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
nature
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
Butterflies and Skippers
Butterflies and skippers have been enjoying the sedum plants in our back yard. Here are several varieties that have dropped by during the past week.
“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” ~Camille Pissarro
Northern Flicker
A Northern Flicker dropped by this morning to get a quick drink of water from our bird bath. This isn’t a bird that I normally see in our backyard, so it was a treat to get a glimpse of him.
… to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter; to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life. ~John Burroughs
Living among the duckweed
Some of the flora and fauna living around the duckweed at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” ~David Attenborough
Buzzing around the sedum
… every now and then,
this world sits just right,
as a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight,
and I smile…
~Hazelmarie Elliott, A Breath of Heaven
walking on a country road 
