beautiful details

the grass is pretty green here

We talk a lot about whether we're going to move out of the city or not.  One of the issues that always comes up is the potential to have a little more green space.

But, sometimes I think we forget that we have 265 acres of green space within walking distance of our house.  Bonus: we don't have to mow it...

This morning we had a little adventure to the arboretum: 

spotted a huge hawk

up close with a paperbark maple

I've read that it's hard to meter a lot of green.  It's true.  I had trouble with this shot. The pond is covered with a thin layer of algae and entirely green.  Kids thought it was cool though.

after the rain

getaway

We went away last night without the kids for the first time in way too long.  We stayed at the fabulous Hotel Veritas in Harvard Square.  It was the perfect place for a brief but fun "staycation".  A certain someone might have told me that my camera was off limits during our getaway....  But I couldn't resist quickly shooting these orchids - my favorite flower!

garden happenings

pea blossom

mountain laurel

in 2 weeks time

I told you this was going to be something good.....

Before:

After:

poppy
ISO 100, f/2.5, 1/640, 50mm

ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/125, 50mm

raindrops on roses...

OK it's not a rose, but it still looks really cool with rain all over it's petals. 

And this bud is going to be something good... I will keep an eye on this guy.

better than your birthday

Mother's Day.  The only day of the year I get to say no to chores & childcare.  No to diaper changes and no to tantrums and no to just about everything I don't want to deal with.  I felt pretty darn special today thanks to my husband.

We hit the Lilac festival at the Arnold Arboretum this morning.  It's easy to take great photos when the flowers are all so beautiful.  Oh yea, and it was pretty overcast so the light was perfect :)

attempt at some backlight bokeh

And here's a photo flash from the past.  Me & my mom.  Happy Mother's Day to her! Thanks for everything you do :)

city in bloom

Offices downtown spare no expense when it comes to landscaping their outdoor space.  Directly outside my building is a park that is overflowing with signs of spring:

And this, my friends, is what we call the rat race....

South Station at 5pm