Fog Horn Needed

It seems this January has been especially full of dreary, rainy, and foggy days. I have decided since those days seem to never end, I'd better just go out and take advance of the fresh air!

If you look close enough you'll find a little bright color in the drab winter colors. There always seems to be dead limbs and branches scattered about and most of those have fascinating lichen growing on them. I saw a quote from "Braiding Sweetgrass" written by Robin Wall Kimmerer.  She states that  "when you find lichens, you know you’re breathing the purest air. Pay attention when it departs." If that's true, our air must be pretty good!

I love how the inside of a small acorn is such a pretty orange. Thanks to the squirrels for cracking them and letting me see the inside!

I know it's not one of the prettiest colors, but I love shades of earthy brown. This fruit from the sycamore tree is about one and one-half inches across. Look how much detail there is and how many shades of brown. And, that stem, be still my heart . . . I love it!

When the burr-like fruit matures, it bursts open revealing many small seed-like fruits with fuzzy hair-like structures attached. Their lightness allows the wind and birds, as well as water, to carry the seeds far away. A friend of mine mentioned this looks like a makeup brush. That's true!

You know, the dark colors of fog and winter are not too bad. They lend a sense of mystery and intrigue. On the other hand, I need sunshine a little more often. I wish I had kept a record of how many days this month we've seen sun, but I didn't. I just know the days have been few!

Sunshine or Fog

I was having trouble deciding whether to post about sunshine or fog. During the winter months more than any other time, weather is a key factor in my photography. Don't get me wrong! I love winter, but it is a hard time to get good photos because there are so many days of bad light! So, how about I post sunny pictures today and post foggy pictures tomorrow.

I thought I'd show the sunshine first since that's been the rarity! With the sunshine we've had some rather warm days, not like winter at all. I think those days have confused the spring flowers! My Japanese Fringe Flower bush is blooming and that's not a good thing! It's definitely a spring bloomer. I'm afraid the colder nights in the forcast will freeze these delicate blooms.

I also found jonquils in the woods that were already pushing their blades through the pine needles. They're hardy. They'll probably be all right.

The bright sun was casting lots of shadows. I especially liked it shining through this pretty leaf showing off it's textures and colors.

My favorite photo of the day was of one of my favorite subjects . . . mushrooms! Isn't this little mushroom beautiful with the light shining through it? Seriously, what little fairy wouldn't want to live under this delightful roof!

Sometimes I have one of those "oops" moments with my camera; the moment when you click the shutter accidentally. Usually those pictures are only good for the trash can, but this one . . . I really liked it. The colors were bright and the movement reminded me of the breeze that was blowing.

Now, a little funny! I thing ET is living in my neighborhood! At least, I see him, do you? I hope so, cause otherwise you'd probably think I'm a little silly! I love to find things in nature that make me smile and this one certainly made me smile!

As long as we're talking about the neighborhood, Buzz Lightyear lives in the woods behind the house. He's been there several years and seems quite content to stay. Years out in the weather doesn't seem to bother him.

I hope you've found a little sunshine lately! I hope you get out in nature and find things that make you smile! On winter days even the birds singing can make you smile. Happy rest of winter to you!

"An hour of winter day might seem too short."

~ Robert Frost

A Tribute to my Dad

Hollis Ray Hardin

March 10, 1929 - January 6, 2020

I’ve been thinking of ways to describe my dad. He was humorous, he never met a stranger, he could do just about anything he tried, and he loved to tease. If you were to meet him, most likely he’d have you smiling within a few minutes. He called everyone ornery. In fact, on his last day I asked him if he knew who I was. He said “you’re my ornery daughter!” I told him I learned to be ornery from the orneriest person I know. He smiled! I smiled!

He was a handsome man with dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes that always had a mischievous twinkle in them. I can see why my mother fell for him.

When my dad could no longer walk and transfer himself, we had to move him to a care facility. Even though no one wants to be in a care facility, my dad was accepting of his new home.  He spent a lot of time sitting looking out the front window at a busy highway. Many residents and staff members knew he didn’t like yellow cars, that there were more white and black cars than any other color, and that he wanted a three-wheel motorcycle (he pronounced it motorsickle.)

The second day dad was at the facility, I pushed him into the dining room and introduced him to a few people. “This is my dad. His name is Hollis Hardin.” One lady from across the room yelled “we know who he is, he’s the ice cream man!” My dad loved to eat ice cream and by the second day several residents and staff knew it!

He also loved his hot chocolate. As an Alzheimer’s patient he didn’t always know to ask for things he needed, but hot chocolate was the exception. One day I was watching through a window as he ate his meal. If I went into the dining room he would stop eating, so I always waiting for him to finish. Anyway, with a very loud and gruff voice he yelled “hot chocolate!” I couldn’t believe that was my dad! That was the first time I'd heard him yell in years and then he only yelled at his hunting dogs. One day he had several residents in the dining room yelling with him. I thought there might be a hot chocolate riot!

When I visited him, I only planned to stay a few minutes but I always stayed much longer. It was very relaxing sitting there with him, watching the cars go by, listening to his stories once again, and trying to make him laugh or smile.

I’m grateful for the last months I had with my dad. I will always treasure those times. My dad is now in a much better place. He’s in Heaven with his Lord, my mom, and a host of other relatives and friends. I miss him! I miss him a lot, but I know he’s so very happy and full of joy!

First Day Hike

New Year's Day dawned cold, damp, and windy. Not exactly the kind of day I'd pick for hiking, but since I wanted to participate in the state park's "First Day Hike" I braved the weather and headed to Pinnacle Mountain State park

Now, before you say "oh, you should never hike alone" let me explain. I was alone in a park with many, many others. So full in fact, that I had to park in the overflow parking area. It was so good to see families and groups out enjoying our state parks!

And, for those of you who know Pinnacle Mountain and it's trails, I did not climb the mountain!! Since I've been a little under the weather since Christmas I choose the Kingfisher Trail that is paved and flat. It winds beside the Maumelle River with large cypress trees, which I love! I walked the trail twice. I find that if I turn around and walk the way I came I see so many things I missed. To be honest I'll probably never climb the mountain trails again. My knees are just too old!!

It's damp in this wetland area, which creates great surfaces for lichen to grow. I didn't notice this log until I was on my way out. There's the reason for turning around and rewalking the trail.

I heard a small airplane in the distance and happened to look up. At first I thought he might be having trouble as black smoke pillowed from the tail area. Then I noticed he was doing tricks, rolling and spiraling. He was gone for a while and then came back right over the mountain top. I snapped this picture, but wished I'd been just a little more patient, because he drew a heart shape over the mountain with his smoke! So cool, but my camera wasn't quick enough to get the whole heart.

As I mentioned. I parked in the overflow parking area. I've never been on that road before. As I was turning into the area, I noticed this pretty red barn. Who knew!! I've been coming to Pinnacle Mountains for years and just a few yards down a different road and I spot something new! My first surprise of the year!

Even though it was cold, it was a great day to get out and enjoy nature! We are so blessed with nature's beauty in Arkansas.

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I wanted to take a minute to thank each of you who stop by here, read my words, and look at the pictures I share. A couple of posts ago I mentioned that I wasn't sure I'd continue this blog. Your thoughts on my blog overwhelmed me! I am so grateful to have such a wonderful group of friends who drop by!

I do like to blog, I do like to share my pictures, and of course, I do love to read your comments. But, even without the encouraging comments I would have decided to continue. I like my space here. I'm still thinking on how often I'll blog and what I'll be blogging about.

Anyway, once again thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and friendship!

Happy New Year to each of you!

May this year bring you joy and be full of wonderful memories!