I know If you're like me you're spending a great deal more time at home that you used to. I really don't mind staying home, but I do miss my friends, occasional lunches out, and wandering with my sister and sister-in-law.
I don't want to become a couch potato or in my case a recliner potato, so every day I try to spend time outdoors. That's a little hard right now due to the heat. Like today it's 95 degrees and feels like 104! The only comfortable place to be is sitting on the bench in my shade garden or sitting in my swing under a big shade tree. If I swing fast enough it does create a breeze and makes the temperatures tolerable.
Anyway, as I sat outside today, I couldn't help but smile. I love being in nature and discovering nature's delights. I thought I would share a few delights that I found the last few weeks. Since there's several, I'll keep the words short and you can just enjoy!
Jerry cut the lower branches off our Juniper tree so he could mow under it better. I'm fascinated with the shadows the branches now create. It's almost like I'm looking underground at the root system.
Then there's this tree! He just doesn't make me smile, he makes me laugh out loud. He looks like he's trying to tell me his split branches are giving him a splitting headache!
I spotted a turtle trying to blend in with the rock wall. He wasn't doing too well, but I didn't tell him!
In the hot afternoons there are so many dragonflies dancing around. They surprise me, they're not really afraid to have their picture taken. I was pretty close to this one. Maybe they just freeze in fear!
I really had to look close to spot this baby inch worm. He was tiny, really tiny!
Of course, I can always find mushrooms that make me smile!
And the feathers! They are all over the yard. Makes me wonder if the birds are going to have any left!
I planted sweet potato vines in two big black pots that I have. I love how the colors blend so well together.
When it's too hot to walk around and find nature's delights, I just sit and marvel at the many shades of green in the woods.
I'm glad you stopped by!
I hope you're doing well.
Maybe you could spend a few minutes outdoors
and see what delights you find.
I assure you, with a little practce in looking closely,
you'll be finding things to smile about.
Lovely photos of your observations in nature, Cathy. As you know, I share your love of all these things. I do love the shadow of the branches of the tree looking like roots. I also marvel at the details of the dragonfly on your macro and that bright green inch worm!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, we haven't had a heatwave yet this summer and I rather like the changeable weather as it's never hot for too many days!
When it is hot, I get up and out extra early to do my walking. It's not quite 6 am right now and I'm going to get ready to go down to the lake nice and early. Have a lovely week!
Thank you, Sandra. It's 6:30 and I'm about to head out to walk. I drive over to a small park that has a walking trail that is mostly shaded. Usually I never see anyone, but sometimes there will be one or two walking. It's a long circular trail so we can spread out nicely. I hope you have a nice week, too!
DeleteLovely photos and what a pretty garden to enjoy, even in the heat.
ReplyDeleteLovely finds and photos. I enjoyed seeing each one. Amazing how translucent the inch worm is and those golden amanita mushrooms are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow there is a great bunch of photos here. I love the shadow of the tree, you're right it does look like roots. Cool turtle spotting and oh my that little inch worm was so cute. Love the colors of your potato vines too.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your whole post but the tree with a headache made me laugh out loud. I loved the dragon fly. I have never had a chance to take a picture of one. Keep the post coming.
ReplyDeleteI missed this post having been in California for the month of July, Cathy, but so glad I caught up with you. The shadows cast by the tree branches are really fascinating... not sure I would have even noticed them. A true photographer like you can always pick out interesting subjects :) Love the bright green of the tiny inchworm as well. So glad you have your hobbies to keep you busy in this very strange period of history.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your week ahead ♥