It was nice to get away recently and spend a few days relaxing with family at Chickasaw State Park. The park is a rustic place, not too far from home, where one can be out in nature enjoying walking trails, picnics, camp fires, and a variety of lake activities.
“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” ~Earl Wilson
There’s a place on our country road where I consistently see red admiral butterflies when I’m out walking in the evening. They are territorial and tend to patrol the same area, chasing away other males that enter their space, and often returning to the same perch.
Recently I spotted the red admiral pictured below, flitting around, stopping occasionally to perch on a leaf and soak in the last bit of sunlight as the sun was setting in the westward sky. Its wings were so tattered that I wondered how it could possibly fly, but fly it did, without the least bit of obvious trouble.
“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.” ~Unknown
Monarch butterflies enjoying Silky Gold Milkweed in early October.
“Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth.” ~Martin H. Fischer
Leaves aren’t the only yellow to be seen in autumn. Here are a few others that I came across during September and October.
“It is the color closest to light. In its utmost purity it always implies the nature of brightness and has a cheerful, serene, gently stimulating character. Hence, experience teaches us that yellow makes a thoroughly warm and comforting impression. With yellow the eye rejoices, the heart expands, the spirit is cheered and we immediately feel warmed. Many people feel an inclination to laugh when looking through a yellow glass.” ~Johann von Goethe
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
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
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
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
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
“Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and take as a gift whatever the day brings forth.” ~Horace
walking on a country road 