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| I decided the paw prints should stay. 😊 Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach, Oregon. One of my favorite snaps from a recent visit. |
I wander through blogs like a
garden in spring,
Stopping to ponder each post that
they bring.
A tale of a tulip, a memory
shared,
A chuckle, a sorrow, a moment laid
bare.
With coffee in hand and a curious
mind,
I follow the trails that others
designed.
Sometimes a poem, sometimes a
prose,
Sometimes just watching a bluebell
close.
I pen a reply with humor or grace,
Trying to brighten a faraway
place.
A note in return, a ripple of
cheer—
Proof that a blogger has truly
been here.
For blogging’s not merely words on
a screen,
It’s building a bond in the spaces
between.
We write, we reflect, we visit, we roam—
And somehow this circle feels warmly like home.
New Books
Clouds
 |
| Clouds ... How to Identify Natures Most Fleeting Forms by Edward Graham I discovered this book thanks to an excellent review by blogging friend David on his blog Travels With Birds The beauty of this book is in the art of the illustrations. |
Sharp
 |
| I subscribe to a health newsletter published by the Mayo Clinic Press. This book was mentioned in the newsletter and I decided to add it to my Kindle. This is truly an interesting book by Therese Huston, Ph. D (I snapped a picture of the Kindle for the photo above.) |
Stamps
 |
| USPS Birds and Flowers for all 50 States Stamps issued 1981 - 20¢ |
Fleetwood was a company, later known as Unicover, that
specialized in creating and distributing stamp-related collectibles,
particularly first day covers. The story of the stamps above begins in 1978,
when Fleetwood hired father-son wildlife artists Arthur and Alan Singer to
create 50 original paintings of state birds and flowers. When U.S. Postal
Service officials saw the high-quality paintings, they immediately decided to
issue 50 stamps, one for each State, showcasing the father-son team’s
watercolor paintings. Arthur created the birds, while son Alan painted the
flowers. Each stamp is unique – making it the first series of its size to
feature original artwork for each different stamp. At the time of their issue,
these stamps were the most popular in U.S. Postal history.
 |
| Enlargment to show detail. For Washington State, our flower is the Rhododendron and our bird is the American Goldfinch |
In a previous post I mentioned my stamp collection and got a lot of postive comments. So, as we go forward, I'll be sharing more of it.
 |
| USPS 1996 Souvenir Sheet Endangered Species |
Collectors enjoy these “Souvenir Sheets” published by the Post
Office. Souvenir sheets are essentially small sheets of postage stamps, often
commemorative, designed for collecting or display rather than for postal use.
They usually have a wide margin and an inscription or design commemorating an
event. There isn't a strict definition, and they can be single stamps, small
sets, or even larger sheets, as long as they are smaller than a standard sheet
of stamps. The one you see here celebrates Endangered Species. The stamps were
issued in 1995 and had a value of 32¢.
 |
| Enlargement to show detail. Top left: Brown Pelican Top right: California Condor Bottom right: Woodland Caribou Bottom left: San Francisco Garter Snake |
 |
| See lots more critters at Saturday's Critters |
Ships
 |
| Imagine my surprise when I spotted this ship. I always like to get a shot of Coast Guard vessels. Wow, zooming in, I noticed it is Vietnam Coast Guard. What are they doing in Puget Sound? 😊 |
 |
| The National Geographic Venture At anchor, April 22, near the Marina, in this photo. |
 |
| In another capture ... I didn't notice until looking at the image on the computer ... someone out in a kayak. It's fairly unusual to see this out on the Sound. |
 |
| Holland America's Koningsdam arrives early morning April 23rd. The cruise ship season is underway. |
 |
| My first
time to see the Hapag Lloyd MS Europa 2. MS Europa 2 April 23rd |
 |
| Washington State Ferry on its run between Seattle and Bainbridge Island. In the background ... West Seattle and in the distance Vashon Island and Colvos Passage |
 |
| Click to see the large view what I hope to show you ... a tug pulling a barge of containers ... probably from Alaska. Notice the distance between the tug and barge. Mariners beware of the tow cable! 😂 |
 |
| Looking out over the sailboats in the Marina, a bulk carrier at anchor, and in the distance, a Matson container ship. In the far distance, the Olympic Mountains. |
 |
| Early morning departure of MSC container ship on May 2nd. Note the small load of containers ... probably due to the tariff situation. |
 |
| I always enjoy catching a sailboat. This is an unusually large one. I could not identify a name other than the 15 on the mainsail. |
 |
| Maybe this should go in the SKIES section. Afternoon sunshine on the water creates an interesting look. There are literally hundreds of sailboats in the Marina ... and most of them STAY in the Marina. 😊 |
Skies
 |
| April 13 Full Moon on Puget Sound |
 |
| Just before sunset on a cloudy, somewhat stormy, afternoon. In next image, taken after sunset, note the rain in the far distance, creating an unual sky effect. |
 |
| Unexpectedly captured a chopper too. |
Blooms
Wrapping up this post with some blooms I thought worth sharing ...
 |
| These are tulips along my driveway. I kept watching them as they bloomed this Spring, and couldn't help stopping to snap a photo of them in bright sunlight. So beautiful! |
 |
| OK, I can hear you saying, What's this? 😊 This is my Cottonwood Tree which I planted in June, 2023, as an expiriment to see if I could grow a tree. LOL. I've posted about it two times before. I think it's looking pretty good! Starting a Cottonwood Tree Experiment and More on my Cottonwood Tree |
 |
| I am amazed at my neighbor's Wisteria. He is quite the gardener and has been training the plant to grow along the edge of his deck for years. |
Here is what Wiki says about Wisteria: Wisteria is a woody, deciduous vine in the pea family (Fabaceae) known for its fragrant, pendulous clusters of pea-shaped flowers, typically blue-violet, but also pink or white.
Closing thought ...
 |
| When I first saw this back in 2019 I thought it was pretty accurate. Today it is getting a little bit scary. 😊 |
Thanks for stopping by John's Island!
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What a wonderful post! I love the pictures of everything but especially the ferry and the view of Vashon Island, from reading Betty MacDonald long ago. She's all I knew of the area until I started reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI think you made a good choice with the pawprints, John.
ReplyDelete"Sometimes just watching a bluebell close..."
Love this line!
A Vietnamese coast guard boat. What is that all about? Very strange. I think. It may be completely normal. I have no idea. 🤔
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post, you are sharing a bit of everything. I love the Canon Beach photo! What a great poem, you have a way with words. The Cloud book looks interesting, I am always checking out the clouds in the sky. Awesome collection of stamps, I really love the flower/state bird stamps. The endangered species stamps are wonderful too. Great captures of the ships, the kayak look tiny compared to the NG Venture. The sailboat image is a favorite. Your sky images are all beautiful. I love your neighbors wisteria, what a lovely sight. Cute squirrel, he found a nice spot out of the wind.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a wonderful weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Beautiful photos and stamps ❤️ John. Such a lovely poem 💕 Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful tour.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a fantastic shot. Haystack Rock is so iconic, and those paw prints in the foreground add such a charming touch. It definitely tells a little story. I agree – those paw prints absolutely should stay! It makes the photo even more special, knowing someone (or some creature!) else enjoyed that view.
ReplyDeleteYes, the paw prints should stay. I am a huge lover of dogs, so this is a perfect shot to me!
ReplyDeleteYou have become quite a poet, John. I love this one, but those you have left on my blog will be cherished forever, by me and my readers. I love the pretty stamps especially.
ReplyDelete...over 40 years ago I saw Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon. What a treat. I hope that those in the shipping business in your area will vote to throw the GOP out in the midterms. John, thanks for showing me the sights.
ReplyDeleteThank you, John, for such a rich and varied post.
ReplyDeleteFrom poetry to stamps, ships to skies — every part brought something unique.
I especially loved the tulip photo — full of light and life.
Your eye for detail and your way of sharing it say a lot: you must be a truly multifaceted person. 😊
John, many thanks for a post chock-a-block full of good things to see and read.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased you kept the paw prints in.
Thought the sailboat photograph was lovely.
Your neighbours Wisteria looks amazing.
Keep on enjoying your May days.
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
A lovely post with some beautiful pictures. Loved the blogging poem that you started with. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the poem you started this post with. It makes me stop and think more about things that you say. Great section on ships.
ReplyDeleteWow John, I am totally impressed not only are you a historian, a teacher and a photographer but now we find out you're a poet as well. I loved reading this poem it certainly hits the nail on the head of what blogging is all about. Thank you for sharing and have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteHello John :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since we connected!I found you on Saturday's Critters and so glad I did. Your first photo is truly beautiful, the paw marks add to it's attraction.You have made a varied and interesting post with a little bit of everything. I'm going to start at the bottom and work my way up. I know what a sense of achievement you feel on growing a tree. I feel the same way on saving my Hoya plant and couldn't be more delighted to see new red leaves appearing..The tulips are beautiful, and your neighbour's Wisteria looks so lovely. Once Wisteria is established one can never get rid of it. It thrives with very little attention- My garden is full of this climbing plant. Cute images of the phone and how it has evolved, yes indeed it is accurate. Beautiful Sky shots!
John I'm going to have to finish my comment now as my Grandson has arrived and we are having lunch together. I'll be back though.
Until later.
Sonjia
Dear John !
ReplyDeleteI found this post ultra rich with your inner beauty and strength that is reflecting everything you shared today so beautifully 🥰
First of all heartfelt thanks for accepting my request and writing such a lovely poem 😍
May be you think that it’s not a big deal but believe me it is 🥹
It’s not about how one writes but having such dense treasures of art and talents within that you can write accurately and according to the present situation instantly is something very special my friend 👍🥰
Hats off to your beautiful poem,each line full of beauty,precision and wisdom 👌♥️
I truly believe that such talent must find its way to hearts that seek truth and divinity in rough paths of life 🤗 thank you so much!
The book about clouds formation sounds extraordinary and wonderful. As you know sky watch is my favourite hobby as well and clouds fascinate me more ,like other natural phenomena 😊 I also enjoyed reading David’s review and how amazingly skilled in composition of his thoughts 👍
The collection of stunning stamps published as book also sounds amazing and really pretty 🥰♥️♥️♥️
Paintings of birds in flowers by father and son look breathtaking and awesome ♥️ glad you shared!
The cottonwood tree seems some kind of shrub if I guessed correctly because as far I know trees cannot be grown in pots ? Or you gonna move it to the ground once it’s old enough?
I loved sunset shots as always,second one particularly is very dazzling and vibrant 🤗♥️
This is awesome how you know the name of all the different kinds of ships 😮😍🥰 there is quite a variety of ships that you observe everyday dear John which seems exciting 🤗
Yes phones are getting bigger and human are shrinking sadly 😔
Hope they had fun wonderful trip and we will see some sights from your tour as well 😊
Health,peace and happiness to you and family 🙏
Hi John, I don't comment here regularly but I do enjoy your blog. This one was so nice, gosh I loved the stamps -and- of course, your wonderful poetry. They are kind, clever with a bit of humor--just like you :^)
ReplyDeleteThe stamps are fascinating! Wonder how those endangered animals fared. The ships are a favourite! The containers are fewer for sure. The photo of the full moon over the Sound is a keeper. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYour prowess as a poet is unchallenged, John. You are truly the bard among us and we are delighted to read your verse. The stamps are very interesting. It is a source of great consternation that we continue to push animals to the brink, and then spend huge sums to attempt to avoid the precipice, not always successfully, and as you show here, even to celebrate them on postage stamps. I am glad that you are enjoying the cloud book, and thanks for the shout out. It truly is a great pleasure to count you among my blogging friends. My daughter will be visiting later this week and we’ll read the poem you left on my blog together. She will enjoy it immensely. All the very best - David
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful mix of observations in this post! From the paw prints to the ships and blooms, it's all so interesting. And the poem beautifully captures the spirit of blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt is always your ocean vistas that grab my attention with a strong hold! It is the bluenoser within me that is the core of my soul. Your Cottonwood Tree is thriving, you must beam with pride when you look at it! Wishing you many more wonderful May Days ahead!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post filled with beauty, nostalgia, and curiosity! From the paw prints at Cannon Beach to stamps, ships, and skies—what a wonderful way to capture life's little joys. Looking forward to seeing more family photos soon!
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos and poems John. I like ships too. Have a nice evening. Greets.
ReplyDeleteI love books about brain :D
ReplyDeleteOh my! The poem is perfect and has meaning for all of us. AND you wrote ME a poem today! I feel so honored and plan to add it to my travel journal. What a good friend you are and so talented. Well, I love that sailboat and the interesting Vietnam coast guard boat. The stamps are very nice and the sky photos. You really outdid yourself on this post my friend! Hugs from Florida, Diane
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, and it was a very nice surprise that you write such clever poetry. I loved my special one. Thank you. I'm glad to see your Cottonwood tree seems happy and healthy. I'm sure my mom would have had a sheet of those bird and flower stamps. She loved collecting these types of stamps. I'll check out that cloud book, as I am quite rusty in cloud identification these days. Take care and have a good rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteAs always i loved my visit to your Island .. the poem is perfect ..it says what I feel so much better than i ever could, the way a good poet can do. thank you for sharing. The State flower/bird stamps are great id put that collectible version on my wall for sure. Your Sound walks are always wonderful ...i had a great time !
ReplyDeleteYour poem is terrific and describes my enjoyment of blog reading and commenting so well. I do think of my blog friends as "pen pals" from all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThat illustration of the cell phone shows exactly my worry about my cell phone. I'm spending more and more time on my cell phone and I don't always like that but I keep doing it anyway.
Not only blogger, but poet, too - and a good one! I really enjoyed reading your poem, it does reflect the joys of being a blogger and visiting other bloggers. The stamps are interesting - when I look at the endangered species ones and see that the Brown Pelican is mentioned I am glad to "report" that we saw hundreds of Brown Pelicans on Mother's Day. They seem to be in healthy numbers around here, at least I hope so. The Cloud book is on my wishlist; I read about it on David's blog as well and thought that it sounds very interesting. Now I see it here as well, I guess that the confirmation that I shoud get it as well. I do remember the start of your Cottonwood experiment and I'm happy to see that it looks very healthy and well.
ReplyDeleteDear John hope you won’t mind if despite the comments are off I am leaving this comment here for latest post 😊
ReplyDeleteYour short poem on 2525 is witty and enjoyable 👍
You have very talented and creative mind which perceives idea instantly and it’s rare quality 🥰
I liked your recent post about Memorial Day as well!
The postcard is excellent and pretty !
Blessings to you and yours!