Rocking Sunset

On our second trip to Madisonville my sole purpose was to photograph the gulls, pelicans, and terns. Countless times I have gone out with my camera for a specific purpose and ended up with something completely different and unexpected. Being a "go with the flow" type person comes in handy in these situations.

We didn't plan to stay long this day, but as the sun lowered, we sensed something special on the horizon. It started off subtly and continued to build in intensity like a good rock song—think Stairway To Heaven. Pointing my lens in different directions at different times produced an array of results and displays of color. It was a magical afternoon for a photographer. I'll never forget this day as long as I live. My camera and current skill set don't do it justice.

This post is dedicated to my loving daughter, Autumn, who GOT ENGAGED LAST NIGHT! Her ring is stunning, but the best part is she has an amazing man that treats her like a queen. Congratulations my dear, sweet girl! You and Jason are perfect for one another. I can't wait to help plan your special day. Love with all my heart, Mom.

Linking to Weekend Reflections and Skywatch Friday.

Autumn on the Lakes

On December 1st, Double D and I found ourselves with a too-quiet house and a little leisure time on our hands. He asked where I'd like to go, and after a brief discussion, decided on LSU Lakes to see the pelicans. We only saw one lone pelican lounging with the cormorants, but that was okay because I chased a tri-colored heron all over the place and photographed some fall foliage. The heron will have its own post. Or two, or three. :) Stay tuned!

A golf ball landed in the water right as I took this shot.
I hope it takes your eye off the big white light post; I was too lazy to clone it out.

More of the golf course

I'd love to have one of these homes on the water. Actually, a shack would do just fine if I had this view.

Right at dusk I spied a wood duck floating peacefully on the water.

Thank you all very much for your kind and generous comments. I so appreciate the time you take to share your thoughts with me!

The Rural Life

The St. Gabriel, LA area (actually Sunshine) is where my maternal grandparents lived and where I spent many of my formative years. It's located about 15 miles south of Baton Rouge. Whenever I'm feeling lonely or melancholy, I often take long drives there, sometimes remembering days of my youth, or simply to clear my head.

Below are photos from one of my drives on 3/31/13. First stop is usually St. Gabriel Cemetery to visit my mom, sister, and grandparents.

I took two different versions of this statue and couldn't decide which one to post.
So you get both. :)

Following along River Road I make frequent stops. As I'm driving, the levee is on the driver's side, and opposite are homes and pastures. Since Hurricane Katrina, Baton Rouge has become a little too crowded, and with the increase in crime, many are building very nice homes in rural areas such as St. Gabriel; however, I prefer the more rural structures. The unassuming, unpretentious life is how I was raised, and I hope that never changes.

I so wanted to get on the other side of this barn, but I was relegated to one view.

An enormous ditch and a barbed wire fence kept me from crossing over to get more shots.

As a youngster I ate meat from my grandparents' cattle and vegetables from their garden.
Maybe that's why I was so healthy.

Levee with an unusually large patch of grass below.

A unique live oak tree that looks like it's been knocked down by a hurricane or two.
Despite its challenges, it's still growing and thriving. Kind of like me!

I have updated my About Me page; the last paragraph in particular. Check it out if you have time.

Mostly Macros

Still cleaning out my hard drive. I plan to take as many photos in 2014 (Lord willing) and my Mac is getting a little full—kinda like me on Thanksgiving Day. Time to purge and make room! Photos taken in July and August, 2013.

Edited to add: Common Housefly
Thanks, Linda, for asking!

This bottle fly is either eating something or about to deposit an egg sac.

Is this an immature grackle? Not sure.

Assassin bug eating a bottle fly.

Mealybug. Cute like a poodle, but deadly for plants. :/

Cute little jumping spider. 

Monarch caterpillar?
Black swallowtail - thanks, Kim!

Linking with Our World Tuesday.

Snowy Snack

On November 20, I rode out to LSU Lakes hoping to spot more of the pelicans. Their migration became a news item as it slowed traffic on I-10, drivers gawking at the sheer numbers. This day, they were somewhere else, but I happened upon a congregation* of snowy egrets. I got a few random shots, but not what I wanted, so I packed it in to continue the pelican search elsewhere. As I drove away, a snowy was intently watching the water, so I pulled over on the shoulder as far as possible, put the emergency flashers on, climbed in the passenger seat, and rested the lens on the window ledge of the car door. Something told me I was about to see this one in action.

Boom! It happened so fast! This was taken four shots after the one above.

I thought he'd scarf the fish down right away, but he climbed higher on the log and turned around as if
to show all the other egrets his prize.

Burp!

*Collective nouns for egrets are: congregation; heronry; RSVP; skewer; wedge. I find the names for groups of birds interesting.

Sharing with I'd Rather B Birdin'
Thank you, sweet Anni!

Participating in Saturday's Critters
Thank you, Eileen!