God's Handiwork

Before the heat and humidity zapped my will to live, I was able to spend about an hour at the local arboretum on the 26th of June. With sweat dripping into my eyes and soaking wet clothes, I know I looked a fright. Nearby were a few photographers planning a wedding reception with a bride, and every now and then they looked my way. I must've looked like some crazy lady as I scoured the plants for bugs, inspecting leaves with my readers, groping through tall stalks, kneeling on the pond's edge. Yes, I was ashamed at how awful I looked, but I kept my head down as much as possible, not only to avoid their pitiful stares, but also to at least come away with a few decent shots. Okay, enough babbling. Here is my offering to you today...

All I know is that this is from a magnolia tree. Sadly, I have no idea if it's a bud or a spent bloom.

I love this photo despite the fact that it's not technically correct in many ways,
but because I kept thinking how wonderful it would be if my world was a flower petal
and how lucky this little fella was to have such a wonderful space in which to live and explore.

Some type of beetle I think. I watched him climb from the bottom of the stalk all the way to the top.
I was like, "You GO, little dude!" Not out loud, though. The people there already thought I was not right in the head.

I don't think this creature appreciated me peeking in on him.

Finally! I was able to see two damselflies mating.
I have waited several years to witness this beautiful spectacle.

Uncropped--resized for blog.
When I first noticed this from a distance I thought it was a stick shaped like a heart. Then "it" flew off.
I'm sorry to say I violated the ethical codes of wildlife by stalking these two lovers. They finally got used to my presence
and stayed still on one leaf, so perhaps they weren't too traumatized by the paparazzo! lol

The storm clouds were gathering so I had to leave. I would have fainted eventually anyway.
Saw the arboretum fence and thought I'd better get the shot for Tex's Good Fences meme since I don't know
when I'll be able to get back outside again.

The beauty, diversity and complexity of our world astounds me, always. Yes, I complain frequently about the weather conditions, yet I always come away from these nature outings convinced of a creator, the one true God.

Romans 1:20 (CEV)

God’s eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made...

I wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July in the States! Double D and I will be attending a barbecue at my aunt and uncle's camp on the bayou.

Please click the photo to take you to the link-up and enjoy
fences from around the world.

Also linking with sweet Eileen at

Saturday's Critters!

Come join the fun. :)

Civil War Cemetery and Collection

I found this in my Draft folder, completely forgotten. Not sure why I never posted this from last year, so Veterans Day seemed a good day to publish it. Many prayers and thanks to our military!!! God bless them.

My dad and I visited this civil war cemetery located in Magnolia, MS sometime last year.

Processed with Pioneer Woman's "Heartland" action

It seems odd that flowers were placed here since this soldier has been dead for 150 years.
Perhaps they blew over from another grave.
Processed with Coffee Shop's Vanilla Bakery Glaze action.

This is a small sampling of my dad's Civil War collection. The collection has grown since I last took these photos, so I need to go back and document the new pieces.

My dad actually eats with this spoon. He likes the idea that someone with the initials O.E.F. actually used it 150 years ago.

Same with the fork.

Proudly posing with some of his antique rifles.

An actual bullet that struck the handle of the rifle during the Civil War. 

See the piece of flint in the thingamajig? It somehow created a spark which fired the gun. I'm sure I explained that perfectly. :)

Not sure if this is a Civil War era knife, but it's kind of cool.
Daddy decorated it himself by painting the handle
and adding the tiger eye.

Hummers of Magnolia

I don't know what my stepmom puts in her hummingbird nectar, but she has the largest population of hummingbirds I've ever seen. At one time I counted 17 hummers, but I think there are more. The buzzing is so loud, you'd swear there was a swarm of bees nearby. They're difficult little creatures to photograph, but I tried! Photographed 9/25 and 9/26 in Magnolia, MS.

Time to skedaddle! There's the photographer lady.

Although they squabble occasionally, these are a pretty friendly crew.

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.

My Beautiful Autumn

We had so much fun visiting with my daughter and her boyfriend. We picked them up at New Orleans International Airport, hit the French Quarter immediately after, and never stopped to take a breath. Loved every single minute! No, cherished. Okay, loved and cherished. Since they left, I've been hitting the stores trying to get ready for my trip to Dallas tomorrow. I really wanted see our other kids and grandkids before Christmas and hand deliver their goodies. Whew doggies, I am one tired mama.

At Pat O'Briens (iPhone shot)
I love this girl. She is so much like my mother: gracious, kind and loving.

On the river, New Orleans (iPhone)
Jason is a sweetheart and takes very good care of my girl.

My daughter and our precious little cousin, Brody (iPhone)

Jason & Autumn on top the levee, across the street from my grandparents' property.
She used to always tease me for buying wedge heels and look what she's wearing! Haha
Sunshine, Louisiana

My dad, Autumn & Jason
Magnolia, MS

Planning to make blog rounds tonight after dinner. I've missed everyone!