Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Peony?

Three days ago, on 18 May 2016, I went to what was most likely my last volunteer shift. I have been volunteering there for about 18 years and it has been a wonderful experience. However, as the number of clients constantly rises, even more so with the poor state of the economy, the problem of parking has become a real issue. Though we have to park on the nearby street, usually at the very far end of it, I now find that each time I go, I have to park further and further away. There is no sidewalk on which to walk and there are many huge trucks coming and going all the time. Makes for a dangerous walk. In winter, it will be even worse. I always walk in pain and yesterday was, I think, the final straw, when I had to park even further away. I have been volunteering at various places for the last 36 or so years, so I know I will miss it, but I was just not enjoying the long walk and always wondering if I was even going to be able to find a parking spot. I know I will miss good, long-time friends there, terribly. Anyway, after my shift, I thought I had better call in at the Reader Rock Garden, in case I don't get over there for a long time. I wasn't sure about the weather and I did feel the odd raindrop, plus it was rather windy. However, the scent around the garden was wonderful - I could have stayed there for hours, just breathing it in. Plenty of flowers to enjoy. Is this a Peony (single)? The few workers do such a great job of keeping this place looking beautiful. If you visit and you happen to see one of the staff or volunteers, do let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work and care. I know they would appreciate it.

I'm not sure what caused the "effect" with this flower - or maybe it's just blur? Most times I visit the Reader Rock Garden, it is windy, and it always amazes me that I get any reasonably sharp photos from there. The other thing I'm not sure about is what kind of flower this is - a single Peony? Despite the slightly unpleasant thing it does to my eyes, there was just something I still liked about this photo. This photo was taken on 24 June 2015, when I called in at the Reader Rock Garden after a volunteer shift. Really, I should have chosen a warm coloured flower instead of cold white, as it snowed overnight and is heavily overcast and dreary this morning. Temperature is -1C (windchill -5C) and humidity is 93%, and the Fog Advisory continues from yesterday. In other words, it doesn't look or sound very welcoming outside. Yesterday, when I picked up my car from being repaired (after the accident I was involved in, but was not at fault), I got a free carwash. (Turned out that the heat shield had been damaged by the impact and that was what was causing the rattling.) Unfortunately, by the time I had run an errand or two, my car windows were fogged up badly and I suspect they may all have a covering of ice on the inside this morning, which will not be good. However, it does feel good to have a drivable car again, thank goodness.