flowers
Celebrating the Autumn Equinox
Cummins Falls
I decided to take a quick walk today at Cummins Falls to celebrate the Autumn Equinox. This past week has finally began feeling like autumn. Today was absolutely beautiful weather for a hike. After stopping by the overlook, I decided to head upstream to the top of the falls rather than make the long trek to the bottom.
A Well Camouflaged Toad
This little guy was lucky I didn’t step on him (or her, not sure which). As I walked down the path to the water, I noticed several of these small toads hopping about.
American Rubyspot #3
These male American Rubyspot damselflies were all over the place. This one was patient and fearless, allowing me several photos.
Animal Bone? #3
I spotted this bit of bone under a rock. It was bigger than my fist! Maybe, a vertebrae? I’m not very good at anatomy, lol.
Upstream & Precarious
It’s so peaceful out there. I could spend an entire day just listening to that waterfall and exploring the area.
Close to the Edge
I’m still battling my fear of heights, but I managed to get close enough to the edge to get these two photos.
Above the Falls
Tranquility Sits by a Log & Tiny Flower
It was a gorgeous day, and I’m thankful for the respite. Thanks for stopping by!
The Daffodils Are Blooming
Today was such a gorgeous day with a mild high of 55°. Since I haven’t really left the house much for the last month and a half, I took advantage of the warmer weather to go for a walk at Cane Creek Park. It was a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Day 261 Stopping to Smell the Flowers
It has been raining non-stop most of the day to the point of flooding reported in the area, so I brought the petunias inside to prevent them from drowning. I’m always concerned about bringing plants in the house with the cats because so many are toxic to them. The ASPCA’s website as well as ‘most’ of the other websites I came across have petunia classified as non-toxic to cats. One of the veterinarian websites did mention that most plants in the Family Solanaceae, like tomato and potato plants are very dangerous for them. I was very careful while photographing the cats tonight with the flowers to be sure no one nibbled on them just in case.
For a complete printable list of plants that are toxic to cats, visit the ASPCA’s website: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List – Cats or for a searchable list of plants that are toxic for cats, dogs, or horses: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
Here’s a couple of outtakes from my photo shoot with the cats that made me laugh when I was going through the photos earlier. Sasha really hates sitting still for photos, and Moses photo-bombed Sierra. Her expression made that one perfectly delightful. Click on the image to view larger.
An Ode to Summer’s End
Nature’s Tranquility
“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Goldenrod
“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
A Kiss of Sunshine
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ironweed (Vernonia altissima)
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ~ Aristotle
Early Autumn Maple
“Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity.” ~ Albert Einstein
Longjawed Orbweaver (Tetragnatha)
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Eerily Still
“It is not the language of painters but the language of nature which one should listen to, the feeling for the things themselves, for reality is more important than the feeling for pictures.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh
Reflections
“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
Ailanthus Webworm Moth on Buttonbush
“Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does nature because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
The Fishing Dock
“Oh, the summer night
Has a smile of light
And she sits on a sapphire throne.”
~ Barry Cornwall
A beautiful rendition of Chopin: Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2 by Thomas Nielsen for your listening pleasure. 🙂
Day 56 Variegated Purple Crocus
Via Flickr:
David noticed this little flower growing the other day. I took photos then while it was opened up, but I decided to go with the buffalo photo that day. The photos from that day weren’t as clear as I would have liked either. I spent the entire day waiting for it to open up because I wanted to use it for my daily photo, but I think it was too chilly. It stayed closed up tight. We didn’t see it last year, so this is happy spring surprise!
Welcome Summer 2011
The summer solstice again is here,
The longest day of the year.
A cookout makes our meal more fun
As everyone gathers out in the sun.
Lazily sipping on lemonade,
Here come the ants to invade!
Let’s go down to the swimming hole
Or watch clouds pass on that grassy knoll.
As the day becomes increasingly hotter,
We play hard, but sweat much harder.
Cooling off in the shade of a grand old tree;
Ouch, I stepped on another honey bee!
A warm, light breeze begins to blow,
Carrying the scent of grass freshly mowed.
The wind picks up. What’s that I hear?
That thunderstorm sounds quite near.
Run to the porch for a quick retreat,
After mud puddles invite our bare feet.
The downpour is over as quickly as it began.
Just as the sun sets, the sky clears once again.
Mosquitoes start biting with the last of the rays
While brightly lit stars catch our enchanted gaze.
Days of warmth and bright sunlight
End when lightning bugs take flight.
Poem & Photograph © 2011 Patricia Booth
