Weekend in Review

Howdy y'all! This post should have gone up on Monday, but I'm having quite the time getting my rear in gear. These are some things I saw last weekend. Hope you enjoy!

Port Allen, LA⎯Friday, Nov 7th

"Friday Night Lights" with my friend, Bridget. We (she) drove across the river to Port Allen where we watched tugboats
and ships go by. B taught me a few tricks I didn't know and I think it has reignited my love for photography.
The State Capitol is on the left. I kept seven photos out of 103, so I might post a few more at a later date.

 Capitol Lakes⎯Saturday, Nov 8th

American Coot.
Out of 200+ shots, I kept this one and the one below. I have gotten very cut-throat on what I toss and what I keep.

A little fall color, finally.

 Madisonville, LA⎯Sunday, Nov 9th

Brown Pelican, Louisiana State Bird

I first shot this couple surreptitiously from the back. Ha! Then I got the nerve to ask permission.

They were so cool about me shooting them. The girl reminded me of my good friend, Jo, from high school.
The vocals and guitar work were really good.

 Mandeville, LA⎯Sunday, Nov 9th

Small beach on Lake Pontchartrain at Fountainebleau State Park.
Debbie from It's All About Purple inspired me to take some timed couple shots!

I hope to post again on Friday to get back into my Monday, Wednesday, Friday routine.

Linking with

Thanks, Anni!

More Madisonville

Love. This. Place. First week of November, Madisonville, Louisiana.

Double D says HI!
We don't know what this structure is, but we plan to go back and have a picnic.

Linking with Our World Tuesday. (Sorry it's being posted on Wednesday, but I can't get my act together, and the holidays have me a little grumpy).

Okhissa Lake

With 39 miles of shoreline, Okhissa Lake is a fairly new fishing destination in Mississippi. Located in the southwestern area of the state, it is a 1500 acre lake built by the U.S. National Forest Service. Work began on the lake in 1999 with the laying of 10,000 tons of lime at the lake's bottom. Since stocking it with Florida bass, bluegill, redear bream and catfish, the lake has continued to flourish and produce some of the largest fish in the area. Record 10 lb. catfish and 12 lb. bass have been recorded.

My dad and I thought we'd try it out and planned this outing for November 19th, about a week in advance. On the day we arrived, the wind was blowing out of the north with temps in the upper 30s. My dad had purchased 4 packages of night crawlers and a pound of shrimp. We fished at four different locations and did not have one nibble. I felt bad that 8 worms lost their lives for no good reason. My saving grace was bringing my camera. I told my dad the drive out was worth it just to see all the fall color.

Okhissa Lake is part of the Homochitto (HOME-ah-CHITTAH) National Forest which comprises 191,839 acres

Linking to Skywatch Friday. Thanks, hosts!!!

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!

Stop the presses!

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for a special announcement: IT'S FALL, Y'ALL! The post which was scheduled for today has been delayed in order to bring you our fall color; otherwise, you would be seeing these shots late in December. I can't dance, but I'm doing a happy jig right now. I'm thrilled to finally see real fall colors, even if it's scattered here and there. These were taken on W. Lakeshore Dr. on the LSU campus, November 14.

Chinese tallow tree

Snowy egret on a bald cedar

The wind was kicking up quite a bit, so I know this is not in complete focus, but I was hoping someone
could help identify this tree. Since I took this shot last week, all these trees are completely red now.
UPDATE: Using an app called Leafsnap, I was able to identify this as a Willow Oak!

I will be in Mississippi fishing at Lake Okhissa today, so I'll catch up when I return. Y'all have a good one!

Linking with Our World Tuesday.

Flora and Fauna, Part II

Leftover fall foliage, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

Dried grass, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/23/13

Unknown blooms, Tickfaw State Park, 1/26/13

Glistening pine needles, Tickfaw State Park, 1/26/13

Calliope Hummingbird, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/2/13
I've been waiting to get a clearer shot, but I've not seen him since and may not again. Sigh.

View of eagles' nest from atop the levee. Notice the red barge floating behind the trees. 2/2/13

Northern Cardinal, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13

Wildflowers among the cypress, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, 1/27/13

Wildflowers, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/1/13

American Goldfinch, Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

Purple Finch (immature or female), Bluebonnet Swamp, 1/25/13

On another note (but still somewhat in the fauna category), I'd like to wish my little Sparky a happy birthday. Ten years ago today he was presented as a lost stray at the emergency vet clinic while I was working there. We immediately locked eyes, then souls, and have been connected ever since. He's about 11 or 12 now and the effects of old age are starting to slow him down. Spark Plug, I love you. You're my sweet little monkey and always will be.

Please visit Madge and her wonderful meme. Thanks for hosting!