Tag: Photography

Posted in Cellpic Sunday

Cellpic Sunday: “Bigleaf” 5/17/26

Posted on by Neal Saye

Photos taken with my always-there and trusty cell phone.

On a recent trip up to Atlanta, Robert and I ventured over to the city’s Westside Park — Atlanta’s largest green space, built on the site of the former Bellwood Quarry, featuring a massive reservoir that serves as an emergency water supply

As we were hiking toward the reservoir, we came upon this tree and its blooms …

What drew my rapt attention were the big leaves and the flowers that looked so much like our Southern Magnolia.

So I asked my friend iNaturalist for help:

Largest simple leaf and single flower of any native plant in North America!

What a fitting name for the lovely tree!

JohnBo’s Cellpic Sunday: https://photobyjohnbo.com/2026/03/15/cellpic-sunday-the-artist/

Posted in My Saturday Evening Post

My Saturday Evening Post: 5/9/26 “Oakleaf Hydrangea or Big Paperwhite?”

Posted on by Neal Saye
The Oakleaf Hydrangea across the street from Robert’s and my Airbnb in Atlanta recently.

Do you have certain plants that for whatever reason are special to you? Maybe it’s their beauty or uniqueness or the nostalgia they evoke.

I do. And one for me is the Oakleaf Hydrangea. Are you familiar with it?

I first saw it quite a few years ago in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. But I called it by the wrong name for years. I just made up a name and started calling it Big Paperwhite. (Similar to Adam and Eve naming the various animals in the Garden of Eden, I imagine.)

It wasn’t until about a year ago that I finally had sense enough to use my iNaturalist app to identify the plant.

Lo and behold, iNaturalist corrected me and informed my that my attractive plant is the Oakleaf Hydrangea.

I was glad to have the right name but a little disappointed that I had to start calling him by the new, well correct, name.

And yes, the leaves do look like a bit like oak leaves, I must admit.

But don’t you think the individual little flowers look a tiny bit like the Paperwhite Narcissus?

Oakleaf even comes in different colors …

whiteflowerfarm.com 

So now you (AND I!) I know.

But just between you and me, I still occasionally call him “Big Paperwhite,” for old-time’s sake.

And that’s My Saturday Evening Post.

Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 5/8/26

Posted on by Neal Saye

My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.

1. Robert and summer flowers.

2. The ability to make plans.

3. Enjoying the yummy hotdogs at Atlanta’s iconic Varsity.

4. My new little thrown-together “side garden” in the alley beside our old place.

5. Robert’s incredible Chicken with Herb de Provence the other night.

It smelled great and tasted even better!

May you have a great-tasting weekend ahead.

Posted in Thursday Doors

Thursday Doors: “Sabbath Doors” 5/7/26

Posted on by Neal Saye

Last week Robert and I spent a few days up in Atlanta and stayed at an Airbnb in a lovely old house facing our favorite park in the city, Piedmont Park.

I was fascinated by the beautiful refrigerator.

It is a Haier brand frig, and fascinating (at least to me), it has modes for sabbath observation for Jewish guests!

“During the Sabbath or Shabbat, and religious holidays in Judaism, there may be restrictions on certain activities that can extend to the use of appliances. Restrictions may include turning appliances on or off, using control panels or activating lights and sounds. 

Sabbath Mode enables the operation of household appliances in compliance with certain Jewish laws. When appliances are put into Sabbath Mode, certain features may be modified or disabled to accommodate these religious practices.” whirlpool.com

What Sabbath Mode Disables

  • Interior Lights: Doors can be opened without turning on lights.
  • Ice/Water Dispenser: Deactivates the dispenser.
  • Temperature Displays: Turns off digital panels.
  • Alarms/Sounds: Disables door-open alarms.

What interesting doors.

Thursday Doors