Toad

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 6, 2023

My assistant gardener, the American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus, helps with insect control!

Have a wonderful weekend!

I am linking in today with Saturday's Critters

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Turtles at the Lake, October 21, 2022

Sky Watch Friday and Saturday's Critters

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, October 20, 2022

It was a beautiful sunny day Thursday, but cool enough that we had to wear our jackets to walk along the shore of Pickwick Lake.

Did you notice the log at the edge of the water? Turtles were enjoying the sunshine!

Have a wonderful weekend!

For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday

And on Saturday, please visit Saturday's Critters

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Turtle, June 4, 2022

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 25, 2022

Have a wonderful weekend!

I am linking in today with Saturday's Critters

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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations" Psalm 100:3-5

"Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7

If you comment as Anonymous, please include your name.

Monday Mural: Frog, April 25, 2022

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 20, 2022

I found this colorful Frog on the spare tire cover of a vehicle.

Happy Monday!

Have a wonderful week!

For more examples of outdoor art, visit Monday Mural

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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations" Psalm 100:3-5

"Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7

Leaping Lizards! October 2, 2020

Sky Watch Friday and Saturday's Critters

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, September 30, 2020

Blue skies, plenty of sunshine, a lizard on our car's windshield! You must admit that makes a unique Sky Watch shot!

Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis.

I was very surprised to see this critter on our car! After I made the photos, my husband got out of the car and used his hat to gently brush the Anole off the car. Or maybe it leaped to the ground!

Have a blessed day!

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

And on Saturday,

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

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

Willy Nilly Friday, July 24, 2020

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

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. Sunset (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 23, 2020

We have had hot, humid days with evening thunderstorms, but only a light sprinkle of rain this week.

2. Azalea (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 21, 2020

Even though we are in the hottest part of Summer, my Encore Azalea 'Autumn Royalty' is blooming!

3. The Most Interesting Thing I Have Seen this Week

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 21, 2020

I did not touch it, but this fungus growing on a dead tree limb on the ground is about as big as my hand.

4. Turtle (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 8, 2020

Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina.

5. Northern Mockingbirds (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 24, 2020

This light pole is a favorite perch for the Mockingbirds, Mimus polyglottos, at my neighbor's house.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 22, 2020

a juvenile Northern Mockingbird

Have a wonderful weekend!

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

For more photos of flowers, 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.

Willy Nilly Friday, June 19, 2020

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

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. Clouds (Sky Watch Friday)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, June 17, 2020

We have had beautiful blue skies this week with fluffy white clouds.

The crop in the field is Winter Wheat, ready for harvesting. Then the farmer will probably plant soybeans (to be harvested in November).

2. Babies on the Porch!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, June 11, 2020

I have been very careful when watering one of the hanging baskets on my porch.

A pair of Carolina Wrens raised their babies there!
I saw two, but could get a photo of only one.
Now that they have flown, I can stop just misting the plant and give it a really good drink of water!

3. What I am Reading

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, June 19, 2020

I am enjoying the Secrets of Wayfarers Inn series of books.

A brief summary from the back of the first book "Family Secrets."

4. Anole (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, June 10, 2020

I found a Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis, enjoying its insect lunch in a flower pot on my porch!

5. Green Heron (I'd Rather B Birdin' and Weekend Reflections)

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, June 15, 2020

a Green Heron, Butorides virescens,...

stalking its prey, and then suddenly...

… a dinner of fresh-caught fish!

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.

Willy Nilly Friday, December 6, 2019

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Signs 2, Floral Friday Fotos,
and on Saturday, Saturday's Critters

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. Not a Lake (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, December 1, 2019

Though this looks like a lake it is a field near where I live after we had 4.7 inches (12cm) rain last Saturday. After loud thunderstorms with heavy rain Saturday afternoon and night, Sunday dawned bright and sunny!

2. Which Way? (Signs 2)

Lauderdale County, Alabama, USA, December 1, 2019

Just pick a direction - north, south, east, or west - and there are roads going there. I am glad I already knew which way to turn, or I would have been lost!

3. Favorite Photo of the Week (Saturday's Critters)

Turtle, Lauderdale County, Alabama, USA, December 1, 2019

Bright late afternoon sunlight gave everything a golden glow!

4. What I am Reading

Historical Fiction "A Friend of Mr. Lincoln" by Stephen Harrigan. It is about Abraham Lincoln's life in the 1830's and 1840's when he was an Illinois lawyer and legislator.

5. Amaryllis (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, December 5, 2019

Amaryllis Bulb kits are popular here during the Winter to give a bit of indoor color. They usually include a pot, potting soil, and a large bulb - just add water and the bulb begins to grow! I bought two at five dollars each on November 19th, and this one is growing much faster that the other one. I hope to have blooms to show you soon!

Have a wonderful day!

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

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

For photos of flowers, 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!

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

Willy Nilly Friday, August 30, 2019

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

Click on the photos to see them at their best.

1. Blue Skies! (Sky Watch Friday)

Hematology and Oncology Center, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 29, 2019

We had beautiful blue skies for our trip to Tupelo for my doctor's appointment on Thursday. And I am thankful and very blessed to be able to say that my blood test results were good - no sign of the Leukemia!

2. What I am Reading

"Light a Penny Candle" by Maeve Binchy

Set in England and Ireland during and in the years after World War II, the story revolves around a young English girl that is sent to her mother's friend in Ireland to escape the bombing in England. Her mother's friend has a daughter the same age, and the girls become close friends during the five years of the war. The story continues after the war as they grow up in their different countries and face circumstances that strain their friendship.

I enjoyed this book very much, not only for the interaction between the characters, but also for the insight into the culture of the two countries at that time.

3. Buttonbush (Wildflower Wednesday)
The fourth Wednesday of each month is Wildflower Wednesday - here is my wildflower for August.

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, August 6, 2019

Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, is a wetland shrub that may, given the right conditions, grow as tall as a small tree. It is found throughout the eastern United States and as far west as Nebraska and Texas, and also in California and Arizona.

Pickwick Lake, Tennessee, USA

Look for Buttonbush growing along the edges of streams, ponds, and lakes.

And then count the number of Butterflies feasting on the nectar!

4. Skink (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 25, 2019

This is a juvenile Five-lined Skink. The tail will gradually turn brownish black as it becomes an adult. They are considered to be beneficial critters because they eat insects and spiders.

5. Great Egret (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 22, 2019

Generally speaking, egrets are white herons. A distinguishing characteristic between the Great Egret, Ardea alba, and other egrets is its black feet and legs. Their cousins, Snowy Egrets, have bright yellow feet!

Have a wonderful day!

For more wildflower photos, visit Wildflower Wednesday: Click Here!

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.

Willy Nilly Friday, July 19, 2019

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

Click on photos to see them at their best.

1. Sunset ( Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 16, 2019

After 3 days of rain, the sun finally broke through the clouds just in time to show us a sunset on Tuesday.

2. Favorite Photo of the Week

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 13, 2019

a baby Praying Mantis!

3. Turk's Cap (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 18, 2019

Turk's Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus, is a member of the Mallow family of plants.

4. Tiny Turtle (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 18, 2019

Just two fingers wide!

5. Mourning Dove (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 18, 2019

Mourning Doves, Zenaida macroura, can be found all across most of North America. To attract them to your yard, offer seeds on the ground or on platform feeders.

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.

Willy Nilly Friday, May 31, 2019

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

1. Clouds, But No Rain (Sky Watch Friday)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, May 30, 2019

We had hot and humid weather this week with plenty of clouds, but no rain.

2. The Most Unusual Thing I have Seen This Week

Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, May 27, 2019

a Polaris Slingshot!

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3. Begonia (Floral Friday Fotos)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 30, 2019

Rieger Begonia 'Solenia' - Hardy to 32F (0C), needs 4 to 6 hours of sun daily, likes consistently moist soil, blooms late Spring to Autumn (information from the plant tag)

4. Toad ( Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 26, 2019

A friend gave me some Canna Lily plants, and soon after I set them out, this toad came over to see what was new in the garden!

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

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 27, 2019

Canada Geese, Branta canadensis, standing at the shallow end of a pond.

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 more reflection photos, 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.

Willy Nilly Friday, May 10, 2019

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

1. Pickwick Lake (Sky Watch Friday)

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2019

We had beautiful skies for our drive to the Pickwick Inn Restaurant for lunch with friends on Tuesday. The buffet-style lunch was delicious! This is the view from the restaurant balcony.

After we ate, we drove along the road leading to the lock and dam. Large rocks were being placed in the water against the embankment to help stabilize the shoreline.

More rock-filled barges were waiting their turn to be unloaded.

Pickwick Lake, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2019

A view of the lake after crossing Pickwick Lock and Dam. All the construction work is off to the right.

Weather Update:
We had 3 inches (7.6cm) of rain on Thursday with more rain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.

2. What I am reading

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 9, 2019

"God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew
"Death in Reel Time" by Brynn Bonner
"The Whispered Word" by Ellery Adams
"Death in Dublin" by Bartholomew Gill

"God's Smuggler" is a true story; the others are fiction.

3. Favorite Photo of the Week

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 5, 2019

a Common Grackle, I think. (Please let me know if I have the wrong ID).

4. Anole (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 5, 2019

A small Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis, on a tomato cage in my garden.

The prominent white stripe down its back identifies it as a female. (The dark spot on the head is a shadow).

I am hoping she will help me with pest control in the garden this Summer.

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

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 5, 2019

Killdeer, Charadrius vociferous

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.