females lead a nomadic life searching for prey in large home ranges, males are more sedentary and may instead establish much smaller territories in areas with plentiful prey and access to females.
The cheetah is active mainly during the day and hunting is its major preoccupation, with peaks during dawn and dusk. It feeds on small- to medium-sized prey, mostly weighing under 40 kg (88 lb), and prefers medium-sized ungulates such as impala, springbok and Thomson's gazelles.
The cheetah occurs in a variety of habitats such as savannahs in the Serengeti, arid mountain ranges in the Sahara and hilly desert terrain in Iran. The cheetah is threatened by several factors such as habitat loss, conflict with humans, poaching and high susceptibility to diseases. Earlier ranging throughout most of Sub-Saharan Africa and extending eastward into the Middle East up to the Indian subcontinent, the cheetah is now distributed mainly in small, fragmented populations in central Iran and southern, eastern and northwestern Africa. In 2016, the global cheetah population was estimated at around 7,100 individuals in the wild; it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In the past, cheetahs used to be tamed and trained for hunting ungulates. They have been widely depicted in art, literature, advertising, and animation.
This is a different image to 'Majestic'...
Just tried a tighter crop and a little more contrast...hope you like it.
Bicycles
Although I don’t ride a bike, well not at least for 40 odd years, there is something satisfying about a bike. It’s solid, reliable (mainly), an art form, it has a place in our society, an environmental champion, a pleasure and a serious competitor.
There aren’t many things in life that fulfil those criteria, there will always be those detractors but for me the bike is a hero.
More postings in this series to follow ………..
This is Mia, a grown-up female dog which looks kind and friendly. She is indeed, but not to the people whose faces are new to her. Once she sees any strangers enter the front gate from her shelter, which is located just a few meters away from it, she will angrily and continuously bark loud to notify her master of the presence of possible intruders.
Taken in Subic, Zambales, Philippines.
Google Lens, usually a reliable ID source, seems to have been hijacked! I'm working on it. Could have to do the ID the old-fashioned way. Flower looks vaguely familiar. Unless a local flower-person can help?? Thanks to Alan English for a tentative ID (see note below).
And see the last note from Alexander S. Kunz. He thinks this is most likely Cleveland Sage, based on personal knowledge of both plants. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_clevelandii
www.sblandtrust.org/land/rincon_bluffs/
"In 2016, the Land Trust bought this property, among the last remaining undeveloped coastal properties between the western edge of Goleta and the Ventura County line. Now, over two thirds of the entire Carpinteria Bluffs open space is permanently protected from development and for the public’s enjoyment under a Land Trust conservation easement."
Good news, and a new-to-me and very flowery walk yesterday, after our plans to drive across the Topa Topa range had to be cancelled: CA-33 is still closed from flood damage.
You can predict exactly when the Robin will have it's main feed. During the morning and afternoon it skirts the periphery of the five feeding area's in our garden, picking off the odd seed or nuts dropped by the other bird, but just as the Witching Hour starts they will appear, one at a time and feed for a couple of minutes facing into the setting sun.
The freight train which connects the chemical plants in Trostberg and Hart starts reliable every morning except Sundays around 8:15 a.m. in Trostberg and goes along the Alz channel northbound.
EXPLORE
I´ve been really busy and missed out on some great weather while trapped at work 8-/
I´ve managed to bag a few great shots lately and will share them real soon.. But first I will try to catch up with my great contacts and enjoy their awesome work 8)
Have a great week my friends
Not long ago, the Willow Emerald Damselfly had only been reliably recorded in the UK on 2 occasions, in 1979 and 1992. A single individual was then recorded in south-east Suffolk during 2007, followed in 2009 by a sudden boom of 400 records of the species from this same general area. Since this time, the Willow Emerald has spread rapidly across the south-east of England, gaining footholds in new counties on a yearly basis. The natural colonisation and spread of this damselfly in the UK is incredible.
Willow Emerald Damselfly females lay eggs into the bark of trees; these eggs overwinter and then with the coming of spring they hatch and the larva falls into the water below.
This was my first sighting of a Willow Emerald Damselfly, seen clinging for life on a Sallow twig in 40mph gusts of wind in Suffolk. My thanks to Sue Gough, a talented guide for Naturetrek, who told me where to look.
When I used to work afternoons, I would regularly check before I left what L505, a Sarnia-Battle Creek train, had for power. The train was a magnet for what crews would consider garbage, this often meant old standard cabs and barns would end up on the train. After working Flint and Durand, L505 is back on the move heading for Battle Creek as they pass through Morrice past the former Meal-N-More elevator that has long been gone, now only a memory like most of the barns.
According to a reliable source, the previous owners of this home rented out the property as an airbnb. It was completely renovated from top to bottom and sold ready for new owners that would appreciate its beauty....I have featured the outdoor patio area because it serves as some very usable living space. As shown, it makes for a great garden area....and it looks like someone has already started planting some roots...
This home will be available at faMESHed starting the 1st of August but you can preview it now at the HISA mainstore:
HISA - SommerHus
HISA - Foliage
faMESHed: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FaMESHed/226/144/1001
HISA Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hisa/123/117/22
HISA Flickr: flic.kr/ps/3RR2wW
Various releases by Muniick that can be found at the mainstore:
Muniick Springville Soil Bags
Muniick Vintage Tin Can Fruit Berries
Muniick Vintage Tin Can Peaches
Muniick Vintage Tin Can Tomato Soup
Muniick Lowell's Hay Fork
Muniick Lowell's Shovel
Muniick- Upcycled Wooden Drawer Garden Planter w/ Poppies
Muniick Springville Wood Bucket with Tomatoes
Muniick Springville Garden Toolbox w/ Garden Tools
Muniick- (ADULT) Upcycled Cinder Block Bench
Muniick Mainstore: maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Port%20Lux/150/57/3402
Muniick Flickr: flic.kr/ps/2UgnfP
Last but definitely not least:
Titans - The Timeworn Tree
{anc} dandelion fluff
{anc} miniature/H. swan {chocolate}
Apple Fall Row Boat Cream
Apple Fall Basil Sproutlings
.:revival:. beach fence
.:revival:. garden shower
.:revival:. garden table
Skye Epic Rock
JIAN Pekin Duck :: Static Duck
Apple Fall Urne de Terra Cuite
Apple Fall Potting Mix Bags
Apple Fall Stacked Herb Pots - Clay
Apple Fall Heavy Corbel Shelf
Apple Fall Apple Fall Vintage Milk Urn - Galvanized Metal Sink
Apple Fall Stacked Herb Pots - Bleached
West Village Hand Thrown Terracotta Urn
Ayla. DIY Plant Stands - Carrot Plant Stand
Ayla. DIY Plant Stands - Book Plant Stand
dust bunny . recycled pots
Apple Fall Stacked Terracotta Pots
8f8 - primavera in Toscana Clay Pots
8f8 - Granny's Winter Cottage - Sink
..::THOR::.. Cute Plant
..::THOR::.. Italian Clay Pot L
..::THOR::.. Italian Clay Pot Capped
..::THOR::.. Italian Clay Pot S
..::THOR::.. Old Gardener Table
~BAZAR~Berlin-Pots
ChiMia:: Les Landes Work Bench
Dahlia - Aradia - Rose Wall Water Fountain
Nutmeg. Garden Getaway Clutter Exclusive
Nutmeg. Garden Junk Water Pump
12. Nutmeg. Garden Getaway Straw Hat
Nutmeg. French Cafe Watering Can
Nutmeg. Watering Can#1 -3
Wheelbarrow by Austin Liam
[Rezz Room] Chihuahua
Thanks for the continued support! Be safe, be happy....Wishing you all a great week ahead!! 😊
Dock in Chincoteage... There's more to this story than meets the eye. Later in the day, fifty feet further down this dock, I was setting up my camera on a tripod when boom, it became detached, fell, rolled along the dock, and splashed into the water, salt water mind you. I watched it slowly settle to the bottom, emitting a few bubbles as water displaced the air inside the camera. I found an older gentlemen who helped me by going home and getting a net that I used to 'rescue' the camera from the denizens of the deep. I immediately removed the battery and placed it in fresh water and changed it dozens of times each day for several days. And in the end I have a few salvaged parts and my two media cards. I placed the cards in rice and let them dry for several days. And when done, the cards performed flawlessly to this day. Thus the above image was once under salt water before being rescued. Those rescued images were set aside and forgotten, only to be rediscovered a few days ago. What a surprise, but yet also a reminder of the loss of a Canon 5D MIV + lens. I never trusted that cheap old tripod again. It was "repurposed" and replaced with a most sturdy and reliable Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod. One of the lessons learned that day was to always buy good gear and don't trust a good camera to a marginal tripod. Even at that, I've equipped all my cameras with a 'tether' that attaches to a tripod, so that I'll never again be able to have a camera become completely detached from a tripod. If so, it falls at most 10 or 12 inches. They say that the best lessons in life are those that cost you something...
After a fruitless search for the ultra rare visiting Night Heron, came across this Robin on the way home...with a luminous snack...Baron's Haugh NR
Above open range was miles of timber
Fix them fences you remember
Horse and the saddle
rope and leather
Ridin through the wind and the weather
Smell the sage and see forever
Chevron Gas Station in Ghost Town of Nelson, Nevada
Located in southern end of Nevada, in El Dorado Canyon in Clark County, Nevada.
The area known as Nelson was originally called Eldorado in 1775, by the original discoveries of gold in the area that is now Eldorado Canyon. The town was the site of one of the first major gold strikes in Nevada and one of the biggest mining booms in state history. Gold and silver were discovered here around 1859. The rush to the canyon began in 1861.
The community called Nelson was named for Charles Nelson, a camp leader.
I'm not sure if there are zillions of song sparrows, or there's just one following me around.
In any case, when there aren't a lot of other birds around, I can always count on a nearby song sparrow.
Nisqually NWR
This is my favorite formation in the slickrock area near Page, AZ. I've posted a couple of shots of it before.
The erosion patterns are so elaborate and complex. And the color is lovely.
Seit einigen Jahren steht die 140 432 mit zwar etwas pflegebedürftigem äußeren Erscheinungsbild, aber sonst sehr zuverlässig in Diensten der BayernBahn. Haupteinsatzgebiet ist der sogenannte Henkel-Zug, mit dem Produktionsmittel und fertige Haarpflegeprodukte zwischen zwei Werken des Unternehmens transportiert werden. Am 18. April 2022 konnte ich die ehemalige Bundesbahn-Lok vor dem DGS 59940 von Wassertrüdingen nach Langenfeld bei Himmelstadt im Maintal fotografieren. Beinahe hätte der im Bildhintergrund entschwindende Gegenzug das Foto zunichte gemacht.
For several years now, the 140 432 has been in the service of BayernBahn with an external appearance that is somewhat in need of care, but otherwise very reliable. Its main area of operation is the so-called Henkel train, which transports production materials and finished hair care products between two of the company's plants. On 18 April 2022, I was able to photograph the former Bundesbahn locomotive in front of DGS 59940 from Wassertrüdingen to Langenfeld near Himmelstadt in the Main valley. The train disappearing in the background almost ruined the photo.
An expensive car is buried in the large snow bank. It spent some time under the thick layer of snow, enjoying the music. The radio antenna is the only part of the car free and, presumably, workable. It's the end of March now. The car will be finally free of snow in a week or so, and the owner will get it to the service station or maybe to the scrap-yard. If there still is the owner. Black and white version. I don't know whether it is an example of surreality, a pattern of urban horror or just a case of I-don't-give-a-hoot?
Aquilegia vulgaris (Akelei) in our garden show up reliably every year. Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 2.8/100 @2.8 with helicoid
When in doubt, pan it out. And where else but Harris Tower at CP Harrisburg? An old staple of mine for sure, and a quick go to when duty calls.
In this edition, we've got (what else?) the Steelton Local with a slightly different leader - an Operation Livesaver GP59E - rolling through downtown and headed back home to Enola.
Betnava Castle
Schloss Betnava
ENG:
The modern Betnava mansion replaced a medieval court, which was first mentioned in medieval written sources in 1313 as the court of Rudolf, a Maribor citizen and former provincial clerk in Breg near Maribor. The second reliable mention of Betnava can be found in a document from 1363: it is mentioned as Paldrumss hoff – Paltram's manor, i.e. the manor of Rudolf's son Paltram (I). In a document from 1378, Rudolf's grandson Paltram (II) is referred to as von Wintnaw – from Betnava – and this is the first explicit mention of Betnava. Probably at the beginning of the 16th century, but certainly before 1526, the Auerspergs became the owners. In 1555, Volf Engelbert Auersperg sold the estate to his brother-in-law Luka Szekely, and in 1587, the Herbersteins became the owners. In 1677, Janez Jakob Count Khisl bought the castle, but it burned down in 1685. The building was supposedly only restored by the Counts of Brandis, who inherited Betnava along with other associated estates in 1727. Betnava remained in the possession of the Brandis family until 1863, when it became the summer residence of the bishops of Lavant. In 1941, the German occupiers took the manor away from the diocese, and after the war it became state property.
GER:
Das moderne Herrenhaus Betnava ersetzte einen mittelalterlichen Hof, der erstmals 1313 in mittelalterlichen Schriftquellen als Hof von Rudolf, einem Bürger von Maribor und ehemaligen Provinzbeamten in Breg bei Maribor, erwähnt wurde. Die zweite zuverlässige Erwähnung von Betnava findet sich in einem Dokument aus dem Jahr 1363: Es wird als „Paldrumss hoff“ – Paltrams Hof, d. h. der Hof von Rudolfs Sohn Paltram (I) – erwähnt. In einem Dokument aus dem Jahr 1378 wird Rudolfs Enkel Paltram (II.) als „von Wintnaw“ – aus Betnava – bezeichnet, und dies ist die erste explizite Erwähnung von Betnava. Wahrscheinlich zu Beginn des 16. Jahrhunderts, aber sicherlich vor 1526, wurden die Auerspergs zu den Eigentümern. Im Jahr 1555 verkaufte Volf Engelbert Auersperg das Anwesen an seinen Schwager Luka Szekely, und 1587 wurden die Herbersteins zu den Eigentümern. Im Jahr 1677 kaufte Janez Jakob Graf Khisl das Schloss, das jedoch 1685 niederbrannte. Das Gebäude wurde vermutlich erst von den Grafen von Brandis wieder aufgebaut, die Betnava zusammen mit anderen dazugehörigen Gütern 1727 erbten. Betnava blieb bis 1863 im Besitz der Familie Brandis, dann wurde es zur Sommerresidenz der Bischöfe von Lavant. 1941 nahmen die deutschen Besatzer das Gut der Diözese weg, und nach dem Krieg ging es in Staatsbesitz über.
John Kane Photo • Doug Harrop Collection • June 28, 1978
A Bangor & Aroostook BL2 awaits its next assignment at Northern Maine Junction in Hermon, Maine.
BAR 52 is a rare 1500 horsepower BL2 diesel locomotive, built in 1949. A total of 59 BL2s were built by EMD, and No. 52 is one of seven units preserved today.
All of whom embrace the international feeling with a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion as quoted from IWD 2024
www.internationalwomensday.com
With heartfelt and genuine thanks for your kind visit. Have a wonderful and beautiful day, be well, keep your eyes open, appreciate the beauty surrounding you, enjoy creating, stay safe and laugh often! ❤️❤️❤️
Always wore these jeans since I was a kid. Always found them comfortable and durable... Wish you a warm and wonderful day...
Extremely reliable! They never sold these in the UK but l wish they did, l see quite a few of them online in England but none over here in Northern lreland till now.
Same owner since 2006.
Robin - Erithacus rubecula
Our ever reliable Little Robin...
Double click image.
The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in the British Isles, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, specifically a chat, that was formerly classified as a member of the thrush family (Turdidae) but is now considered to be an Old World flycatcher.
The robin occurs in Eurasia east to Western Siberia, south to Algeria and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Azores and Madeira. It is a vagrant in Iceland. In the south-east, it reaches the Caucasus range. Irish and British robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Scandinavian and Russian robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. These migrants can be recognised by the greyer tone of the upper parts of their bodies and duller orange breast. The European robin prefers spruce woods in northern Europe, contrasting with its preference for parks and gardens in Ireland and Britain.
Attempts to introduce the European robin into Australia and New Zealand in the latter part of the 19th century were unsuccessful. Birds were released around Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin by various local acclimatisation societies, with none becoming established. There was a similar outcome in North America as birds failed to establish after being released in Long Island, New York in 1852, Oregon in 1889–1892, and the Saanich Peninsula in British Columbia in 1908–1910.
The robin is diurnal, although has been reported to be active hunting insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. Well known to British and Irish gardeners, it is relatively unafraid of people and drawn to human activities involving the digging of soil, in order to look out for earthworms and other food freshly turned up. Indeed, the robin is considered to be a gardener's friend and for various folklore reasons the robin would never be harmed. In continental Europe on the other hand, robins were hunted and killed as with most other small birds, and are more wary.
Robins also approach large wild animals, such as wild boar and other animals which disturb the ground, to look for any food that might be brought to the surface. In autumn and winter, robins will supplement their usual diet of terrestrial invertebrates, such as spiders, worms and insects, with berries and fruit. They will also eat seed mixtures placed on bird-tables.
The robin features prominently in British folklore, and that of northwestern France, but much less so in other parts of Europe. It was held to be a storm-cloud bird and sacred to Thor, the god of thunder, in Norse mythology. Robins feature in the traditional children's tale, Babes in the Wood; the birds cover the dead bodies of the children.
More recently, the robin has become strongly associated with Christmas, taking a starring role on many Christmas cards since the mid 19th century. The robin has appeared on many Christmas postage stamps. An old British folk tale seeks to explain the robin's distinctive breast. Legend has it that when Jesus was dying on the cross, the robin, then simply brown in colour, flew to his side and sang into his ear in order to comfort him in his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the robin's breast, and thereafter all robins got the mark of Christ's blood upon them.
An alternative legend has it that its breast was scorched fetching water for souls in Purgatory.
The association with Christmas more probably arises from the fact that postmen in Victorian Britain wore red jackets and were nicknamed Robins, the robin featured on the Christmas card is an emblem of the postman delivering the card.
In the 1960s, in a vote publicised by The Times, the robin was adopted as the unofficial national bird of the UK.
In 2015, the robin was again voted Britain's national bird in a poll organised by birdwatcher David Lindo, taking 34% of the final vote.
This is the old ranch road that goes down to the beach & laguna at Arroyo de la Cruz. This view across the soft chaparral to the ridge across the highway (on the Hearst Ranch, private property) caught my eye on a visit on a cold, foggy morning. Boy, was I glad to get away from the freezing blasts at the blufftop trail into a bit of shelter from these scrubby Monterey pines! This is a reliably interesting walk -- but more pleasant on calm days. Non-existent in spring or early summer, in my experience,