Tag: Plants

Pomegranates and Prickly Pears

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We spent another Sunday among pomegranates and prickly pears in Majjistral Nature Park. This time I had brought gloves so I could pick some of the prickly fruits. They taste pretty good, not too sweet.

The pomegranate kernels are not sweet at all but taste good mixed with yogurt and some honey.I found a small nest full of life……and a butterfly. There were plenty of them but I only managed to capture this one.Fanny was with us, as always. Here she rests after running around in the amazing surroundings of the park.And here she waits patiently between the rocks as we make our way up the last hill on the way up to the plateau where we have parked our car. The weather was fine, 25 degrees and another day of life is gone.

20 October 2019 Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park

Autumn Feeling

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Last Sunday we went to Il-Majjistral Nature Park here in Malta. We haven’t been here since last spring and it is always exciting to see how our nature changes, depending on the seasons. Now autumn is here.This is nothing to be found in the spring.

These thistles have completely changed colors. Once purple, now turned into soft autumn colors.Our nature is absolutely amazing! This picture speaks for itself. As always, Fanny was with us. She loves to run freely in the large nature park with all steep slopes. She has seen wild rabbits here, now sniffing and looking for them. Luckily she never catches any, they are too fast.

Sunshine’s Macro Monday.

Thursday’s pictures..

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The main thing these pictures have in common… …is that they are surrounded by the greenery of nature.

“In nature, light creates the color. In the picture, color creates the light”
– Hans Hofmann –

The True Reality

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“There are some four million different kind of animals and plants in the world.
Four million different solutions to the problems of staying alive” – Sir David Attenborough –“Let us develop respect for all living thing. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love” – Jane Goodall –“Ever since we arrived on this planet as a species, we’ve cut them down, dug them up, burnt them and poisoned them. Today we’re doing so on a greater scale than ever.”
– Sir David Attenborough –

“If we [humans] disappeared overnight, the world would probably be better off.”
– Sir David Attenborough –Most of these photographs are archive images from my travels on Borneo while some are taken here in Malta.

Trees around a lake in Sarawak, Borneo.

Trees on Tuesdays

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One of the few old trees still left in Malta. Too many trees are cut down to build wider roads.

Tree trunks and a bit of imagination can create different kinds of figures.“The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.”
― Frank Lloyd Wright –

Susan’s Photo Challenge Trees on Tuesdays

Roses

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“My life is part humor, part roses, part thorns.”
– Bret Michaels –“A rose dreams of enjoying the company of bees, but none appears. The sun asks: Aren’t you tired of waiting? Yes, answers the rose, ‘but if I close my petals, I will wither and die.”
– Paulo Coelho –

Susan’s Flowers on Fridays # 7. 
Cee’s Photo Challenge

Today’s plant – Flower of the Day

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This may not be a flower.

But it’s a kind of plant and since all flowers are plants……this tiny plant is my flower of the day.
I don’t know what kind of plant this is but there are plenty of them now in Ta Qali Park.

“In all things of Nature there is something of the marvelous”
– Aristotle –
Susan’s Flowers on Fridays # 4. 
Cee’s Photo Challenge

Which Way…

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Nerja, Andalusia, Spain.
The foot bridge in Tigne, Sliema from where you can watch the view of Malta’s capital Valletta on the other side.
Harmony Bridge in Kuching, Sarawak.
Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park in Il-Mellieħa late afternoon.

This is my entry for this week’s Which Way Photo Challenge

Bee, Yellow, Blue & Jump to Pink…

Published on by Anita25 Comments

The mimosa flowers shines like small suns.A grasshopper rests on a blade of grass……while a bee searches for nectar among some flowers.Spring is here after a winter that has been too long and too cold.

Another weekend is waiting, on Monday I fly to Spain. It feels like it’s time to move on…

Spring is in the air…

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Back home and back to my usual routines here in Malta.

Last Saturday we spent the whole day in Majjistral National Park.It’s not often that I see mushrooms growing here in Malta, but here is one.

Snart blommar Mimosan / Soon the mimosa blooms.

The nature, the plants, everything are so different from what you find in the rainforest in Sarawak, Borneo. Very soon the mimosa blooms as seen in one of the image above. The very best about coming home is to be close to Fanny again. Away is good but home is best.

Some Fun Growths & Fanny

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There is a lot of growth to be found in nature now here in Malta.

Here are some of more or less funny plants that I saw last weekend when we visited Il-Bajja tal-Ġnejna. Another exciting nature park we never visited before. But thanks to Fanny we still find new places to explore.I’ve never seen anything like this. Looks edible! Wonder how this one will look when growth ends.A cool growth hairstyle.For me, the most precious growth, when Fanny became part of our family.

Tuesday Photo Challenge – Growth

The importance of Insects

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Insects, flowers and pollen. A fantastic combination for reproduction, created by nature.“If we were to wipe out insects alone on this planet, the rest of life and humanity with it would mostly disappear from land. Within a few months”
-E.O. Wilson-

Summer shades…

Published on by Anita25 Comments

It’s very dry now here on the island.These are seen on many dry plants right now, I’ve no idea why.A glimpse of Selmun church is seen in the background.Fortunately, there are some plants that survive the heat.On a Sunday in mid July, most people here in Malta choose to have fun on the beach, 30 degrees or swim in the sea, 26 degrees. I think I’ll do the same. Wish You a great Sunday, wherever You are on this planet. Splash!!! 

Happy Midsummer!

Published on by Anita38 Comments

In the midsummer’s eve, according to Swedish tradition, seven kinds of flowers should be picked and put under the pillow. If you like to know how to celebrate midsummer in Sweden Click here. Two very special flowers from a very special blog friend.
Thank you BP, they are still in my kitchen after four years.“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

Seventh Heaven On the 7th Floor

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It was on our roof terrace I took my first macro images.A few years ago we bought seeds in an attempt to grow rhubarb. But it didn’t succeed.

Spiders! Click on an image to enlarge.

It’s early in the spring and my dear man is cleaning while I take a selfie in the window of our office.

I’m not sure how many different kinds of flowers we have had but these are some of them.

One of my husband’s many fun experiments. Can you really fry an egg in the sun? Obviously!!Our terrace as it once looked and below, what it looks like right now. Yes, added some color. Our office, my dear husbands atelier and our dining room that we use every summer are gone after twelve years. Of our flowers and plants there are only a very few left and so are the butterflies and other insects. Looking at the stars in the sky and the moon that shine but this is not my Seventh heaven anymore. Fanny, Yeah, come on!!! Rock ‘n’ roll!!!

All images in this post have I taken on our roof terrace over the years gone by…
…apart from the last one.

Walpurgis Night

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Walpurgis Night is the last day of April and a traditional non-religious holiday in Sweden. Especially in the City of Uppsala where there are huge student gatherings to celebrate the arrival of the spring.

The Mediterranean around Malta has crystal clear water. It is now 18 degrees. within a couple of months 28 degrees.
Walking on water.
Sailboats on the Mediterranean Sea.
From the plateau in Majjistral park
Some prefer to take a jeep to the edge of the steep cliffs while others prefer to walk.

Here in Malta April 30th is an ordinary day and my images have no connection with Walpurgis Night, or Valborgsmässoafton, as this evening is called in Swedish.

But I like to wish you all a wonderful evening wherever you are on this planet, no matter if you celebrate or not. Remember, even a small fly is part of our nature. Take care out there and enjoy every moment!!

Poppies

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Poppies, or Vallmo as we say in Swedish, are one of the most beautiful wild flowers I know and very common during spring here in Malta. Looks like this one is dancing, despite some lost petals.I always think about Princess Cakes when I see the pistil of these flowers.Stamens and pistils along with amazing colors create a beautiful flower. Nature is a wonderful world.

Future

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This week, Frank invites us to share one or more photos that makes us think about the future.Yesterday, we were hiking for three hours in the Majjistral National Park where nature is stunning. The sea, the huge rocks in different shapes, all wild flowers and the swirling footpaths gives a feeling of being truly in the middle of nature. That we totally went lost is another story…Nature is both delicate and strong. As long as we let nature take care of itself, it will also survive…

One of many threats to the future of our nature is plastic. In the deep oceans, as well as on land.What every generation teaches to the next……will be the result of our future. And I strongly believe in the future.Photo Challenge by Frank / Dutch Goes the Photo’s / Theme: Future

The joy of insects

Published on by Anita54 Comments

Is it really possible to feel joy when watching small insects while most people try to wave them away.Yes, if you have a camera and if you are really eager to learn more about macro shooting and the amazing world that you can explore through your camera. Just wish I started to learn this earlier in my life.Maybe too close, but I really had fun!!
In my next life I´ll be a photographer specialized in macro, a botanist and entomologist.
Until then, I continue to practice, learn and have fun…

WPC – I’d Rather Be…

Published on by Anita25 Comments

Where would I rather be, I asked myself when I was sitting in front of my computer and worked last Friday. I decided to take a day off and went to Majjistral National Park a second time to explore and enjoy the nature. Just me, Fanny and my camera. I’d Rather Be out there than sitting on my office chair.

In the park you´ll find wild flowers and different plants everywhere. Most of them are quite small so you have to look for them. Now I also got the chance to try my new macro lens but sadly, it was very windy and for some reason, my M mode setting doesn’t work anymore. But it was a lovely day, where I´d rather be…

Click on an images to enlarge.

WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge  / I’d Rather Be…

Beautiful view

Majjistral Nature Park – Malta

Published on by Anita54 Comments

Yesterday we went to Majjistral Nature/History Park, the only natural park in Malta that includes coastal cliffs and a rich ecological and rural heritage. Thanks to Fanny, we discover new amazing places here on the island.Mimosa blossoms.It was a lovely day with blue sky and a temperature of 20 degrees. My dear husband and my lovely dog, always by my side, waiting patiently while I’m constantly taking new pictures.

Maltese Pyramical Orchid
Maltese Pyramical Orchid.

There are around 430 different species of plants in the park and during spring, the best time to visit the park. I saw hundreds of flower and different plants. These, I believe, are Maltese Pyramical Orchids. Guess if I was a bit sad that my macro lens is broken. But not too bad, now I have a reason to buy a new one!!

Historical buildings are seen almost everywhere on this island.
Almost dried out but with some greenery kept on top and around..
Lovely color!
Not alive but still nice as nature’s own decoration.
Greenary, November is not a bad month :-)
Fanny exploring the environment.
Like sunshine, there is always a little sun in my heart. Tralala … !!
Looks soft but are they..?
Beautiful autumn flowers!

Why Malta – This is my Malta part 2

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Yesterday we went to Saint Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, also known as the Red Tower, located half an hour’s drive from home. Not because of the tower itself but for the surroundings, the nature and the view.Fanny really enjoys to explore new areas and there’s a lot left for her to discover on this island.On  Saturday when we visited a park close to Floriana nearby Valletta. Fanny is kept on a lead all the time while I try to teach her to walk without pulling all the time, not as easy as it sounds. A stone is a stone, but some stones can even smile. Or did we meet a magical being 😉

Click on an image in the gallery to enlarge. To each image there is a short text.

Tuesday’s thoughts

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At the moment, I feel quite ambivalent and don´t know what to photograph or why I photograph what I actually photograph. Macro, people, architecture, flowers, my everyday life here in Malta. There´s so much I want to share, but sometimes my posts may looks a bit incoherent. That’s life! Hope you enjoy this anyway.

Cactus fruit and fruit on a palm tree. Edible and non-edible.Fisherman in Spinola Bay, San Giljan.

Fishingboat and a church. Click on an image to enlarge.Tourists, I’m sure they are on holiday here on this beautiful island. Or maby not…I enjoy taking photographs of others who taking pictures. Don’t ask me why.Typical Maltese balcony and a beautiful bougainvillea.

Varför skriver jag på engelska kan man undra när de allra flesta kommentarer jag får är från mina svenska följare. Dels behöver jag träna, trots att jag bott på Malta i många år så hakar sig min engelska en hel del. Rätta mig gärna vid påtagliga fel! 😐 Har också fått många nya följare från andra länder runt om i världen tack vare att min blogg blev uppmärksammad av WordPress i “Läsaren” under “Upptäck”. Helt fantastiskt och så roligt! Ja, ni som har WordPress vet vad jag menar medan ni andra får tänka till 😉

Weekly Photo Challenge – Waiting

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Photographing insects with macro often means waiting for the perfect moment.
Click on a circle to enlarge if you like to see the whole image.Most waves them away while I chase them with my camera, waiting…Worth waiting for.

Weekly Photo Challenge / Waiting

Mediterranean Snails

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In the distance, it looks like small white flowers growing on the dry branches. But, if you look closely, you’ll notice that there are small shells, it’s the Mediterranean snail.I saw thousands of them! I just don’t understand why they are attracted to the dry plants. I read it’s a well-known agricultural pest in many parts of the world and that they are edible. Interesting and very special.

ValpNytt och lite annat

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Vår valp är den undre på bild ett och längst till höger på bild två. Innan vi kan ta den till Malta måste hon vara femton veckor gammal, vaccinerad, chipad och få Eu-pass. Det betyder att vi inte kan hämta vår fyrfota familjemedlem förrän i slutet av oktober. Känns som en evighet men är något stort att se fram emot.

Har aldrig haft hund så det finns mycket att förbereda och framför allt, att LÄRA. Att en valp behöver mycket träning har jag förstått och att det måste skapas ett ömsesidigt förtroende för att vår nya familjemedlem ska trivas i sitt nya hem. Att resa får vi lägga på hyllan för en ganska så lång tid framöver, men det är det värt. Här syns våra chiliväxter som ser precis likadana ut idag som när vi planterade dem för drygt en månad sen. Färgstarka och fina.

Vår blommor växer och frodas och jag duschar dem varje dag för regnat har det inte gjort på flera månader nu. I september kommer de första dropparna efter sommarens långa hetta. Nästan så man längtar…Nej, två månader kommer säkerligen liksom sommaren att gå i en rasande fart, vi är ju redan i slutet av augusti. Två månader kvar tills vi åker till Sverige för att hämta vår valp, sen blir tillvaron här hemma en annan 🙂

Sista bilden har inget med texten att göra men fick hänga med ändå. Fören på en typisk liten båt här på Malta. Det stilla vattnet kan ju på sätt och vis representera “lugnet före stormen”. Haha..vem vet vad som väntar 😉

Ränderna går aldrig ur (141/365)

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Tror det är ett Honungsbi tillhörande en art som troligtvis utvecklades i Medelhavsområdet för nära en miljon år sedan. Ränderna går aldrig ur denna enträgna lilla insekt som återigen ivrigt kalasar bland våra växter.