One of my favorite parts of our country road walk is getting to see the young calves out grazing in one of the fields that we pass. They always stop, and seem to be watching with such interest as we pass by.
“Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.” ~Robert Fulghum
Sometimes when I’m out walking in the backyard, this common little toad will jump out of its hiding spot in the grass and surprise me. I’m guessing that it has a nice secluded spot under our porch where it goes to stay cool during the heat of the day.
“Nature poets can’t walk across the backyard without tripping over an epiphany.” ~Christian Wiman
You never know what you’re going to see while strolling around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Here are some shots that were taken back in June and July.
… Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again …
~Rose Milligan
Some of the weathered barns that can be found in the rural countryside of West Tennessee, each from a different time and exhibiting its own unique character.
“Old places have soul.” ~Sarah Anderson
There were a number of buckeye butterflies fluttering about the tall grass that was growing along the Mississippi levee. Occasionally they would alight for a short rest (and a photo) before continuing on their way.
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” ~Unknown
This deer was grazing in a soybean field near Big Sandy Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. She raised her head to watch as we drove by.
“Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure, and delight; a home, a teacher, a companion.” ~Lorraine Anderson
Here are a variety of wildflowers which pepper the fields and country roads in our area during the spring and summer months. Wildflowers not only brighten the landscape, but also provide habitat for birds and insects and food for many animals.
“Flowers are the music of the ground
From earth’s lips spoken without sound.”
~Edwin Curran
“Depth must be hidden. Where? On the surface.” ~Hugo von Hofmannsthal
An Eastern Amberwing dragonfly floating along atop a dried leaf at Reelfoot Lake.
“Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it.” ~Julie Andrews
On my country road walks in the evenings, I have been seeing these little insects nestled together in the black-eyed Susans. They are male long-horned bees. The males have unusually long antenna or “horns” compared to the females, and they sometimes cluster together inside flowers while they sleep. They are invaluable pollinators of many crops and plants.
“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.” ~Samuel Johnson
walking on a country road 