A dazzling dahlia

On a recent day off from work, I was at my
"backyard" botanic garden at 8 a.m.—and had the place
 almost entirely to myself (which was my plan).
Took my time playing around with the hard-to-focus
(but lots of fun) macro lens that fits on my iPhone.
This dahlia was so ready for its close-up!

[Am linking back to Monday Mellow Yellows,
Mandarin Orange Monday, Macro Monday.]

Shadow Shot Sunday

Someone got a little jump on the season—
this is the first pumpkin I spotted in
the neighborhood (a week ago).  Nice carving
job; unfortunately, this jack-o'-lantern
might look a little sad by Halloween.

[To see more Sunday shadows, go here.]

The Weekend in Black and White

On Monday, I showed you another bride
(at her wedding).  That same day I also saw 
this bevy of beautiful brides.  A few of them seem 
to be looking for something—a groom perhaps?

[To see more monochromes, visit Dragonstar's meme.]

WTC Tryptich

I was downtown a few days ago and caught
these images of the new World Trade Center building
reflected in the façade of the Milennium Hotel and
twice in one of the other new buildings that will make
up the WTC complex—4 WTC, which is scheduled to
open next month.  (Two dancers from the NYC Ballet
did a short but very special performance on its roof at
sunrise on 9/12.  Check it out here; it's absolutely beautiful.)

[To see more Weekend Reflections, visit James's meme.
And Orange You Glad It's Friday? I am.]

Thursday Challenge—"beverages"

Here in the States, a group of college students
would probably order a pitcher of beer
(or at this time of day—noon-ish—maybe a
round of Cokes).  But in Venice, they go for what
seems to be the official drink of the city (and
my fave), uno spritz: Prosecco, seltzer, and Aperol
(with a couple of big green olives for sustenance).

[To see more of the Thursday Photo Challenge, go here.]

ABC Wednesday—K is for "kite"

I didn't get to spend nearly enough time
on the beach as I wanted to this summer, but
this takes me right there.  BTW, in my
entire life I don't think I've ever managed
to get a kite up and actually keep it aloft—so
bravo to the kids who got this one to fly so high.

[To see more ABC shots, go here.]

Hard to miss

This looks like a hibiscus, which I always
thought of as a tropical flower—but I found this
big, bright red bloom right here in Brooklyn.

[Linking back to Ruby Tuesday and
Nature Footstep/Blo-Ma.]