Eastern Gray Squirrels

I first saw an albino Eastern Gray Squirrel 5 or 6 years ago, and then this one yesterday!

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 believes 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

Quail

Click on the photo to see it at its best.

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, June 10, 2024

We were very surprised to see a Northern Bobwhite Quail, Colinus virginianus, eating the seed spilled underneath our bird feeder!

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 believes 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

Outdoor Art: Dragon Master

Pontotoc, Mississippi, USA, April 23, 2024

Who do you call when you need to move something huge? The Dragon Master!

This is the largest of the Johnson's Wrecker Service's fleet of tow trucks. An interesting play on words - Dragon Master / Draggin Master. Whatever the towing job, small, medium or large, they know how to do it!

Have a wonderful week!

I am linking in today with Monday Murals

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes 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

Bigfoot

Ripley, Mississippi, USA, February 1, 2024

Bigfoot aka Sasquatch is a mythical creature of North American folklore. Bigfoot - Wikipedia information

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 believes 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

Monday Mural

Saltillo, Mississippi, USA, May 21, 2023

This is the first mural I have seen that turns a corner! Artist McKinnon Herring painted it at the rear entrance of the Teachers Resource Center. Because of traffic on the street in front, most people use this entrance.

Does it remind you of the "Yellow Submarine" song by the Beatles?

Because the Center offers tutoring for young children, she used the book "Pete the Cat: Scuba-Cat" as her inspiration for this wall.

I hope you have a fun week!

I am linking in today with Monday Murals

"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

Sky Watch Friday

Tennessee River, Hardin County, Tennessee, USA, January10, 2023

The Tennessee River is about an hour's drive from our house, and there is always something interesting to see. Have you ever seen a rectangular-shaped cloud before? It was a first for me!

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I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I am linking in today with Skywatch Friday

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

Willy Nilly Friday, August 21, 2020

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Weekend Reflections,

and on Saturday, Saturday's Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'.

1. Sky Watch Friday

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 18, 2020

We have had partly cloudy skies this week.

But looking at the tree from the other side, we see clear skies and a Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos.

2. Weekend Reflections

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 18, 2020

Great Egret, Ardea alba.

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3. The Most Interesting Thing I Have Seen This Week

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 14, 2020

I thought Lichens just grew on trees. I was wrong! I found this one on an old truck.

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4. Saturday's Critters

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 28, 2020

The mother Raccoon and her two babies are eating the sunflower seed we put on the ground for the Doves!

5. I'd Rather B Birdin'

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, August 16, 2020

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Archilochus colubris, at our feeders. Right now we are seeing more females and juveniles, and fewer males. Only the males have the ruby-red throat feathers.

The feeders contain a mixture of sugar and water that is similar to the flower nectar that is their natural food. They also eat small insects.

Three birds - do you see the tail feathers of the one behind the feeder? With more than 50 wingbeats per second, Hummingbirds can zip around really fast and hover in mid-air!

Have a blessed 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, 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, July 17, 2020

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Thankful Thursday, 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. Hot and Humid (Sky Watch Friday)

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, July 17, 2020

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2. Garden Update (Thankful Thursday)

'Burpless Beauty' cucumber, Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 15, 2020

I am thankful for home-grown cucumbers, and...

... an easy refrigerator pickle recipe!

Sweet Refrigerator Pickles

5 cups thin-sliced cucumbers
2 cups thin-sliced onion (I use Sweet Vidalia Onions)
1  and 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon mustard seed

Mix cucumbers and onions together in a large glass bowl. Mix vinegar, sugar, salt and the spices together in a pan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Pour hot liquid over cucumbers and onions. I put a small plate on top and press down so the cucumber/onion mixture is submerged. Allow to cool slightly, and then spoon into jars (use a wide-mouth funnel). Cover with tight fitting lids. Allow to cool a bit more, then put in refrigerator. Wait 3 days for the flavors to mix well before tasting them. Keep refrigerated; makes 3 pints.

Thanks to Taste of Home for the recipe!
Taste of Home website

3. The Most Interesting Thing I have Seen This Week

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 15, 2020

The highway department is using this excavator with a brush-cutter attachment to cut small trees and shrubs that are too close to the road.

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4. Insects (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 15, 2020

Cicada

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 13, 2020

Dragonfly

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 16, 2020

Ailanthus Webworm Moth, Atteva aurea

5. Need some help from my bird-watching friends (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, July 16, 2020 (Click on the photo to see it at its best)

I would think that this is a juvenile Eastern Bluebird, but I have not seen any adults here at my house.  Can anyone give me a positive ID?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: 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 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.

Willy Nilly Friday, February 14, 2020

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, Signs 2,
and on Saturday, Saturday's Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

1. Tennessee River (Sky Watch Friday)

Tennessee River at Shiloh, Tennessee, USA, February 9, 2020

When the rain stopped over the weekend, we went to lunch at Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant where we can watch the river traffic as we eat.

The "Chip Lacy" was going north (downstream) on the Tennessee River towards the Ohio River.

Shiloh, Tennessee , USA, February 9, 2020

When we were there on Sunday the Tennessee River was near to overflowing. By midweek the river water was completely covering the restaurant parking lot, but the restaurant itself is on higher ground and still dry.

2. Pepsi (Signs 2)

Miche, Tennessee, USA, February 9, 2020

an old faded sign: Pepsi, The Light Refreshment...

… on an old abandoned building

3. The Most Unusual Thing I Have Seen This Week

Hardin County, Tennessee, USA, February 9, 2020

If you ever wonder what happens to old school buses, here is one that has found a new life as a combo bus and flat bed truck!

4. Horses (Saturday's Critters)

Lee County, Mississippi, USA, February 8, 2020

This is the second time in a week that we have seen these horses out on the road. I am beginning to wonder if they have learned how to open the gate! You cannot see them in this photo, but several neighbors were there to help get the horses back into the pasture. We stopped our car and waited until the horses were past us before continuing down the road.

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

Tennessee River, Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, February 9, 2020

After lunch on Sunday at Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant, we drove a few miles upriver to Pickwick Dam. All the spillways were open in an effort to prevent flooding farther upriver. The water was coming through with such tremendous force that it looked like ocean waves coming ashore.

I did not expect to see any birds fishing in water that turbulent, but there was a Cormorant riding the waves! At least I think it was a cormorant. The constant motion of the water made it difficult to get a clear photo.

Have a wonderful day!

and

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

For more photos of signs, visit Signs 2: 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.