Good Day, Sunshine!

It's hard to believe that on November 2nd I was sweating while photographing winged things at the arboretum, since most of us are experiencing record-setting cold temperatures this week. As I age, it gets harder and harder for my body to retain heat. Thyroid disease doesn't help matters. It took much effort to get off the couch where I was so comfy with my blankets and heating pad to prepare this post. I'm not complaining, mind you. I much prefer the cold to the sweltering heat. But that's just me.

Before we really get into winter and holiday mode, I thought I should share these images.

Gulf Fritillary

Gulf Fritillary

Checkered Skipper

Unknown bee

Unknown insect

If all goes as planned, Bridget and I are set to photograph horses at a ranch not far from town this morning. I'm so glad the frigid temps are starting to abate. I hope it is for you also. Take care and have a great weekend!

Cat Island

Last Saturday my friend B and I were excited to visit a place new to both of us: Cat Island--a 10,000+ acre NWR (National Wildlife Refuge) located near historic St. Francisville, LA. From January - July most of the area is under water, so we were worried that we might not be able to cross a couple of the one-lane bridges leading into the preserve. But we decided early in the day that this would be an adventure and treated the day as such. Bravely (trepidatiously?) we entered the refuge, and although I spent most of the day swerving to avoid pot holes, it was dry.

We arrived at our destination around 8:30AM, so the heat/humidity weren't oppressive. Yet. We were prepared with snacks and drinks, but I was unprepared for the amount of sweat that would drench me in such a short time. Thankfully, B had an extra cloth to lend me so I could mop my face. I had so much fun with B and I hope we get to do more exploring together. It's so wonderful to have a nature-lovin', photog bud.

Checkered skipper

Bee on "sensitive plant." I haven't seen one of these since I was a child.
The leaves look like small ferns that close up when you touch them.
Next time I'll get the leaves in the shot. B's is so much better than mine.

Butterflies were landing on us right and left.

B photographing the inside of a large cypress.
Is she dressed for success or what? I've got to get a vest like that.
There are so many pockets for all sorts of goodies!

This Bald Cypress is the largest tree of any species east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The massive base splits off into two trunks and is 56' in circumference, 83' tall,
and is thought to be about 1,000 years old. Maybe even 1,500 years old!
A viewing platform was constructed around the tree to protect it.
A very nice article can be found here.

B has all kinds of neat camera stuff. See that strap? I've got to get one. Also, she has a clip-on
thingy that holds the lens cap. Since I keep losing my lens caps, this is another must-have.

B noticed this scary spider as we were leaving the big cypress. Yikes!

White Ibis with a leaf stuck to his bill.

Cemetery gate in St. Franisville, LA
More of our afternoon there in a future post, which includes exploring an open crypt!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Thanks to Tex for hosting the fun Good Fences meme!

Also, many thanks to Anni for


And Stewart for

LINK

Almost forgot to add Eileen's. Thank you!!

LINK

Quick Clicks and an Update

My dad and I have logged two fishing trips so far; both of them in the same week. Fun, fun, fun! Although I enjoyed my time fishing, I also wished to wander the beautiful fields with my camera.  Out of the corner of my eye I could see small flying things begging to be photographed. I managed to sneak in one photography session on the second day before my dad could protest or do an eye roll.

I *think* this is a checkered skipper

Look at the long tan antenna on this grasshopper! Is he trying to contact Mars?

Loved the detail of the wings and legs. Nature is fascinating!

Update: At the end of September, I was informed that Cracker Barrel did not choose my photo to sell in their stores. They gave no reason, but my liaison told me that they never give a reason for why or why not, but they buy often. She said eventually we will hit upon the right image at the right time. Although slightly disappointed, I was a bit relieved since the image was not one of my favorites. They were kind enough to send me a 10x15 museum wrapped canvas print.

Just a note to all of you who post photos to a site like Flickr: Be sure to use tags! This is how all of my work has been discovered. Even putting the main color as a tag is helpful since some folks are looking for specific colors. The buyer of Cracker Barrel was looking for coral pieces. Hope this information helps someone else!