Birthing Frenzy

This really has to be viewed large. You won't be disappointed!

First, to refer back to yesterday's Deep in the Forest, a few of you liked it a lot (thank you so much for the hearts), but a few weren't so sure, and I can understand that. I wasn't too sure myself, but I thought I'd post the heavily processed version anyway. I've put up a link to the original image for anyone who might be interested to see how it started out. The light wasn't great and the shutter speed only 1/40th so it wasn't terribly sharp - compounded by the fact that it's difficult to hold the camera steady when you stop in the middle of what amounted to a fartlek session!

It seems that quite a number of people could relate to the absentee train, but I really should note that the service is generally very good. I know exactly how long it takes me to walk to the station, so 90 to 95% of the time the train turns up just as I arrive on the platform. I can understand that there are occasional problems. That would be fine if they could simply communicate. How hard can it be in this age of information?

Once more I've been stuck in the office all day and have only had time to escape for a few minutes. This shot was taken on a patch of waste ground near where I work, next to the railway line. I think it shows rather beautifully why there is so much Rosebay Willowherb about. When you get up close you can see how it has evolved to be the most perfect and efficient replicating machine. It is also incredibly beautiful.

Every aspect to this wildflower is exquisite, from the flowers to the seed capsules to the leaves. As the summer closes the seed capsules open and unfurl in the most elegant curls to release thousands upon thousands of little fluffers, each a little embryonic flower, ready to be caught by the wind and get carried away either near or far. Once the seeds are released the plant withers but the leaves turn the most glorious of colours. In this one stand of flowers I could see a plant at each stage of the process. I was quite mesmerised for a few precious minutes, able to take in the whole astonishing reproductive process and actually watch it at work as the breeze kept carrying the seeds away while I was trying to photograph them. I was kind of left agape - an old fashioned word but I don't think there is a better one!