“Aye, I’m tellin’ ye, happiness is one of the few things in this world that doubles every time you share it with someone else.” ~Sir Harry Lauder
insect
Attracted to the Mistflowers
As you drive along the country roads of West Tennessee in the late summer and autumn, you are likely to see a burst of pale bluish-purple wildflowers growing along the way. The Mistflower grows in clusters, and its fluffy-looking flowers are magnets for butterflies, moths and other insects which are attracted to its nectar.
“There are many things in life that will catch you eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” ~Michael Nolan
Busy pollinators
Presently, the fragrant flowers of the White Snakeroot plant can be seen along the edges of the road, especially flourishing in the filtered sunlight of the tall oak trees. Being one of the last wildflowers to bloom in the autumn, it provides a valuable source of nectar for a variety of busy insects.
“It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted.” ~Mary Flannery O’Connor
Enjoying the Sedum Plants
This is the time of year when the sedum plants are in bloom. I particularly enjoy the late afternoon, when the sun brings out the colors in the star-shaped flowers and a variety of small insects stop by for a visit.
“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.” ~Pliny the Elder (Roman Scholar)
Along the boardwalk
Sometimes I like to take a quiet walk around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake and see what nature I can spot. Here are some of my latest finds.
“So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me, because I, too, am fluent in silence.” ~R. Arnold
Prepared for takeoff
This male Blue Dasher reminds me of a mini-helicopter prepared for takeoff.
“Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” ~Miguel de Cervantes
Keeping cool
It’s been a hot summer, and these blue dragonflies at Reelfoot Lake were trying to keep cool. In order to stay cool during hot weather, dragonflies raise their abdomens straight into the air to reduce their exposure to the sun. They also use their wings to deflect the sun.
“He who keeps his cool best wins.” ~Norman Cousins
