tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62800001910238572772012-02-03T09:18:59.336+02:00Photography about landscapes, flowers, animals, people and life.maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.comBlogger2651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-29754021878883146192011-12-25T13:13:00.007+02:002012-01-02T19:09:38.036+02:00

It's Christmas, it's ChristmasEach merry bell chimesA time for rememberingOld friends and old timesA time for warm greetingsOld ties to renewAnd a time for good wishesFor good folks like you!One of the real joys of the Christmas is the opportunity to say "Thank You" and to wish you love, joy and happiness.MERRY CHRISTMAS!

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-58585745899613735962011-12-24T01:14:00.006+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.303+02:00

A present with a golden bow, for you.Today's free Christmas wallpaper is golden on black background."If there is no joyous way to give a festive gift, give love away."Author unknownYou are free to download it for non commercial use.Image use:Click on the image to enlarge, right click and choose save image as to save it to your PC.You may need to resize/crop them for your own needs.Click this link

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-20166831619063024652011-12-23T11:04:00.007+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

A Christmas card with bells, baubles, silk bows and a present for you.This is today's free Christmas card.We had no snow yet in our region though there were heavy snowfalls all over our country.It looks like there is no White Christmas for us this year.I'm dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright And may all

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-706129816421484962011-12-20T11:53:00.007+02:002011-12-23T10:48:44.311+02:00

Three more small png images with transparent background to decorate your blog.Download the images in png format to preserve the transparency of the background. Right click and choose save image as to save it to your PC using an image editor that can handle transparent images.There are a few free editors like InfranView or Paintnet.Christmas bells-200px width Golden gift box-200 x 200pxRed

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-63313397891197452762011-12-16T00:28:00.006+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

Today's free image is a Christmas greeting card.I hope you like it. Feel free to download it for non commercial use.Click on the image to enlarge, right click and choose save image as to save it to your PC.Here is another free Christmas card.You can use these free images as desktop background, webpage background, greeting card or in any of your projects but you can't sell them of claim that they

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-7241439424717409912011-12-14T23:49:00.009+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

Candles are one of the most important Christmas decoration elements.Many different types of candles with different designs, color and scent are popular as centerpieces on the Christmas dinner table, on Christmas wreaths or simply to lighten a dark window sill ay Christmas time.Used in different arrangements, grouped or single candles, they all bring joy and light in our homes and souls with their

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-14993022204015239192011-12-12T22:57:00.012+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

There is no Christmas without Christmas bells; Santa couldn't find his reindeer in the dark without the Christmas bells on the sleigh.So must my free wallpapers have jingle bells too to cheer you up and bring you joy and happiness.Download these free Christmas bell images if you like!Carol of the BellsHark how the bells,sweet silver bells,all seem to say,throw cares awayChristmas is here,bringing

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-55627094038845858312011-12-12T01:47:00.006+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

Waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve with a glass of milk and some cookies. That is what today's free background image is about.It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. - W. T. EllisImage use:You are free to download all these Christmas images for non commercial use.Click on the image to enlarge, right click and choose save image as to save it to your PC.You may need to resize

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-3115449074429650842011-12-11T20:39:00.003+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.304+02:00

A shinny golden gift box and red Christmas bells is the theme of today's free Christmas images.The theme is isolated on different backgrounds for different tastes or situations.Feel free to download the one you like, or all of them. You can download just the bells or the golden box on transparent background (png) to use it on your blog (in small size).Image use:You are free to download all these

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-66800595178314657042011-12-11T03:28:00.009+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.305+02:00

This is the time of year where we all want to give back and share.I'll post a free Christmas photo every day for you. This is my way to say thank you to all my visitors and readers.You are free to download all these images for non commercial use.Click on the image to enlarge, right click and choose save image as to save it to your PC.You may need to resize them for your own needs.You can use

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-21465484088081089972011-12-09T21:36:00.005+02:002012-01-04T01:18:23.305+02:00

6 wallpapers with window frost patterns for you to download.The lacy, delicate texture of frost crystals on the window glass will soon become old days memory, with the new isolated plastic windows.Window frost pictures are lovely background images for the cold season and winter holidays.Download and use them on your website, blog or desktop. Image use:You are free to download all these

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-77293779421146971542011-11-26T04:25:00.007+02:002011-12-06T18:53:02.574+02:00

This is how my pink-magenta orchid looked like when I bought it.These flowers are gone now but a new stalk is emerging. The blooms should open sometimes around Christmas but I doubt that they'll be as pretty as the first flowers.See also some lovely yellow orchids with red speckles.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-10960483460504758582011-11-07T12:48:00.004+02:002011-11-07T13:09:48.154+02:00

Though it's chill in the air, the autumn sun is still quite warm for mid November.Watching the deep blue sky contrasting the silent, rusty fields and gently swirling, golden leaves feels me with peace.See more autumn colors reflected in the lake."There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!"~

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-46668515263487174742011-10-13T10:25:00.004+03:002011-10-13T11:08:47.549+03:00

The famous British rock band Smokie performed at Cluj Arena on October 9, right after the Scorpions' concert, on October 8.On this second night of the inauguration concert series, Smokie delighted over 20,000 people, about the half of the overall capacity of the new Cluj Arena stadium.The rain and cold kept people at home. This time they didn't flock to the stadium like they did a night before,

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-74024105613063036292011-10-09T17:58:00.008+03:002011-10-13T11:06:55.349+03:00

Scorpions delighted their fans with a fantastic concert on October 8 at the inauguration of the Cluj Arena stadium.Over 40,000 fans invaded the new Cluj Arena on Saturday evening, to admire their idols, the legendary German rockers.The concert was part of the mega farewell world tour, the "Get Your Sting And Blackout World Tour", including worldwide concerts.The 90 min. long show opened with the

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-80337908131642231172011-10-02T15:47:00.006+03:002011-10-02T17:42:00.169+03:00

The new Cluj Arena Stadium was officially opened on Saturday 1, free to visit and photograph for everyone.The stadium is ranked as an UEFA Elite stadium and is able to hold 30,201 people (Wikipedia).The City and the Government paid for it 45 million euros plus another 800,000 for exterior equipment. For that money, the new stadium is fairly mentioned as the jewel on the Somesul Mic river

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-86009347644128551812011-09-11T14:23:00.004+03:002011-09-11T14:33:28.372+03:00

I met this sweet Yorkshire Terrier in front of the neighborhood grocery. He is not much longer in size than his master's shoes but still a "big dog in a small package".These toy dogs are very sweet but Yorkies have very different behavior towards strangers.This little Yorkie looked friendly but became very yappy as soon as I pointed my camera at him.That's understandable, many dogs have had a bad

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-13586275959105572822011-09-04T14:43:00.017+03:002011-12-14T15:20:00.973+02:00

This tutorial is about creating a menu on a simple static page, after hiding all widgets.In my previous tutorial we customized a static page, better said, downgraded it to a simple page, by hiding all widgets, including the menu.But what if I still want a menu somewhere on the page, with a few links?This was the question of one of my readers of the previous tutorial and a very good one.On each

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-41267022489720921272011-08-30T19:05:00.019+03:002011-12-28T22:38:44.642+02:00

Hide all widgets on static pages, create a clear, simple page. That is what we expected back than, when static pages first came out. Than again, Blogger's flexibility and permission to design your page as you like it is one of the main features for which so many people prefer this platform.Are you afraid of modifying the template? Don't be, you don't need to edit your template, this time.The

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-39187892039695186152011-08-26T23:42:00.003+03:002011-08-27T00:15:36.280+03:00

Summer is almost over and most of the flowers are burnt by the summer heat. Even dressed in their faded autumn colors, roses are still charming. MACRO FLOWERS SATURDAY | WEEKEND FLOWERS

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-88534240806011252362011-08-18T00:53:00.008+03:002011-12-29T00:39:01.792+02:00

Our beautiful willows are infected by Ganoderma applanatum- bracket fungus.The old weeping willows and white willows on the banks of our river are a symbol of the town. On my last walk I discovered that two of a group of five white willows are infected.While Ganoderma applanatum-shelf fungus is a useful decomposer of logs and stumps but it also lives as a parasite on living trees, causing butt

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-66912596458732009192011-08-04T15:06:00.005+03:002011-08-06T00:41:44.733+03:00

The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is the most widespread, small butterfly across Europe. It is a member of the Lycaenidae family and can be found in Asia and North Africa as well.Its habitat is anywhere, where its food plants are found: a variety of grassland, meadows, woodland clearings but also in waste ground and urban habitats.The female Common blue is usually brown, with a row of

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-40225477143776762212011-07-23T20:05:00.002+03:002012-01-10T17:47:37.714+02:00

I'm following a breeding House Martin pair from the beginning of June. They built their nest in the window opening of my neighbor, at the 4th (the last) floor. I tried several times to take some photos but they are just flying in circles and are afraid to come to the nest when they see me in the window.I decided not to stress them too much but now that the chick are so big that they could fly

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-77427340065537426722011-07-19T23:51:00.004+03:002011-07-20T00:37:13.850+03:00

New watermelon supply is arriving at the street corner.Watermelon street vendors come to us from over 500 km, from the south-east of the country.They have a very harsh life, practically living and sleeping near their watermelons from early summer till early fall.This year they will have a very low profit, if...Supermarkets are loaded with watermelons at a very low price (30 cents/kg), almost for

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-4759607586769391302011-07-11T13:09:00.005+03:002011-07-11T13:34:57.446+03:00

For the first time in Romania, Bon Jovi offered an unforgettable show in downtown Bucharest, on Sunday evening (July 10th 2011).The show started as announced, at 8:00pm, and the song that kicked off the show was "Raise Your Hands," followed by "You Give Love a bad name.""I hope it is hot enough for you," said Jon, promising to rise the nearly 40 degrees of the thermometers even more.Here are a

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-27370502184341617062011-07-10T16:01:00.005+03:002011-07-11T14:38:44.672+03:00

In a few hours, Bon Jovi will perform for the first time in Romania, today, on July 10th 2011.To the requests of Romanian fans the rockers added Romania to the list of destinations of their 2011 European Tour.After a career spanning over three decades, the band is performing live for the first time in Romania, Greece and Turkey.Tens of thousands of fans are waiting for the gates to open at 4:00

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-51752981654608733142011-07-02T11:39:00.008+03:002011-07-02T22:52:30.408+03:00

Thanks to developers and planners making big money, our neighborhood is invaded by an avalanche of new, tasteless buildings.Also, more and more of the old residential buildings with beautiful architecture are getting new owners lately.Either the old owners die out or they can't support any more financially the costs of such a big household.With the new owners come the new make-over and the change

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-25569453817169953742011-06-22T02:50:00.004+03:002011-06-22T03:06:05.175+03:00

Cherries are and always were my favorite fruits but I can never get enough of them. Though cherry trees grow without any problem in our parts, cherries became one of the most expensive fruits, three times the price of bananas, kiwis or other fruits that are brought from other continents. My cousin has two sweet cherry trees in her garden and I was invited to cherry picking today. It was about

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-10016841677039570972011-06-18T18:40:00.009+03:002011-06-18T23:40:34.934+03:00

This beautiful but bad black cat just caught a little bird in the tree.While I was taking some flowers shots I heard a terrible noise cumming from the tree near the garage. A beautiful little bird was shouting as loud as it could on the garage top.I got closer with the intention to take a photo of the bird when I saw this black devil climbing down from the tree, headfirst. With its sophisticated

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-87639064767193057202011-06-15T15:58:00.013+03:002011-06-17T12:50:06.387+03:00

A total lunar eclipse will be observed today, June 15 2011, the longest lunar eclipse of the century and of the last 100 years.The Moon, Earth and Sun will be lined up exactly on the same axis, the Moon and the Sun being in opposite side of the earth.The moon will pass through the center of Earth's shadow producing a total lunar eclipse viewed from the earth and a total sun eclipse on the

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-24010710492859169722011-06-07T09:54:00.006+03:002011-06-07T10:17:32.389+03:00

Sweet mock orange-Philadelphus coronarius is a 2-3m high very hardy, deciduous flowering shrub native to Southern Europe and distributed in many parts of the world.The mock orange shrub is a very popular ornamental plant in gardens and park landscapes in temperate regions, grown for its early summer flower display and highly scented flowers.The creamy white blossoms look somewhat similar to those

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-34948256149520254162011-06-03T00:56:00.009+03:002011-06-03T23:48:36.907+03:00

The roses are beautiful in our little garden, though they don't take well the over 35° C (95° F) summer heat.I've found these big yellow bugs on the roses today, they were much over the size of a bee and they could fly.I've never seen these beetles before and I wonder if they are pests or pollinators.The rose chafer is green but what could this strikingly-colored creature be? Look at those claws!

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-70568714505346733782011-05-29T16:09:00.009+03:002011-05-30T02:18:33.836+03:00

This week, on my visit to the garden center I was surprised to see several, large size trees and bushes, planted in huge containers.One of them is this white tree wisteria, wisteria sinensis alba or Chinese Wisteria.Now, in mid-May these trees are in full bloom here, putting on quite a show with their spectacular cascade of white flower clusters gracefully floating on the breeze.That was more

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-14583757601582445382011-05-21T18:25:00.003+03:002011-05-21T19:00:49.288+03:00

This old quince tree was in full flower a week ago when I took the photos. This is the orchard Quince-Cydonia oblonga, not to be confused with the flowering quince bush.The homeland of the quince is the mountainous region called the Caucasus lying between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.Quince trees are very hardy,deciduous and live for about 30 years. They characteristically grow into twisted

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-43702482680524629072011-05-17T00:14:00.006+03:002011-05-17T17:50:03.733+03:00

This showy yellow shrub rose is a Canary Bird Rose-Rosa xanthina, the earliest flowering rose in our parts.In late spring, early summer, the entire shrub is covered with a mass of delicate, scented, bright yellow flowers.Under the spectacular clusters of flowers, a distinctive, fern-like foliage is visible, on its arching, thorny stems.Because of its size, this shrub rose is not easy to find in

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-24573129687268560872011-05-14T14:13:00.005+03:002011-05-17T19:14:01.844+03:00

Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) are the first to bloom in early May. While herbaceous peonies are just budding at this time, these large flowers are already loosing their petals.Tree peonies or Rock's peonies are deciduous shrub, having spectacular large, often fragrant flowers growing up to 17cm across.The simple or double petals, surrounding bright yellow stamens come in shades of red, pink

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-25131787864672117732011-05-11T00:14:00.004+03:002011-05-11T00:45:04.200+03:00

This bright orange-red, saucer-shaped blossoms is a Flowering Quince flower - Chaenomeles.Flowering quince or Japanese quince is a thorny deciduous shrub from eastern Asia grown and appreciated in parts of Europe and North America for their striking red, white and pink flower on the bare branches in early spring.Though related to our orchard Quince (Cydonia), these ornamental shrubs are grown

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-31078967760040864502011-04-05T13:11:00.004+03:002011-04-05T15:01:26.402+03:00

Sweet Violets (Viola odorata) is blooming along the roadsides.If you are in a hurry, the sweet, unmistakable perfume will sure make you stop and admire these common but very beautiful, deep purple flowers."Sweet Violet, sweeter than all the rose", as the lyric says.Spending some time among these spring beauties, while taking photos, you'll forget about most of your worries and even get

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-50510562125035410182011-03-18T23:32:00.002+02:002012-01-04T13:42:42.461+02:00

Move your archive to its own, dedicated page!Why should you do that?Well, an archive is an important element of any blog or web page, offering visitors the possibility to browse through all your activity. As important as it is, placed in the sidebar of Blogger blogs, the archive widget can also harm your blog after a time, when you have published a great number of posts. Loading all the archive

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-49834690500450295722011-02-27T17:21:00.006+02:002011-02-27T17:55:21.330+02:00

Fringed tulips, also called Crispa tulips, are becoming more and more popular because of their interesting, elegant look and long lasting flowers.The crystal-shaped fringes on top of each petal are usually of a lighter, sometimes even different color as the rest of the petals.This orange-yellow tulip is called Aleppo tulip.The purple variety is called the Blue Heron tulip, at the end of this

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-47015967881630004892011-02-09T12:01:00.000+02:002011-02-09T12:01:00.161+02:00

Star magnolia - Magnolia stellata, is another early flowering magnolia species, native to Japan. Just like the closely related Mountain magnolia, Star magnolia is a slow growing, deciduous, large shrub or small tree, reaching 4.6 to 6 m (15 to 20 ft) in height, displaying oval growth in youth and spreads and mounds with age, developing a dense-compact, twiggy structure. Star magnolia trees blooms

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-34622473816063864432011-02-06T15:52:00.012+02:002011-02-23T10:06:00.744+02:00

Mountain Magnolia - Magnolia kobus, also known as the Kobushi Magnolia, is a species of Magnolia native to the mountainous regions of Japan.It is a beautiful, deciduous, small tree or large shrub which grows very slowly. In Europe they usually remain smaller than in its native environs, where they can reach 8m (25 in) in height with a slightly larger spread.Young trees do not flower and may need

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-12723252120171429102011-01-28T19:34:00.007+02:002011-12-16T10:21:43.730+02:00

Though it is winter, ice flowers are harder to find these days as real flowers.Window frost was more common in the past, when houses had single-pane windows.These new windows being much better insulators, soon we'll forget this amazing spectacle of nature's ice flower crystals.Download 6 free background images with window frost crystal texture!

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-83563401107846895142011-01-24T20:14:00.007+02:002011-01-24T23:08:30.456+02:00

In the last three days of the week the heavy snowfall transformed our town into a winter wonderland, for those who had time to enjoy it.There is something magical about the sparkle of the soft, freshly fallen snow that you can experience only while it is snowing.Trees are bending under the weight of the snow, branches are curling and breaking.I like to watch and photograph these pine trees in

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-58788092731230884032011-01-16T01:01:00.007+02:002012-01-10T17:11:59.646+02:00

Among the first flowers to herald the start of spring are Primroses (Primula vulgaris). The pale yellow petaled flowers with orange centers and fresh green leaves bring a cheerful splash of color in the spring landscape.Many colorful primrose cultivars are bold reds, violets, pinks and blues.Here is a red Primrose- primula flower.Purple primrose-primulaRed primroseA great curiosity and also very

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-18488196224850893532011-01-14T04:13:00.001+02:002011-11-08T23:00:27.873+02:00

The cottage cheese dumpling, túrógombóc in Hungarian, is one of my favorite desserts. I like the easy and fast way to prepare it, though there are many different and more complicated recipes too.Cottage cheese dumpling recipeIngredients:- 500 gram cottage cheese (low fat)- 1 egg- 50-80 grams semolina- salt to taste- white bread crumbs- oil for toasting the bread crumbsDirections:1. Place the

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-92083282892125292372011-01-11T14:02:00.000+02:002011-03-18T18:30:19.759+02:00

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-78926269438636598142011-01-06T20:04:00.011+02:002011-12-14T18:49:49.347+02:00

As we all know, the default page list widget shows only links to static pages.This tutorial explains how to add more links (non pages links) to the pagelist menu by creating a custom menu for standard Blogger templates, for both, new designer templates and older, layout templates in the second part.1. Custom menu for new, Designer templatesThere is a very easy way to create a custom menu for

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-16366437556363873492011-01-04T23:51:00.005+02:002011-06-15T18:51:17.739+03:00

Europe was given a front-row seat to the first solar eclipse of 2011 but not for everyone. In many places a thick curtain of cloud marred the spectacle in the skies.A partial solar eclipse began today, the 4th of January 2011 over the Mideast and extend across much of Europe. The partial eclipse was visible after sunrise over most of Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and northern Africa.To have

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-63435226007099160992011-01-04T14:51:00.020+02:002011-12-14T18:12:50.686+02:00

This tutorial is about styling the Pagelist menu on new, designer templates.Styling the Pagelist navigation on layout templates is described in this previous tutorial.All new designer templates, the ones you can style in the Template Designer, have the Pagelist styling included in the template, while older templates don't.You can customize the existing styles by changing tabs' background, tabs'

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-24059946850528681962011-01-02T18:00:00.015+02:002011-12-14T15:54:54.461+02:00

This tutorial is about how to change the background of the comment block (box), a follow up of my previous post, about customizing the layout of specific pages, hiding the sidebar and changing the page background color.When changing the background color of just certain post pages or static pages, the comment block background won't change, you have to do it yourself.On static pages like About page

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-88864784823688817682010-12-31T15:55:00.005+02:002010-12-31T16:13:52.260+02:00

New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for you.Have a promising and fulfilling new year.Well, I've tried to stay out of the picture but I need a better camera for that.Weekend reflections

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-67626185672937246812010-12-29T04:38:00.000+02:002011-12-09T21:55:04.751+02:00

Hide the sidebar on new, designer templates, on static pages or any other page.On some static pages (and not only) you may want to hide the sidebar on your Blogger blog.In this tutorial I'll share how to hide the sidebar on designer templates on only specific pages or page types.For Layout templates (older templates), please read the previous tutorial.I applied this method on one of my blogs

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-46763873897570280072010-12-20T10:12:00.006+02:002011-12-21T00:58:31.463+02:00

Merry Christmas!Decorate your Blogger for Christmas and New Year's Eve!Short before Christmas, we are done with decorating our homes. Now we should decorate our blog too and welcome our blogger friend in holiday spirit.I've gathered a few beautiful icons here, they are all free to take, except my small bloghelp logo.These icons all have transparent background, you can use them anywhere on your

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-11371907191767474702010-12-08T22:36:00.004+02:002010-12-11T16:03:15.072+02:00

Christmas fruit cake with moon and star festive decorations.Try out this delicious Christmas cake with fruits-almonds-vanilla-chocolate and interesting spices!This Festive Christmas Cake, decorated with the moon and star, can serve as a centerpiece of your holiday dinner, on Christmas or new year table. Ingredients:For the cake:125g dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate125g skinned almonds50g

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-69164443642797274082010-11-28T22:06:00.007+02:002010-11-29T01:19:35.079+02:00

Cooking for a homeless dog is, for sure, more rewarding as cooking for yourself.I was watching this dog from my window since yesterday. I've often seen it on the street these last days but now it is on the property across the street, belonging to a company. They probably accepted the poor dog to stay.Last evening the dog was just lying there; at first I thought it's a sack, a plastic bag or

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-19468874724252929782010-11-27T18:01:00.007+02:002010-11-27T19:39:45.935+02:00

This little island with the old Casino building in the background is one of the emblems of my town.The island is Mallard land, all over the year, except winter.Last weekend, when I took these photos, I thought these beautiful autumn days will last a little longer. The ducks were in no hurry to leave either.(Click the pictures to enlarge.)This is a unique Mallard mail, with a black head. All the

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-16047716986233476932010-11-25T23:02:00.000+02:002010-11-26T02:29:10.302+02:00

And softly the evening came.How bravely Autumn paints upon the skyThe gorgeous fame of Summer which is fled!~Thomas HoodHow like a queen comes forth the lonely MoonFrom the slow opening curtains of the cloudsWalking in beauty to her midnight throne!~George Croly, Diana

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-13482381078530739822010-11-19T16:10:00.010+02:002011-11-07T13:07:59.705+02:00

We should have autumn now but, except the rusty colors, everything looks like in spring.I wonder if the ducks can be fooled by the weather, though their biological weather man is more accurate as ours.The ducks are enjoying the beautiful days at the park's lake and make a terrible noise with their happy quack.See more autumn colors in the silence of a peaceful autumn field.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-80205340248365565792010-11-18T23:14:00.005+02:002010-11-18T23:25:25.133+02:00

"The sunrise is Gods greeting - the sunset, his signature.""Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.""Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-986740145776145682010-11-14T12:36:00.004+02:002010-11-14T13:08:30.386+02:00

It's another beautiful autumn day, perfect for a nice walk and some sunny photos.Some small white flowers are still blooming, near the river.The rose hips are ripe and they are everywhere.Though, I prefer to buy some than get wet.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-4772589743702213932010-11-13T00:57:00.001+02:002010-11-22T16:40:46.922+02:00

Geraniums are so common flowers but sometimes, they have beautiful colors. I like the crimson veined pink petals of this one.They look almost fake in this close up photo.This is a more realistic view.Check out other submissions at Macro Flowers Saturday.and Today's Flowers.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-30450978728514417532010-11-11T20:04:00.007+02:002010-11-22T17:40:49.835+02:00

After just two cloudy days and a few raindrops, today the beautiful blue sky was back.For middle November, we have unusual high temperatures (18 - 20°C) during the day, so I went out to make some photo reserves for winter.The days are much shorter though. While spending time with a few wildflower, the sun was already gone.The wind was working hard all they to paint the sky in beautiful red and

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-14628766021883622282010-11-09T22:37:00.004+02:002010-11-11T21:15:42.060+02:00

There are many colorful berries to collect in autumn, though you must be very well informed about the nature of the berries; many of them are edible but some are dangerously toxic.This is a cluster of ripe crabapple fruits (Malus toringo). Crabapples are grown as ornamental trees, for their beautiful flowers or fruit. These small fruits are precious food for birds, larvae and caterpillars.The

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-34529834609782685602010-11-05T22:08:00.006+02:002010-11-06T17:20:00.073+02:00

Can you smile as joyful as these two speckled orchids do?Click the badge to visit Macro Flower Saturday for many beautiful flower macros.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-25957448688182391082010-11-02T16:13:00.001+02:002010-11-22T17:43:02.716+02:00

All Saints Day (1st November)followed by All Souls Day (2nd November) are old Christian holiday, though most people celebrate this day as The Day of the Dead.I love this day, I love to see the cemeteries decorated with flower and candle light.I always have the impression that people have their heart filled with more love and goodness than usually.Even those who shoved their way through the crowd

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-42923811319370239122010-10-30T20:17:00.007+03:002012-01-10T17:40:25.442+02:00

This is Missy, my neighbor's new kitty cat.Missy was adopted from the countryside and just after her arrival I was asked to babysit.Besides that this little, two spotted devil knocked down my house plants, including the new buds on my Dendrobium, she was a real help at floor dusting. Now I just had to wash the cat.Orchids are not toxic plants for cats but it's not the cat I'm worried about.You'll

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-14058470075776982302010-10-23T13:57:00.010+03:002012-01-10T17:28:01.840+02:00

A few days ago, I went shopping to a supermarket, close to my place.Guess what?A few horses were parked near the supermarket, pretending to be a horse rigging school.Well, it didn't look like one to me, but I quickly forgot about shopping and began to take photos.It was sunset, dinner time for the horses and a group photo for me.Please smile!I see people bringing their children to have fun on a

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-87668862421997922012010-10-20T21:07:00.002+03:002010-10-23T12:43:20.352+03:00

I can stay in front of this bank till my MOO freezes over. Who would ever invest in Romanian agriculture these days, MOO?What a world we live in! Even reflections in this glass wall seam to be more attractive than business, MOO!I admit, it's a beautiful blue sky, on this freezing autumn day, MOO!The cow in front of the bank is not real, so the tasteless bait for farmers will stay there for

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-10645106705509157112010-10-16T18:52:00.003+03:002010-10-16T19:06:33.991+03:00

Dahlias are very hardy flowers. We still have a few of them.The little garden snail came with the Dahlia bouquet, as a bonus.Visit Camera Critters for lovely animal photos and Macro Flowers Saturday for beautiful flower macros.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-9523026862018388362010-10-08T16:47:00.001+03:002010-10-09T17:36:07.580+03:00

Slowly wilting autumn roses still have some precious nectar to offer.A little spider is resting in the shadow, under the petals of this rose.The little grasshopper gathers the last nectar for winter.Visit Macro Flowers Saturday and Camera Critters for beautiful compositions with flowers and critters.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-3215271984157397192010-10-01T23:04:00.010+03:002010-11-22T17:45:46.850+02:00

Helichrysum bracteatum, better known as Strawflower is native to Australia, where it grows as wildflower. It is one of the so called everlasting flowers, a special group of annuals that can be air-dried without losing their color or form.Strawflowers, with their beautiful colored blooms, are a lovely addition to any garden.Helichrysum bears double daisy-shaped flowerheads which debut during late

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-26060599927667122082010-09-24T20:01:00.013+03:002011-09-11T10:06:12.998+03:00

Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, also known as Meadow Saffron, is a showy, purple, pink or white flower that looks a lot like an over-sized spring flowering crocus, but blooms in autumn.Although related by their name, Spring and Autumn Crocuses belong to different plant families; Spring Flowering Crocus is a member of the Iris Family (Iridaceae) together with the Iris and Gladiolus while

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-77591218775681233402010-09-19T13:18:00.006+03:002010-11-22T18:23:55.867+02:00

These bright, yellow marigold flowers look lovely in the golden light of autumn.There are a range of flowers that are blooming all summer and continue to bloom well into the fall months. One of these flowers is the marigold.Though the temperature is lower now in middle September, butterflies are still visiting these flowers.I hope these beautiful creatures will stay a little longer and delight us

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-51671803877586826902010-09-17T17:03:00.001+03:002012-01-10T17:53:38.053+02:00

To spend the weekend near a lake is the choice of many people on a sunny, September weekend.The reflection of the surroundings at sunset is very tempting to take a few photos also.These old blue boats are waiting for adventurers who don't mind to get wet by trying them.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-2011983323892847272010-09-15T19:06:00.004+03:002010-11-22T16:41:25.942+02:00

Last weekend, between the 10th and the 12th September , the fourth edition of the International Championship of outdoor cooking was held in Cluj Napoca, the biggest gourmet event in Romania.From Friday to Sunday, 40 professional and amateur chefs and teams were competing for supremacy, from different countries, Greece, Finland, Israel, Austria and Romania .1. Cold dishes, sweetsThe first day was

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-78256856849748261212010-09-14T19:08:00.005+03:002010-12-24T11:21:19.276+02:00

Kurtoskalacs, more correctly, kürtőskalács, is a famous Hungarian sweet treat, flavored with several spices, the most common being cinnamon, topped with walnuts or almonds, and sugar.making The technique of making chimney cake or kurtos kalacs is not as difficult as it seams, as you will see in this post.The recipe and indications are in the first part of this kurtos kalacs series, there is a

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-54392698150098484042010-09-13T08:33:00.001+03:002011-10-12T02:49:25.864+03:00

These tiny, yellow wildflowers don't mind the cold autumn nights, unlike our beautiful garden flowers. They have the same bright colors yet and still look fresh.This little yellow flower is the Linaria vulgaris, also called Butter-and-eggs and sometimes, Foxglove.The Linaria vulgaris is part of the snapdragon family and it looks like a miniature snapdragon flower. The little critter likes the

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-12025340997661411872010-09-12T22:40:00.007+03:002010-09-13T02:35:34.866+03:00

Between the lakes is the name of a small area in the eastern part of my town.This afternoon I was visiting there and I remembered that the name comes from the lakes that existed here, long time ago.There are so many new malls and buildings in this area but I could see some weeping willows in the distance, showing directions to the lake.Sunset near a lake is always a beautiful view, especially in

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-87589980003629464452010-09-04T17:36:00.007+03:002010-09-05T08:09:42.565+03:00

Venus Flytrap is a small, innocent looking carnivore plant.We don't have such plants here by us, so on my last visit to the flower center, I bought one of these little wonders for my home.At first, it was interesting to see how it hunts annoying flies but yesterday I witnessed a scene less pleasant; the fight of a little caterpillar for its life, with the Venus flytrap.The caterpillar probably

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-86364633113332977582010-08-29T20:13:00.007+03:002010-11-22T18:22:18.679+02:00

Sunflowers, Helianthus_annuus, these beautiful, bright flowers with simple petal layers, double or the fluffy, teddy bear petaled Sunflower, they are among my summer favorites.There are so many garden varieties of sunflowers, in colors from very pale yellows to dark, burgundy reds and all shades of yellow that it is hard to choose from the gorgeous bouquets at the flower market.Visit Macro

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-25547245118420244002010-08-21T18:27:00.009+03:002010-08-29T21:50:44.963+03:00

Flower centers are usually out of town and therefor not easily accessible if you don't have much time. But that has changed now, a new flower center opened at the western city border and that's a 30 minutes walk for me.I just discovered this wonderful place and I've spent about three hours there, photographing.Summer is almost over and garden flowers are not exactly the sensation of the moment

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-4750466122657421102010-08-15T11:10:00.009+03:002011-03-18T11:59:04.631+02:00

An evening walk at the river banks at sunset is what most people prefer on a hot summer day.The river is at five minutes walk from my place and a nice walk is the only escape from the afternoon heat. All the neighborhood is out there to cool down, old and young, bikers and dogs with their owners enjoy the beauty of a summer sunset.Those just learning to walk,those tired of walking,or those who

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-29924432202932598552010-08-12T23:38:00.006+03:002010-08-13T01:40:28.360+03:00

Today at sunset, mostly because of the heat, but also to take some photos, I decided to take a walk in the neighborhood.When I looked up at the sky, there was this beautiful spotlight among the clouds. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and began to take photos. The display on the sky was changing every minute, still I've got more admiration (or pity) from by-passers than the beautiful show

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-39106579961994421272010-08-09T10:48:00.003+03:002010-11-22T17:34:58.821+02:00

Raindrops on a lovely pot marigold bouquet is today's setup. Raindrop reflections are my favorite photo subjects lately.See many other beautiful macros at Macro Flowers Saturday and at Macro Monday at Lisa's.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-15389128510366144092010-08-07T02:11:00.007+03:002010-08-16T09:37:57.390+03:00

This beautiful flowering shrub, the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), loves the summer heat. In midsummer, the Rose of Sharon, also known as hardy hibiscus or althaea, bursts into bloom and bring a bit of tropical beauty to more temperate climates. The delightful flowers with satin-smooth petals, come in shades of white, lavender, pink and red with lots of variety in between.Rose of Sharon

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-2776328924042700092010-08-01T02:30:00.006+03:002010-08-02T03:25:36.834+03:00

I can't stop taking photos of my new orchids.This purple orchid is my youngest, it has just one stem but loaded with flowers.A few orchid reflections too.See my white orchid too.Visit Macro Flowers Saturday by clicking the badge and join the fun. Scenic Sunday for beautiful scenes and Macro Monday for amazing macro shots.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-67400282990093040202010-07-27T02:30:00.002+03:002010-11-22T17:40:49.844+02:00

Finally, the storm is here, how much I love these clouds.It started slowly and these black clouds just wanted to be taken seriously. The storm was not so bad but the insupportable summer heat is gone.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-81164662839567005992010-07-18T00:53:00.010+03:002010-07-18T02:05:23.024+03:00

My neighbor was complaining about the cucumbers in her garden. She has two species from different seeds; one full of flowers, bees and foliage but no cucumbers on it and the other, just the stem with a few leave but full of cucumbers.As I have no idea of growing vegetables, I couldn't comment much on the subject.To be honest, my main concern was to take some photos of those bees and vegetables (

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-18319125179702224832010-07-10T14:48:00.008+03:002010-11-22T18:16:33.210+02:00

Here goes the mill race, an artificial channel that was the fuel for 12 watermills beginning from the 14 century. As there are no mills any more, nobody cares to clean the channel and its water is stinky and dirty but a perfect place for many wildflower, small animals and insects.Just behind this small pension house the channel passes near a small park, a perfect place for me to take photos.Meet

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-89145120898575293952010-07-09T12:41:00.009+03:002010-11-22T17:34:58.829+02:00

Yesterday, it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon with no gray rain clouds on the sky.Suddenly, a sun-shower started, out of nowhere; that's when we say that "the devil is beating his wife".I had no umbrella, so I was looking for shelter under a honeysuckle, bad idea.As I was all wet already, I decided to take some rain picture and puddle shots. A little warm rain can't hurt anyone and I ended up

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-10050173517317087592010-07-08T22:05:00.000+03:002010-11-22T17:40:49.852+02:00

It's show time above the Hoia forest. It's sunset and storm just started.Almost each storm is a spectacular show of color or most often of lightning, especially at night.As I mentioned in my previous post, the Hoia-Baciu forest is considered one of the most active spots in the world regarding apparitions and various unexplained phenomena like light observations of various shapes and colors,

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-72917123493080806682010-07-05T17:02:00.005+03:002011-08-19T08:41:59.828+03:00

In my previous post, as I was talking about my last trip in the Hoia-Baciu forest, the "Haunted Forest" in the outskirts of Cluj-Napoca (my town), most readers thought that this is just a story. Well, we use the world "haunted" each time we don't understand thing and science is not able to give an explanation either. Though it's a very beautiful forest (at first), everything is very unnatural is

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-76975170942603856702010-07-03T00:34:00.004+03:002010-11-22T17:23:51.762+02:00

Asters are next in summer's flower show.Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, the New England Aster, is a very common aster that many people are familiar with. They make a beautiful bouquet though.The flower color is variable, ranging from violet-purple to lavender to blue to white.Visit and join Macro flowers Saturday to see other beautiful flower macros.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-32115394211291334002010-06-27T20:01:00.002+03:002010-11-22T16:50:30.479+02:00

This is the view from my place and up there, that inviting forest is the famous Hoia-Baciu forest. Why famous? I'll tell you at the end of this post.Situated on the outskirts of Cluj-Napoca (my town), the Hoia forest is a much appreciated recreation place for locals on weekend days.Also, at the edge of the forest is housed the Open Air Section of the Ethnographic Museum, which is a reconstructed

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-36125988085478122762010-06-20T22:22:00.011+03:002010-11-22T16:35:49.206+02:00

Catalpa (Catawba) tree is the last tree to grow leaves in the spring and now, in middle June, it is in full flower.Catalpas, also known as Cigar trees are medium-sized deciduous trees growing to 12-18 meters (39-59 ft) tall and they have large heart-shaped leaves.They are planted as ornamental trees in parks and roadsides having trumpet shaped flowers, white with yellow stripes and purple spots

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-27657274250791460682010-06-20T17:18:00.005+03:002010-06-20T19:30:32.934+03:00

The rose, the queen of summer flowers is to be seen in every garden or even near the sidewalk.We should be used to roses, they are such common flowers and still irresistible.I can't resit not to stop and admire them each time and take some photos too, even when I'm in a hurry.Visit Macro Flowers Saturday and Today's Flowers for other beautiful flower photos.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-24088348026387568672010-06-17T21:14:00.001+03:002010-06-18T21:48:09.339+03:00

Cityscapes with reflections for Weekend reflections.The fountain in the Avram Iancu square was not working and I thought I can capture the surrounding buildings' reflections in the water. Well, the fountain was off but the wind wasn't and on the trembling water surface my reflections are not as clear as I would like them to be.There are some beautiful rose gardens on both sides of the cathedral,

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-75725860376634893982010-06-13T18:06:00.005+03:002010-06-13T18:26:38.386+03:00

This time of the year roses are the most beautiful with just the new, fresh flower heads and rose buds but no wilted ones.Visit Macro Flowers Saturday and Today's Flowers for beautiful flower photos.

maiaThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14657416990324545070noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6280000191023857277.post-570861145340427612010-06-12T14:12:00.006+03:002010-06-14T09:16:59.831+03:00

This gorgeous pink flower is the Rain lily or Pink magic lily (Zephyranthes grandiflora) a genus of bulbous species in the amaryllis family.A few days ago I saw these beautiful pink flowers on the sidewalk, in front of a pharmacy, among roses.There were only two of them, one open and another, just a bud. They have no foliage yet, just this gorgeous pink flower head at the top of the stem.I've

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