Thursday, November 7, 2013

Quick Stop

Greetings from Cajun Country! As I schedule this post, it is still a bit humid and warm, but our trusty weatherman promises cooler temps next week. So by the time this post goes up, maybe my hair will be shiny and happy again.

Needing to get out of the house, I made a quick stop at the nearby arboretum to see what was up. After an hour, the heat had zapped my will to live. What's up with all the hyperbole coming from me lately? Anyway, an hour was enough to get some photos I was happy with. No complaints. Really! All photos taken on 10/29/13.
I don't know what this plant is, but it reminded me of a candelabra.

This plant has so much personality, doesn't it? First a candelabra, now a candy cane. Must be the Bette Davis of the garden.

I felt so bad for this poor ladybug who managed to get in the clutches of this assassin bug. :(

Long-tailed skipper

Cucumber beetle. I warned him about the assassin bug.

Pagoda flower

Cassia tree


31 comments:

Nancy said...

That purple topped flower is so pretty -- lovely captures all Gail!

Kittie Howard said...

Yes, it does look like a candelabra -- great description! I've seen that plant around here before . . . but don't know its name. If you find out, please let me know as I think it's a perennial and perfect for long color when we get to NC.

Poor LadyBug!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

What an interesting plant- I have never seen one before. That mean old bug!

Nancy said...

Amazing shot of the ladybug after capture....I am just amazed at your macros; the details are always stunning....

We're definitely cooler here in NC and hope you get some cooler air soon....

Kittie Howard said...

Me, again. Sorry! Do you have any idea where to go to get the fastest possible intro to photoshopping? Think I recall you mentioning that you'd taken a course in this earlier. Thanks!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

R.I.P. Ladybug :(

Anonymous said...

THese are lovely!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Gail even at your so called worst days you manage to capture the most stunning images. Poor ladybug incredible image. AWESOME hug B

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shots, despite the heat.

DJ GlenMC said...

Beautiful photos

Kathy said...

Great photos as usual! Re: our Southern temps. We finally had a cool spell just last night. It was 39 when I ventured outside this morning to pick up our paper (which wasn't there, by the way) and take out yesterday's trash. You're probably having some of the same today.

EG CameraGirl said...

WOW! So much beauty at this time of year!

hootnonny said...

Such beautiful color and texture and shapes! I've never before seen a long-tailed skipper!

TexWisGirl said...

wow! these are fabulous! thanks for risking frizzy hair to get these. i can attest cooler temps have hit texas. 37 this morning and frost on the roof. :)

the shot of the assassin bug with the stabbed ladybug is awesome, really!

Karen said...

An hour well spent! These are gorgeous!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Wonderful images. Nature has a cruelty about it,but each species must do what they were intended to in order to live.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Too funny about warning the beetle! :-) Great shots, too!

Rachel said...

Poor little ladybug! I love them! Stunning photos, so colourful and vibrant :-)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

You got more wonderful pictures in an hour than many of us do in a week! Beautiful flowers, and I am in awe of your "bug" captures. Fabulous. Hope you got some cooler weather.

Chatty Crone said...

God's paintbrush and your photo efforts of it.]

How in the world did you get the bug eating the lady bug.

Awesome.
sandie

eileeninmd said...

Lovely colors and beautiful images. Your photos are amazing!

renae said...

Gail!

I must tell you that what you shared regarding Baby Z touched me deeply. I cried with mercy and gratitude when I read it and re-read it. Thank you so much.

I have a photo of him on my blog now. If his chest if cleared of fluid he can go home tomorrow (Friday). If not, 48 more hours in nicu. He is a little champ already.

Thank you dear friend! ♥

Kerry said...

It's pretty wet out here in Oregon too.
Gail, these shots are SO great. I'm also feeling bad for the ladybug. Dang, they're so cute, how could anybody assassinate them?

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Wonderful shots, Gail! Love the candelabra/candy-cane flower. Assassin bugs have to eat, too. That was a real life-and-death-drama shot. Terrific macros of the cucumber beetle and the skipper, too.

Brian King said...

It was certainly worth the trip! Short outings can be very productive. These are beautiful! The ladybug and assassin bug have similar coloration.

Wally Jones said...

The colors you captured are as hot as the weather!

Great shots of the insects!

Beautiful post all the way around, Gail!

Hootin Anni said...

Once again, stunning!!! And I'm glad you warned the cucumber beetle of the assassin bug.

OH, and heat and humidity. Finally, it has left us. Hope you're getting the coolness we received in the weather pattern.

Love the candelabra plant. Kinda a menorah style.

Suzan said...

BEAUTIFUL shots Gail!! It's a jungle out there in a Bug's World!! I'm afraid I'd pinch me an assassin bug when it comes to a lady bug!!

Unknown said...

Well my friend all I have to say is great job with your camera. These are all amazing. Even though I feel bad for the ladybug that is one cool shot. I do hope you get cooler weather soon..

Hugs~

Donna said...

Love that first plant...amazing your weather is still so warm.

Pallavi said...

Such vivid pictures Gail . Each one is so spectacular. Loved the pagoda flower. So pretty :)