Enticed by its sweet smelling nectar, these butterflies could not resist the bright, beautiful blooms of the lantana plants.
“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.” ~Helen Keller
Sitting snugly between the layers of a flowering plant sat a little spider, intently peeking out. Momentarily, it ducked behind the layers and out of sight.
“Let’s all take a moment and be thankful that spiders don’t fly.” ~Unknown
The White Pelicans are once again back to winter at Reelfoot Lake. From the boardwalk, we were able to watch as they glided gracefully through the water. Every so often, they would dip their heads underneath the water and scoop a fish up into their large yellow bills.
“Sometimes you need to unplug and enjoy nature’s company.” ~Unknown
The sunflower — one of my favorite flowers. These beauties were growing in a garden at a resort on Reelfoot Lake. They really seemed to be attracting the bees and goldfinch.
Always remember the sunflower
Whose face looks toward the sun.
She drinks his beauty in her face
And like him she becomes …
~L. Gayle Orf
I was sitting outside watching the hummingbird activity around the feeders, when suddenly a little gray treefrog seemed to come sailing out of nowhere into view. It landed on the stem of one of my rose bushes, where it sat very still, hoping to blend in with its surroundings.
“Sometimes the best place to be is nowhere to be found.” ~Unknown
The sunsets this past week have really been beautiful. They inspire me to walk out into God’s great cathedral and praise Him for His goodness. Occasionally an old song that I didn’t even remember that I knew, will well up. The other night, I found myself singing this old Disney song, “Johnny Appleseed (The Lord is Good to Me)”. Whether it was out loud, or just in my head, I’m not sure, but it described well my feelings at the time.
Oh, the Lord’s been good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need:
The sun, the rain and the appleseed;
Oh, the Lord’s been good to me.
~ Kim Gannon and Walter Kent
Recently, my husband and I decided to get a canoe. On Labor Day weekend, in humid 93 degree weather, we took it out on its “maiden voyage” on Reelfoot Lake. There was a nice breeze out on the lake and the scenery was beautiful. I definitely think I’m going to like canoeing — especially on cooler days.
“Maybe it won’t work out. But maybe seeing if it does will be the best adventure ever.” ~Unknown
The fragrant white flowers of the Sweet Autumn Clematis attract a number of tiny creatures that find food and shelter among its vines.
“Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there.” ~Thomas Fuller
A few photos of female ruby-throated hummingbirds hanging out around a feeder at Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge.
“Have you ever observed a humming-bird moving about in an aerial dance among the flowers – a living prismatic gem … it is a creature of such fairy-like loveliness as to mock all description.” ~W.H. Hudson
Occasionally during the summer a climbing milkweed vine will spring up in our backyard and cover another already established plant. Though considered a problem weed, sometimes I allow it to stay around for a while because I enjoy observing the variety of native insects that are attracted by its strongly scented, tiny white flowers and sappy stems.
“Leave part of the yard rough. Don’t manicure everything. Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that …” ~Richard Louv
walking on a country road 