Horses and miscellany

It's been so hot and windy here lately that I haven't photographed anything worthy to share. I've been wanting to show you my agapanthus, but the wind is wreaking havoc with their portraits. The heat really zaps me. I wilt like a piece of lettuce over a pot of hot water. Perhaps my trip to Portland will inspire me. I'm leaving Thursday, so this will likely be my only post this week. I have a lot left to do to get ready, plus dealing with some family drama, so I'll try to catch up with y'all next week. Be good and stay safe. My heart is heavy for those affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and the Midwest. :(

Below are some shots from the archives.

Look at those crazy eyes. I felt sorry for this horse as I hate to see animals cooped up in stalls or cages.
You can see where he's chewed the front of his stall. 

Different horse, same stables, April

South Baton Rouge along River Road, April (iPhone)

Wild berries, Bluebonnet Swamp, April

Baby starling, early May

Baby downy woodpecker having trouble negotiating the fence.
Mama Cardinal seemed to be saying "Where's your mama?"

American robin, Baton Rouge State Capitol, April

Choose Mother Nature

On Saturday Double D and I took an afternoon stroll around the State Capitol and its surrounding lakes and grounds. Rain is predicted for the rest of the week, so it was imperative to take advantage of the pleasant weather. I'm so glad Double D is down with all this nature stuff because it would make me sad if I could not share my passion for flora and fauna with him. We saw so many groovy things on our walk. Come see!

Robins were in abundance.

The scent from the rose garden was heavenly.

This cedar tree reminded me of something from Van Gogh's paint brush.

Squirrel nibbling on a late afternoon snack.

I came across this sign and thought it would make a good title for my post.

Nutria swimming. I love the psychedelic blue and silver swirls in the water. Groovy, right?

A young hawk perched in the shade of an oak tree about 10 feet from where I sat. Stunned, I watched
as he clumsily went after a blue jay. A big brouhaha ensued. Naturally, the blue jay went ballistic, warning
all the birds within a mile radius. As quickly as it started it also ended, with everyone settled down and back
into their normal routines, going about their business as though nothing ever happened.

A type of magnolia. If anyone knows the type, please share.

Nutria and her baby. There were three babies total, but they would not come together for a family portrait. :)

On a more serious note, the nutria population is damaging the Louisiana coastline (and other coasts) to a significant degree.
If you're interested, more information can be read here.

Thank you for blessing me with your visits and comments; they truly brighten my day!

Sharing with Our World Tuesday.

UPDATE: Thanks so much to Hilary, of The Smitten Image for selecting this post in her Phine Photography category! It's always an honor to be chosen. Please visit Hilary's blog and the other POTW recipients.

Gifts of an avian nature

For the last month I have been under the spiritual direction of my 2nd cousin, Sister Cynthia, a beloved nun for over fifty years. With her encouragement I am becoming more comfortable with who I am, how I relate to God, and how God relates to me. One of the ways God and I "talk" to each other is through creation. I continue to marvel at God's handiwork!

I realize the tufted titmouse is a common sight in many areas, but we don't often see this little cutie. Score!
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 1/20/13

A bright and happy cardinal
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 1/20/13

Not the clearest shot, but my first ever sighting of an American Goldfinch in this area
Hilltop Arboretum, 1/17/13

Common yes, but my first sighting of a robin this year. Spring is around the corner!
Lake Martin, 1/19/13

Anhinga drying his wings at Lake Martin, 1/19/13

Mockingbird among the berries, Lake Martin, 1/19/13

And now for my exciting encounter! All the rain that I moaned and complained about resulted in something really special. The park I used to frequent as a teenager is currently under a foot of water due to all the rain. Hundreds of White Ibis made a stop-over a few days ago and they're still there. My first time ever seeing this bird in our area. Another score! A big thanks to my bff, Michelle, for scoping this out! I love you little snowflake. :) In the next few days I hope to put up more photos since I have several shots of them flying.

French Kiss texture paper

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