Snapshots
Can someone tell me the name of these trees? We see them all over Southern California. They’ll be an entry in our 100 Species Challenge after one of you IDs them for me.
Here’s another entry waiting in the wings: morning glories. These are everywhere around here as lush groundcover and picturesque fencecover. I know they can be invasive, but I love them, love them, love them.
This next shot is almost one of the best pictures I ever took. If only I hadn’t cut off its head. Drat it. I was snapping quickly, not even sure I was in focus, certain my small subject was about to fly away.
My online friend Helen takes amazing bird photos. And butterflies, and flowers, and western landscapes, and churches. My kids and I love to explore her website. I think her “year in the life of a butterfly bush” is my favorite page.
Morning has broken and I must run, but you know I can’t leave without including the obligatory napping child photo.
Jeanne says:
You know, I think that one of probably many differences in our kids is that – not one of my boys ever “just fell asleep” on a couch or at the table or on the floor. O! How I wished for it! But the tireder they got, the more wound up they got and the more wide open they went. No one ever crawled off in a corner and napped of his own accord. The only exception to this was falling asleep in the car – that they did do. But all other sleeping only occurred with mommiful intent – and most of my kids gave up daytime sleeping far before *I* was ready for them to do so. No one ever curled up with a book and drifted off; no one ever snoozed after lying down next to Legoes. There were no unintended naps – EVER. I remember with my youngest, discouraging him from kicking his leg rhythmically in bed when he was about three – before I realized that this movement was actually a necessary part of his final battle with staying awake. He literally kicked himself to sleep as I was reading to him or telling him a story – no matter what the bedtime routine or preparation or how tired he was. He’s 10 now, and his energy level is phenomenonally high – and he still never takes an “accidental” nap.
Sigh.
But sometimes I do.
On October 6, 2008 at 9:05 am
Mama Steff says:
Those are Cypress trees. They are kind of okay at first, and grow very quickly to become shaggy beasts that are not pretty at all. Most often in So Cal, I have seen them planted in a row as a border between homes or buildings or to line a walk – but I just don’t like them.
On October 6, 2008 at 9:32 am
Meredith says:
I was going to guess Juniper, I’ll have to look up the Cypress š
On October 6, 2008 at 9:53 am
Jennifer says:
Italian Cypress, I think. We have them here, but only in small numbers. They are crazy tall for most landscapes.
On October 6, 2008 at 9:54 am
Jennifer says:
I mean tall for most landscapes *here* – they stand out a bit because nothing is that tall in Texas. I’m sure they look lovely in your neighborhood. š
On October 6, 2008 at 9:55 am
Explore Academy says:
At first glance I thought cypress but then I remembered something about Cook pines — pine trees that Captain Cook allegedly brought to the states from Australia. Check out the picture that is two or three down from the top here: http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:q4ywiD9G3pcJ:waynesword.palomar.edu/ecoph27.htm+captain+cook+hawaii+cypress+trees&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us
I’m going with cypress though.
We saw them when we visited
On October 6, 2008 at 11:42 am
Helen Roman says:
Dear Melissa – what a surprise I have from you today :):)
Thank you sooooo much for your kindness and for showing links to my website – this is such an honor for me, honestly š
I’m happy that you and Children like my “God’s Creatures” on the web.
The little birdie you showing it might be a female Lesser Goldfinch – I have hundreds of them around my apricot tree, and I love them (but they drive my cat crazy! ) They are smart and frisky little creatures.
Please check here:
http://www.hmrprint.com/helensphotos/PAN_BIRDS.html
Their male birds are vibrant yellow and black – but “ladies” are much more humble.
I’m not 100% sure – but you can check here:
http://www.birdphotography.com/
Thank you again – many hugs to You & all your Gang –
Helen š
On October 6, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Kate says:
The trees are Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). I live in Northern California, and they are all over the place.
They are also called Italian Cypress, like Jennifer said. š
On October 6, 2008 at 4:41 pm