Willy Nilly Friday, August 31, 2018

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Floral Friday Fotos
and on Saturday, I'd Rather B Birdin' and Saturday's Critters

1. Early Morning Fog (Sky Watch Friday)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, August 26, 2018

We decided to go out for breakfast early on Sunday morning. It was very refreshing to be out at daybreak while most people were still sleeping!

There is an old bit of weather lore that says 'Fog in August, snow in December.' You may live where there is always snow in December, but here in the south, we may go several years without any snow at all. I will let you know if the predicted snow comes our way!

2. American Goldfinch (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 11, 2018

Many song birds are beginning to molt, making them look at bit scruffy.

3. The Last of the Tomatoes

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 24, 2018

For about six weeks we have been enjoying tomato sandwiches every day - a good yield from only four tomato plants! But now, it is time to let the tomato worms have the rest. Did you know that tomato worms are the caterpillar stage of Sphinx Moths?

For more information on Sphinx Moths: Sphinx Moths, the Stars of the Evening

4. Cicada (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 19, 2018

Possibly the ugliest critter you will ever see! A cicada just emerged from its shell

5. Stonecrop (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 28, 2018

'Munstead Red' Stonecrop, Sedum telephium, is a late-Summer blooming perennial that grows in full sun or part-shade. Though this one is more pink than the red shown on the plant tag, I think it is a beautiful color, and I am pleased to have it in my garden!

Have a wonderful day!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

For more flower photos, visit Floral Friday Fotos: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

And on Saturday:
For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Thankful Thursday, August 30, 2018

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Mushrooms, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 22, 2018

I am thankful that my husband is doing well after his second cataract surgery!

Have a blessed day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Hummingbirds, August 29, 2018

ABC Wednesday, Wild Bird Wednesday, and Wednesday Around The World
H is for Hummingbirds: the smallest birds in the world (weight 2 to 20 grams, less than an ounce)

female Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 17, 2018

Hummingbirds get their name from the humming sound of their rapid wingbeats (more than 70 beats per second). They are found only in the Americas - 17 species in the United States, 5 species in Canada, and over 300 species in Central and South America. Many Hummingbirds are migratory, flying hundreds of miles each year.

male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 25, 2018

In many species the male Hummingbirds have iridescent throat feathers that look dull until the light strikes them at the proper angle.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 28, 2018

Hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers and eat tiny insects. Many people hang Hummingbird feeders filled with sugar-water to attract them to their gardens. Here in north Mississippi, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive at the end of March to nest and raise their young. By the first of October they are on their journey south to spend the Winter in Central America.

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

For more on the letter H, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Wednesday Around The World: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Mural: Walden's, August 27, 2018

Monday Mural, Through My Lens, and Our World Tuesday

Booneville, Mississippi, USA, May 30, 2018

The owner of Walden's Grocery Store recently updated the front windows with a mural painted by Canadian-born artist Aline Backes.

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Have a wonderful week!

For more mural photos, visit Monday Mural: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

And on Tuesday, visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, August 26, 2018

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 25, 2018

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Your bird for today is...

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, July 2, 2018

The original photo for Friday's black and white image - Great Blue Heron in Black and White

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit The Barn Collective: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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B&W: Heron, August 24, 2018

The Weekend in Black and White, Saturday's Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, July 2, 2018

A Great Blue Heron perched on a sign in front of Wilson Dam on the Tennessee River.

Have a great day!

For more black and white photos, visit The Weekend in Black and White: Click Here!

And on Saturday,
For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, August 24, 2018

Willy Nilly Friday 5,
and on Saturday, Saturday's Critters and I'd Rather B Birdin'

1. The Most Unusual Thing I have Seen This Week!

Itawamba County, Mississippi, USA, August 18, 2018

Art in the grass!

Never in a hundred years would I have thought to create art with a lawn mower!

2. An Unexpected Visitor

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 19, 2018

A young Praying Mantis, Mantis religiosa, on one of my Hummingbird feeders! They usually eat insects, but it looks like they may like a sweet drink now and then! Actually, I think that it may be catching the small flying insects that are attracted to the sugar-water in the feeders.

3. Good Food!

Florence, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

We like to eat at Ricatoni's Italian Grill in Florence. I usually order one of their salads, but...

… the real reason I love to eat there is that the bread is served with herbs and olive oil for dipping - wonderfully delicious!

4. Critters with Wings (Saturday's Critters)

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

Common Buckeye Butterfly

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

A first glance this looks like one butterfly, but look closer - two Sulphur butterflies side by side!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 14, 2018

A dragonfly holding on to a dried seed head with one leg and grabbing a post with its other legs

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 31, 2018

Hummingbird Moth on 'Soda Pop White' Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

5. Killdeer (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 16, 2018

Just look around you - birds are everywhere! I saw this pair of Killdeer in a drainage ditch near a busy shopping center.

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Have a wonderful weekend!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Tom for Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

And on Saturday,
For more animal photos, visit Eileen for Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Thankful Thursday, August 23, 2018

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Mushrooms, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 19, 2018

As a cancer survivor (Leukemia, 2014), I am truly thankful for each new day. If you can say, "Good morning, Lord" instead of "Good Lord! Morning!" you will have a better day!

Hope you are having a great week!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Wildflower Wednesday, August 22, 2018

The fourth Wednesday of each month is Wildflower Wednesday!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 20, 2018

American Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is a native shrub of the southeastern United States. It is easy to grow in full sun or part shade in zones 6 - 10. In the coldest areas of its hardiness zone, Beautyberry may die down to the ground in the Winter, but will come up again in the Spring.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, June 24, 2018

The blooms, appearing in late Spring or early Summer, are tiny and easy to overlook. They are pollinated by bees and other small insects.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 19, 2018

Beautyberry shrubs will give you fresh color in your garden in the Autumn. Ongoing research shows that Beautyberries may have medicinal uses. But leave them for the birds and other wildlife. Do not eat them yourself as their effect on humans has not been fully evaluated.

Happy Wildflower Wednesday!

For more wildflowers, visit Gail at Clay and Limestone: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Green Heron, August 22, 2018

ABC Wednesday, Wild Bird Wednesday, and Wednesday Around The World
G is for Green Heron

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, July 21, 2018

Green Herons, Butorides virescens, are small Herons that may be seen wading in shallow water in search of small fish. They often keep their long necks folded down close to their bodies, but when prey is spotted, they extend their necks and strike with lightening speed. They get their name from the greenish feathers on their back and crown.

Have a great day!

For more on the letter G, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Wednesday Around The World: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Mastodon, August 20, 2018

Monday Mural, Through My Lens, and Our World Tuesday

"Ventures Across America - New York - Giant Unearthed in Hyde Park"
"Did you know... Uncovered from the muddy sediment of an ancient bog, the skeletal remains of a mastodon holds clues about a past world."

Lauderdale County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

Another interesting mural brought to you by U-Haul.

For more information on the discovery of the mastodon's skeletal remains: Click Here!

Have a wonderful week!

For more mural photos, visit Monday Mural: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

And on Tuesday, please visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, August 19, 2018

The Barn Collective and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Lauderdale County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

I like the star on this one!
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Your bird for today is...

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 15, 2018

… a Great Egret, Ardea alba

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit Tom for The Barn Collective: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Anni at I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, August 17, 2018

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Orange you Glad It's Friday, Sky Watch Friday, Signs
And on Saturday, Saturday's Critters and I'd Rather B Birdin'

1. Leaf (Orange You Glad Its Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 6, 2018

The hot dry weather is beginning to affect some of our trees.

2. Warning! (Signs, Signs)

Florence, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

3. The Most Interesting Thing I have Seen This Week

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 12, 2018

The Giant Mayfly, Hexagenia limbate, is widespread across North America. The long tail is not a stinger; they are harmless.

I put my hand next to it to show you how small this 'Giant' is!

4. Library Cat (Saturday's Critters)

Booneville, Mississippi, USA, July 23, 2018

I saw this pretty kitty sitting on the curb of the parking lot at the library. I think it lives next-door.

5. Geese (Sky Watch Friday and I'd Rather B Birdin')

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

I was photographing the Singing River Bridge across the Tennessee River when I heard honking!

I shifted my focus to zoom in on the sky, and look! A small flock of Canada Geese!

Have a wonderful day!

For more on the color Orange, visit Orange You Glad It's Friday: Click Here!

For more sign photos, visit Signs, Signs: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

To see skies from all around the world, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

And on Saturday,
For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Butterfly on Clover, August 16, 2018

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Colbert County, Alabama, USA, August 13, 2018

Today I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation!

Have a Blessed Day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, August 2018

ABC Wednesday and Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day
F is for flowers

The northeast corner of Mississippi, USA zone 7

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

When I was photographing the Hummingbirds, I discovered a few late blooms on the Wisteria.

I have eight feeders filled with sugar-water to entice them to stay in my garden.

The Cypress Vine is just beginning to bloom. I love the tiny flowers and feathery leaves!

The Phlox has been a steady bloomer this Summer.

Bush Morning Glory is a shrub that has larger blooms than a Morning Glory Vine.

A Begonia in a hanging basket on my porch

Turk's Cap is a favorite of the Sulphur Butterflies!

I think this Gladiolus is the last of the season.

Althea, Rose of Sharon

The Butterfly Milkweed is putting on a second flush of blooms!
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And the Award for Hope, Courage, and Perseverance in the Garden goes to...

… a volunteer Petunia growing in the rough ground near the well house. We have our own deep well, and we had to have the pipes pulled up to replace the electric pump (over a 150 feet straight down). The heavy machinery used to do the job really tore up the ground. I thought I would wait until Spring to get flowers growing there again, but this Petunia had a better idea!

May you find Hope, Courage, and Perseverance in your garden, too!

Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

To see gardens all around the world, visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens: Click Here!

For more on the letter F, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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