North American millipede
Thread waisted wasp
Ladybug
Katydid
Grasshopper
Wheel bug
Praying mantis
“An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.” ~Charlotte Mason
Observing
Gulf Fritillary
The bright orange color of a Gulf Fritillary floating down the roadside on a light autumn breeze is a beautiful sight. I spotted this one on my morning walk down our country road.
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” ~G.K. Chesterton
Goldenrod and aster
… the lands are lit
With all the autumn blaze
of golden rod,
And everywhere
the purple asters nod
And bend,
and wave
and flit …
~Asters and Golden Rod, by Helen Hunt Jackson
White pelicans over the Mississippi
A large flock of migrating white pelicans has returned to spend some time along the Mississippi River. It’s hard not to be impressed by this beautiful sight.
“The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.” ~Richard Bach
Soaking in the pool
We have had very little rain here during the month of September, so most of the puddles and creeks are drying up. Desiring to find a nice wet place, this toad decided to take a swim in the kiddie pool in our back yard. My presence didn’t seem to faze it in the least as it soaked in the water and enjoyed the afternoon sun.
“It’s easy to let days fly by without taking notice to the world around you. Life is beautiful. Soak it in, think about it and be grateful.” ~Unknown
Common Garden Spiders
Two Black and Yellow Garden Spiders standing guard over a swampy area of Reelfoot Lake
“Give us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for – because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” ~Peter Marshall
September wildflowers
I enjoy all the different colored wildflowers blooming along the roadside and in the fields during September.
“Those who see a different color, or hear a different note, or imagine a different story, have given the world its greatest gifts.” ~Linda Poindexter
Common Buckeye
I am always thrilled when I come upon a Buckeye. It is my favorite among the butterflies. I like the colors and the bold pattern of the eyespots which are thought to frighten or distract predators.
“I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes.” ~Unknown
More tows
Crimson Duke
Joe B. Wyatt
Bill Stegbauer
Western
Western passing Bill Stegbauer
Tows spotted along the Mississippi River near Tiptonville, Tennessee
“The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~Leonardo da Vinci
Cotton field
“There are few sights more pleasant to the eye than a wide cotton field when it is in bloom. It presents an appearance of purity, like an immaculate expanse of light, new-fallen snow.” ~Solomon Northup
walking on a country road 