Macro on the MacBook

Now that I have my new MacBook Pro, I thought I’d try out my new used macro lens (Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 AF-D Macro) as a test to get Photoshop running like I like it again.

Above, WOW! I am liking this macro lens! That’s a close up of my Mint mocha coleus. Their variegated burgundy and chartreuse deeply lobed leaves are stunning! If you’re interested in these plants, mine came from Ball Horticultural Company.

Here’s another detail of the mint coleus.

This is another plant from Ball, but I don’t remember the name of it now. We planted them in spring and after the crash of my Mac, I spent a lot of time cleaning my office, and purging all paperwork I didn’t think was necessary to keep. I distinctly remember throwing out the fact sheet from Ball. Of course, now I wish I had it. Isn’t that the way that always goes? Oh well. I’m very happy to have a clean office!

Close up of a dogwood berry on my dogwood tree.

The dogwood started changing color about a week or so ago, but overall, it still looks green, with the exception of a leaf here and there that is slowly making the change.

I was at the tennis courts today with the G-rex, so I thought I’d wander around and try out the new macro lens some more. Love the water droplets still on the evergreens from last night’s rain.

I have always loved studying leaf structure. It’s especially easy to do that in fall when the leaves begin to change color. The color change usually starts in one part of the leaf, then moves outward, often following the veins.

I have seen lots of acorns this year. Folklore says that means we’re going to have a long, hard winter. But other folklore says it’s just a routine thing that happens every three years or so.

I have no idea what those fuzzy things are, but this picture interests me on so many levels: first, the fuzzy things. What are those? Second: look near the bottom. There’s some kind of little bug there. By the way, you can’t really tell in this picture, but those fuzzy things are TINY. In reality, each one is about the size of a pencil tip. Third: what is that wormy-looking thing extending from the leaf tip? Is that the leaf tip itself? Or some kind of wormy thing?

I love fall. There are so many interesting things to explore. Not sure what kind of berries these are. The black cherries fell two months ago. I’m betting these are going to make some bird or squirrel a really happy camper.

I also love the first signs of fall in a leaf, often starting as small dots, as in this one. Rain drops are a really fun way to test out a macro lens’s features too.

There are some gorgeous ginkgo trees in the park by the tennis courts. Ginkgo trees are very slow growing trees, so my bet is that these are quite old. In case you didn’t already know, ginkgo trees are one of the most beautiful trees for fall color. They turn a bright, buttery yellow color usually. This leaf has just begun to turn. See the yellowing at the tip?

I love the color palette of fall. Happy exploring, everyone!