“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost
Showing posts with label swans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swans. Show all posts

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Snow Moon


I'm behind a bit, the Full Moon Of February actually occurred on the second day of the month, alright... so I missed that. We are now in the phase called the Waning Gibbous, 82% of a Full Moon. Another blogger gave me the idea about the moon the other day, however it had been on my mind for a few weeks because of a cookbook, I'll explain a bit later.  First you probably want to know more about the February Moon.....




"Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult."           ~~~~ from The Farmer's Almanac


Therefore, this month, we have the lovely Snow Moon.  The moon is shining so bright these nights and reflecting off the snow, that we thought the neighbors had left a spotlight on outside.  Of course it was the beautiful Snow Moon instead.  I actually took these photos a few months ago, the clouds were illuminated by the reflecting light and made for some interesting images.




Now let me explain about why a cookbook has me thinking about the moon.  Well it is the illustration of course. As you look at the photo below you will see that the words "Cake Secrets" are encircled by a full moon.  That is what attracted me to the cookbook from the beginning, the gorgeous artwork on the front. The lovely swans on a moonlit lake with the dark blue background is just beautiful.


The photo below is of a cookbook from 1925, called "Cake Secrets".  Few of you have probably heard the name Igleheart in association with cake flour, but what about Swans Down? The Igleheart Brothers sold the company long ago, but Swans Down Cake Flour is still around today.




Cake Secrets Recipe Booklet from Igleheart Brothers which became know as Swans Down Cake Flour. Published in 1925 by Ingleheart Brothers of Evansville, IN.  This book sold a few weeks ago. If I ever come across another I will snatch it up!

















I digitally cleaned up the image from the cookbook, removed the lettering and turned it into the lovely image above. Unfortunately the original artists name was not mentioned. 

Who knew that a cookbook could be so lovely?  I must say that so far this is the prettiest cookbook I've ever come across.  Everyday I find something beautiful to enjoy, whether it be a little cookbook, a fluffy cat or a blue sky.  I hope you find something enjoyable in your day too.

~~~ Diane ~~~



Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Unusual Visitors of the Feathered Kind

We had a beautiful pair of unusual waterfowl on our lake late yesterday. 
When I spotted these lovely swans, I started taking a few pictures.  
I knew they probably wouldn't be around for long.

After I took my pictures and had a good look at them, I found our 
bird book and decided they were Trumpeter Swans.



 


 A Few Bird Facts....

The largest of North American waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan is resident throughout much of its range, but migratory in other parts. Its was reduced to near extinction by the early 20th century, but it is relatively common today.  Trumpeter Swans where hunted for their feathers and quills (for quill pens).  They live around twenty years and usually mate for life. For more interesting facts you can check out this link at All About Birds.






 The geese really didn't know what to think of this, they usually 
are the largest bird on our little lake.










They swam around a bit and nibbled on some shoreline plants, took a 
little nap and just leisurely drifted around our little lake for a couple of hours. 
I hoped they would decide to stay, but this morning they were gone.  
                                  It was wonderful for them to stop in for a visit though!
.