“The sweetness of life lies in usefulness, like honey deep in the heart of a clover bloom.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder
Bunny in a clover patch
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Blending in
This green frog blends in well with the color of the surrounding duckweed, and can easily go unnoticed. What commonly gives its presence away is its high, reverberating chirp or an occasional hop.
“So you’re a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd!” ~Mandy Hale
Tattered Gulf fritillary
Life has taken a toll on this butterfly as revealed by its tattered and torn up wings. But regardless of the predators and various environmental challenges it has faced, it is still a beautiful butterfly that has survived to fly another day.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”. ~Thomas Paine
An abundance of snakes
While walking around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake, we came upon a large number of water snakes that were swirling ferverishly in the water. We were not sure at the time what we were witnessing, but have since found out that it was a breeding or mating ball. In the spring, female snakes put off a pheromone scent which attracts males. The male snakes then track the female, and a breeding ball occurs when there are many males competing over the same female. In these photos, the female is the largest snake.
And since pictures don’t do the situation justice, here is a short video clip that gives a better idea of what a breeding ball looks like.
“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.” ~Alfred Hitchcock
Passing through
Photos taken yesterday evening as a storm system passed through, bringing with it some imposing clouds. It was impossible not to pause a moment and be amazed.
“We’ve got one short, precious life here on earth. Let’s not spend it hurrying. ~Aliza Latta
A sea of yellow
Bright-yellow Bulbous Buttercups are in full bloom in the fields and along the roadsides of West Tennessee. These non-native plants are considered wildflowers by some — and invasive and noxious weeds by others. Although they add beauty to the landscape, they also compete with native plant species and are mildly toxic to livestock.
“I’ve learned … that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.” ~Unknown
Dandelion seed heads
“When you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds or a thousand wishes.” ~Unknown
Sandpipers
While driving along the Mississippi levee, in the distance I spotted a small flock of birds that were flying in a formation that looked like a light brown cloud. They were not ones that I normally see in the area, so I wondered what they were. Later, as we were driving along a road next to a flooded farm field, we spotted this little flock of birds, which explained what I had seen earlier. I believe these are Pectoral Sandpipers. They are common spring migrants in Tennessee from early March to mid-May.
“Live your life as an exclamation rather than an explanation.” ~Isaac Newton
Along the walking trail
One afternoon this week we enjoyed a pleasant stroll along a greenway near our home. Part of this trail goes through land upon which a railroad right-of-way once ran, including an old railroad bridge. Here are a few shots of the rural scenery that were taken along the way.
“Somewhere between the start of the trail and the end is the mystery why we choose to walk.” ~Unknown
Swallowtail and pansies
“Colors are the smiles of nature.” ~Leigh Hunt
walking on a country road 