Occasional Threads – Ellen Guerrant

My Original Photo

PhotoShopped by Bill Guerrant, my DH

We have morning glories growing all along the fence next to our garden, purposefully planted to act as a “screen.”  They are in lovely shades of blues, pinks and violets.   I shot several one recent morning, but was then disappointed at what I saw on the computer monitor.  No longer was the blue the vibrant color I’d seen just moments before.  My efforts at PhotoShop did not suit me.  The colors were still washed out.  Whine!

DH, who has been a very good, award-winning  photographer most of his life, learned  tricks in the darkroom he applies to Photoshop.  Things such as “adjusting” and “burning.”  I know how to adjust the brightness, etc., but nothing as sophisticated as DH can do.

The photos above illustrate what a little (or a lot) of skill can accomplish.  I think the difference is outstanding.

I’m a photographer wanna be – living with a guy with a lifetime of experience but not enough patience to teach a novice.  Our son and daughter-in-law have degrees in photography so I learn a lot by following them around and really looking at their shots. Check their site here: http://mattandsuzie.com/

Additionally, our DIL is a PhotoShop Guru, having won the national award a few years ago.  Want that staircase removed from your photo?  She can do that for ya.

If you’re into trains, check my son’s site:  http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=28734 I think he has some awesome shots.

Angelonia – a garden favorite.

Hello, all.  My long absence has been caused by the series of “tune-ups” I’ve been undergoing.  So here is my “organ recital.”

My first cataract was removed just before Memorial Day.  Absolutely painless, except for feeling as if a piece of ash was in my eye -  after the numbing drops wore off.  I’m still in the semi-blurry stage necessitating the purchase of at least five different pair(s) of ‘readers’ from the dollar store.  My opthalmologist said it can take four to five weeks for my vision to  become really sharp.  I’ll have the second eye done sometime in July.

I had carpal tunnel surgery last Monday.  Once again, absolutely no pain.  The biggest aggravations in having to do things one-handed are trying to deal with intimate apparrell and styling my hair!  The stitches come out Friday.  I’m sure it will take some time before I’m able to fully use my left hand.

My right hand will be much more complicated, involving serious thumb issues.  Fall travel plans will delay that surgery until probably late October.

But I’m still out here!  Hope you’re all doing creative things and enjoying good weather.

The beautiful flower about which I posted 4/20 has finally been identified!  Our dear friend Ann Marsh researched and found this information:  Leucojum aestivum or Snowflake, is an heirloom bulb found in old Southern gardens.  Just google “snowflake heirloom bulbs” to learn more.

Snowflakes are very similar to Snowdrops, but Snowdrop petals are different and lack the distinctive tiny green dots.  Their botanical name is: galanthus nivalus.

Thank you Ann,  I definitely plan to plant Snowflakes this fall!

Photo credit:  Bill Guerrant

This beautiful array of orchids greeted me yesterday when I walked into Bloom, a very cool grocery store near us.   DH shops there frequently.  If I go, I am too temped to buy all the “good” but very, very bad stuff.  DH is disciplined enough to enter the store for eggs, milk and bread and leave 10 minutes later……… with eggs, milk and bread!  How do people DO that?

 Speckled lime and maroon orchid

This maroon orchid with white edges reminded me so much of gloxinias my parents grew.

Just before Christmas 2009, I purchased four  ”ice orchids.”  I let my DIL choose one, and kept the rest.  Over the past 18 months, I’ve learned these plants are best left alone.  Their requirements are minimal; good ight, but no direct sun, and three ice cubes every Sunday night.  I read a bit about orchids before feeding them.

When large buds appeared on the maroon orchid, I decided it would benefit from the warmth and humidity of our sunroom.  It did not do well with the sudden temperature change and dropped all its buds.  I was crushed, crushed I tell you.  I was so proud to have kept the plants ALIVE, and was about to be rewarded with blossoms. Then I decided to “take over.”  

The plants moved back into the den where the light is best.  The two above are blooming beautifully.  The third is alive but under supervision.  I think it needs repotting, as it’s leaning in its pot.  I no longer fear growing these exotic beauties, but have much to learn.  If you see “ice orchids” you might consider trying a few yourself.  It is  fun and very rewarding!