Oleaginous (Part 3)

My 1997 Nissan died for the last time early in January 2015. It was my first car and I rode it for thirteen years.  The 230,000 miles were a testament to its toughness. One persistent problem was the oil leak and as annoying as it was I couldn't help but turn it into art. 

Feeding Time

On a visit to St. Petersburg, Florida I made a stop at one of my favorite places: The Sea Bird Sanctuary. I found my favorite bird, the Red-Tailed Hawk, but to my surprise we caught her right at feeding time.

Between her talons and beak she made short work of the rat while two of the sanctuary's free roaming Vultures waited by the back of her enclosure; tantalizingly close to the scraps.

To view additional photographs from a previous trip to The Sea Bird Sanctuary please click the following link: http://currentsandcolor.blogspot.com/2011/08/sea-bird-sanctuary.html

Succulents

My best friend has a little collection of succulent plants on her patio table. I was over letting her dogs out early one morning and the colors were just beautiful. 

I could see little gems of dew tucked neatly among the cradling arms of the plant.

Protected by red, spike tipped leafs the glittering beads are safe until the sunrise.

Bearded Dragons

A while ago I went to a pet store with my boyfriend just to look around. I would consider myself a cat/dog person. I have a hard time with birds, fish, and rodents. It's not that I don't appreciate them, I just find it to be a lot of work to maintain an animal that requires any type of enclosure. 

So when we went to the pet shop I was surprised that I was so intrigued by the Bearded Dragons. They are medium sized lizards that are found in desert climates. They have a good reputation for being docile and easy to care for. I remember a friend of my had one a few years back. She let me hold him and he snuggled right up in the warm nook between my neck and shoulder. 

These particular Bearded Dragons from the pet store seemed very inquisitive. They were just as interested in me and I was in them; following my every movement as I tried to get the best photos. Their skin was a lovely textured mosaic of swirling, earthy patterns. I found them surprisingly sweet and intelligent.