White is not a mere absence of color; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black. God paints in many colors; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white. ~G. K. Chesterton
Northern Flicker
I saw this stunning bird sitting in the yard using her curved bill to dig for insects in the ground. Though I was quite thrilled with my encounter, others didn’t share my enthusiasm. I was told that while beautiful, flickers can also be a nuisance — pecking holes and doing damage to both trees and houses.
“I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made the judge.” ~Herman Melville
Young sparrow
Waiting patiently …
Finally, some food! …
Any more??? …
Where’d you go? …
I want some more!!!
“Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.” ~Barbara Johnson
White-marked tussock moth caterpillar
The White-marked tussock moth caterpillar is easily distinguished by its red head, black stripe down the center, four white tuffs near the front and two red dots toward the back. Though its bright colors make it pretty to look at, it is best to avoid any contact, as its stinging hairs can cause an irritating rash.
“Our best decisions are often what we choose not to get involved in.” ~Doug Cooper
Indigo bunting
An Indigo bunting spotted in a brushy area of the Black Bayou Refuge adjacent to Reelfoot Lake.
She had blue skin, And so did he.
He kept it hid And so did she.
They searched for blue Their whole life through,
Then passed right by – And never knew.
~Shel Silverstein
Black-eyed Susan
“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.” ~Ancient Indian Proverb
Rainbow
This past weekend we saw a beautiful rainbow where both ends extended down and “appeared” to touch the ground. Unfortunately, no pots of gold.
“My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man … ” ~William Wordsworth
Afternoon snack
Recently, we came upon this rabbit that was leisurely nibbling away on lush, green grass along the roadside. He seemed to have a preference for the tenderest and tastiest blades, and was carefully using his nose to graze along the ground in search of a delectable afternoon snack.
“To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer is to have kept your soul alive.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Hackberry Emperor
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
~ C. S. Lewis
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This Ruby-throated hummingbird looked content sitting on his perch in one of the bushes in our backyard. He would dart away to chase another hummingbird or get a drink from the feeder, but would soon return to his lookout on the same small branch.
“Living big and joyful and content is almost always the result of our finding satisfaction in life’s ordinary day-to-day pleasures …” ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
walking on a country road 