Willy Nilly Friday, May 29, 2020

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

Click on photos to see them at their best.

1. Wide Open Spaces (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 27, 2020

Some days I have to just get out of the house and drive around a bit to make sure the world is still out there! I stopped my car on a bridge (there was no traffic) to get this photo. It had rained earlier in the day.

2. Butterfly Weed (Wildflower Wednesday)
The 4th Wednesday of each month is Wildflower Wednesday. (It was the 27th this month).

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 28, 2020

Butterfly Weed, Ascepias tuberosa, is the prettiest 'weed' you will ever see! It lives up to its name attracting butterflies, and it is a host plant for the Monarch Butterfly.

3. Garden Update

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 28, 2020

My friend Jan gave me these tomato and pepper plants. The pepper plants had no label on them, and she grew the tomato plants from the seeds of a store-bought tomato. So now I have a bit of mystery in my garden, no-name tomatoes and no-name peppers!

4. Butterfly (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 28, 2020

American Lady Butterfly, Vanessa virginiensis, on Butterfly Bush, Buddleia.

5. Canada Geese (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 26, 2020

Mama with babies; Papa was standing guard a little ways off to the side.

Canada Geese, Branta canadensis.

Have a wonderful day!

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

For more on wildflowers, visit Wildflower Wednesday: 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.

Thankful Thursday, May 28, 2020

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 28, 2020

I am thankful for my small (2 quart) Crock-Pot! It is just the right size if you are cooking for two or three.
Beef Stew for supper tonight!

Here is the recipe, except I used less meat and added carrots. I have not yet tried the pot roast recipe.

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.

Brown Thrasher, May 27, 2020

Wild Bird Wednesday and My Corner of the World

Click on the photo to see it at its best.

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 17, 2020

Brown Thrashers, Toxostoma rufum, are ground foragers, eating a wide variety of insects. They also enjoy fruit and berries, and I have seen them at my suet feeders when the weather is cold.

Have a wonderful day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit My Corner of the World: Click Here!

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

Willy Nilly Friday, May 22, 2020

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

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. The View from our Place (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 21, 2020

The clouds that moved in on Thursday afternoon are giving us rain today (Friday).

2. Garden Update

"Burpless Beauty" Cucumbers, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 21, 2020

My cucumbers are up and growing. I have ten vines! I can hardly wait; we like them fresh and as pickles.

"Better Boy" Tomato

And my tomatoes are blooming!

3. What I am reading

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 22, 2020

The Tearoom Mysteries books all have the same characters but different authors:

"Tearoom for Two" by Susan Page Davis
"Tea Rose" by Erin Keeley Marshall
"To a Tea" by Vera Dodge
"Burning Secrets" by Rebecca Adams
"Crosswords and Chamomile" by Elizabeth Adams

The stories revolve around two cousins who open a tearoom together in a small town in Maine. In between serving tea and pastries to their customers, they solve mysteries!

4. Turtle (Saturday's Critters)

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 17, 2020

I know I just posted a Spiny Softshell Turtle photo about two weeks ago, but when I saw it again last Sunday, it had its legs more fully extended.

Take a look at those claws!

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

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 21, 2020

I surprised Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal at the breakfast table!
Northern Cardinals, Cardinalis cardinalis.

Have a wonderful day!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: 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.

Thankful Thursday, May 21, 2020

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Click on the photo to see it at its best.

Eastern Phoebe, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 17, 2020

I am thankful for birdsong! Especially early in the morning - it starts the day off right!
You can identify Eastern Phoebes by their song - a distinctive fee-bee, fee-bee, fee-bee.

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.

Red-winged Blackbird, May 20, 2020

Wild Bird Wednesday and My Corner of the World

Click on the photo to see it at its best.

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 17, 2020

A male Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, calling and displaying his colors to attract the females!

I hope you have a happy day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit My Corner of the World: Click Here!

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

Our World Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 1, 2020

Though some restrictions are being lifted now, I am still very cautious about where I go. When I go to the grocery store, I try to buy enough to last a few weeks. Having groceries delivered is not an option in the rural area where I live. I always wear a mask when I am shopping and use hand sanitizer after touching door handles, grocery carts, etc. I hope all of you are being careful and staying healthy!

Have a great day!

For photos from around the world, visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

And on Wednesday,
For more photos of signs, visit Signs 2: Click Here!

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

Critters, May 16, 2020

Saturday's Critters and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 28, 2020

With all the stores closed, this Killdeer was the only thing moving around in the Mall parking lot.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 15, 2020

Now we know why we have to buy so much sunflower seed! Hey, Raccoon, that's for the birds!

Have a blessed day!

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.

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, May 2020

I live in the northeast corner of Mississippi, USA zone 7b,
and today, the 15th, is the Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day for May.

The bees are enjoying the Spiderwort blooms!

Butterweed is a wildflower that spreads rapidly so we will be mowing it down after the blooms fade.

Thistle is another invasive plant that will be mowed down soon. If you wait until they set seed, there will be a thousand of them next year!

My roses are doing very well this year. Both my white and my red are loaded down with blooms.

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I was surprised to see a few blooms still on the Kerria japonica. It was in full bloom two months ago.

The last bloom on my purple Clematis

As much as I love my flowers, this bloom is my favorite today - 'Early Girl' Tomato!

A preview of things to come - buds on the Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa.

Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

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

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

Thankful Thursday, May 13, 2020

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 11, 2020

I am thankful for home-grown strawberries! They may not be as big or as perfectly shaped as store-bought, but they are bursting with flavor! This handful went into my breakfast cereal.

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.

Eagle, May 13, 2020

Wild Bird Wednesday and My Corner of the World

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, May 3, 2020

An adult Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, keeping watch over...

… a young one in the nest.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit My Corner of the World: Click Here!

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

The Barn Collective, May 10, 2020

The Barn Collective and All Seasons

From the archives two years ago, May 8, 2018

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 8, 2018

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And from the same day two years ago, your bird for today is...

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 8, 2018

… an Eastern Phoebe.

Have a blessed day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit All Seasons: Click Here!

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

Willy Nilly Friday, May 8, 2020

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

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. Mostly Sunny Skies (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 6, 2020

We have had very pleasant weather this week: plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures!

2. Social Distancing

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, May 3, 2020

This family has the right idea: Order carry-out food from your favorite restaurant and find a pretty spot on the banks of the Tennessee River for a picnic!

3. The Most Interesting Thing I Have Seen This Week

Tishomingo County, Mississippi, USA, May 3, 2020

A 1958 4-door Oldsmobile 98! With just a little restoration work, it will be the coolest ride in town!
(The replacement of the rear side panel probably means it has been in a wreck).

4. Cows (Saturday's Critters)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, May 5, 2020

I found a herd of cows near the road just waiting for me to come along and take their photo!

5. Need help with ID (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 4, 2020

I think this bird must be a migrant just passing through our area (north Mississippi). It was moving around rather fast near the ground, and was larger than a Wren, but not as big as an American Robin. Hope someone can identify it for me. (Click on the photo to see it at its best).
UPDATE: Thanks to David at Travels With Birds for the ID - a Hermit Thrush!

Have a great day!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: 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.

Thankful Thursday, May 7, 2020

Thankful Thursday, Little Things Thursday, and Signs 2

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, April 29, 2020

I am thankful for the Power of Prayer.
National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2020. Please pray!

Have a blessed day!

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

For more photos of signs, visit Signs 2: Click Here!

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

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

Kingbird, May 6, 2020

Wild Bird Wednesday and My Corner of the World

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 3, 2020

The Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus, is a member of the Flycatcher family. The white tip on its tail distinguishes it from other black and white birds. Eastern Kingbirds are long-distance migrants, spending about six months in North America, and six in South America.

Hope you have a beautiful day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit My Corner of the World: Click Here!

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

The Barn Collective, May 3, 2020

The Barn Collective and All Seasons

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, April 29, 2020

The cows that live here are in their other pasture so that the grass can grow taller in this one. Looking good!
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Your bird for today is...

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 28, 2020

… a Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum!

Have a blessed day!

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

For an interesting variety of photos, visit All Seasons: Click Here!

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

Willy Nilly Friday, May 1, 2020

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Weekend Reflections,
and on Saturday, Saturday Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. A Sad Sight (Sky Watch Friday)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, April 29, 2020

These two trees have been standing together in this pasture for many years...

.. until recent storms brought one of them down.

2. Rollercoaster Road? (Weekend Reflections)

Corinth, Mississippi, USA, April 29, 2020

Imperfections in these glass doors reflected this completely level road as if it were a rollercoaster!
(The man is inside the building).

3. My Vegetable Garden

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, April 27, 2020

I was successful in growing 'Burpless Beauty' Cucumbers last year, averaging nine cucumbers per vine. We ate them in green salads, made pickles, and gave the extra ones to friends. I hope to have a good crop again this year.

On Monday I planted six seeds in this extra-large plastic tub, and made a trellis for them out of hog-wire and bamboo cane poles. I plan to plant another tub a short distance away and extend the support system between the two groups.

I found this recipe for Refrigerator Pickles on the Taste of Home website. But I used five cups of sliced cucumbers instead of six. Makes enough pickles to fill 3 pint jars. Let them sit in the refrigerator for a few days before opening them. Delicious!

4. Turtle (Saturday's Critters)

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 26, 2020

Spiny Softshell Turtles, Apalone spinifera, are fresh-water North American turtles that may grow to have a shell length of 21 inches (54 cm). With their head and legs extended, they look much bigger!

Spiny Softshell Turtle

The points along the front edge of their shells give them their 'Spiny' name.

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

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 26, 2020

I live far inland so seeing a shorebird like this migrating Solitary Sandpiper, Tringa solitaria, is a real treat!

Have a wonderful day!

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

For more photos of reflections, visit Weekend Reflections: 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.