Fishing

Last week, my dad and I made spur-of-the-moment plans to fish at a private pond near his house. I drove up the day before and spent the night. We arose early the next morning and headed out. The day was PERFECT! Low humidity, mild temps (for the end of July), and a gorgeous setting. We were blessed. The sunburn I got wasn't a blessing, but a lesson learned for next time.

My dad setting up shop.

An Eastern Kingbird.

Daddy's first catch: a pretty bream (or perch...same thing).

Finally I caught one, too!

Side view of my prize. I was able to reuse the worm for another fish!

An Eastern Amberwing kept trying to perch on my line. I'm probably the only fisherwoman with
a huge camera and lens on her lap. The owner drove by in his four-wheeler and admired my gear.
He was so nice and I thanked him repeatedly for letting us come onto his property and fish.

My first bass!! Daddy said I was lucky to get it because the hook was meant for the smaller bream.
I told him I had just been standing there thanking God for the beautiful day when this fish tugged on my line.
He doesn't believe such things, but I felt compelled to share it with him anyway.

A pair of Eastern Amberwings hovering.

All totaled we caught twelve bream and one bass. Daddy caught most of the bream, but I had the grand prize and bragging rights of the bass. Next time we're going to fish with artificial lures. Worms and crickets are too messy and make me queasy. Daddy didn't seem to mind hooking them for me, but I felt bad that he did all the dirty work.

Before leaving we stopped at the pottery shop that the couple owns. We wanted to buy something to show our appreciation. I chose a beautiful round plate in green with a leaf embossed in the center. Daddy bought it for me which was very nice. He made me feel very loved on this visit, telling me how proud he was of my catches and my photography and how much he loves me. I'm very grateful to have these nice new memories to replace some of the old, unpleasant ones. My younger years were wrought with pain after my sister's death at age 3, and my dad didn't really enter my life until I was in my late teens. He paid child support, but I guess because he worked odd hours as a policeman, I didn't see him much. Anyway, it's never too late. One just needs an open mind and forgiving heart. God has graciously given me that.

Thanks, Anni!

Thanks Tex!

Garden Visitor

A couple weeks ago this little turtle found his way into my flower bed. After admiring him for a few minutes I ran inside to grab my camera, then remembered some carrot pieces in the fridge. My mama always taught me to offer food and drinks to any visitors. By the way, I offered a cold glass of water to the plumber and he threw in the camera scope for free; a $300 value. He actually told me that was why he did it. Remember that, kids! Anyway, I said to my visitor, "Look, I'll take your photo and here's some carrots. Deal?" Well, he was not impressed. I read later that these turtles are carnivores. Live and learn!

Focus on the eye

Focus on the scaly arm. Wish I could've gotten focus on the eye, too.

"I'm outta here! Buh-bye! Thanks for nothin' lady."

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Our World Tuesday

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

Jeremiah

Greetings to you on this fine Monday! Whew doggies, I am beat from the events of this past weekend. I'll update you all once I catch my breath. I went from being depressed with nothing to do, to running from one thing to the other. Good company + good family time + good food=GREAT!

This frog was my big find last Sunday on our impromptu trip to Lake Martin. All year long I have wished for a frog to shoot and finally, after 7 months of waiting, I got one. If a stranger walking by hadn't pointed him out, I never would have noticed him. I'm fairly certain that this is a bullfrog. If I'm wrong, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thanks to all of you who said prayers and/or expressed concern for my daughter and her fiancee's safe travels to England. They made it just fine, though a little travel-weary. But they are having a super time! Facebook pics below of the "hen party." My daughter is in the red dress and the bride is in the black dress with cap sleeves. Best friends since middle school.

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Our World Tuesday

Have a Heart

Or several. :)

I promise I won't bore y'all with the horrid details of our plumbing disaster yesterday. Just suffice it to say that one doesn't truly appreciate the value of functional plumbing until it malfunctions and sewage ends up in your tubs and shower. What a helpless feeling! The problem? Tree roots growing into the line. I love our trees, but I have to admit I was ready to call an arborist to cut them down. At least the ones next to the house.

Trying to put the plumbing nightmare behind me and get ready for our fun weekend. Starting today we have a full schedule with two days in Vacherie, LA with family, and one day in St. Francisville with a sweet friend.

I'm hoping that next week will settle down so I can get back into the blogging routine. A few days ago I was depressed and lonely, and now my cup runneth over. Feast or famine! That's the way my life seems to unravel.

If any of you are prayer warriors, please say one for my daughter and her fiancee who are both flying to London today for a wedding. With all the planes gone missing or bombed lately, this mama is a tad nervous.

Enjoy the weekend and I'll catch back up with you on Monday!