Moonbeams and Mimosa "Maracas"!

Tonight is supposed to be a prime night for "moon watching". According to the news media, our moon will be at the best position to view craters and mountains that make up its terrain. (Their quote made me snicker a bit..they said that our moon was getting "its day in the sun".) It seems that the three/quarter stage is the best time to view the moon. During a full moon it is too bright to get a clear view. I was rather excited about the upcoming opportunity to photograph this satellite in all its glory. I made sure that the camera batteries (plus extras!) were fully charged and dragged out the tripod for steady shots. A few extra amenities were gathered to make this outing a bit more enjoyable.. a blanket to sit on, a thermos of coffee and a few Beautyberry leaves to ward off any mosquitoes. I was ready to sit out for several hours of just staring at the moon. Actually, it was more like a few hours of just enjoying the cool breeze and the moon was just an added plus! As soon as it was dark, I headed out the door. Ezzy the dog ventured with me just in case any monster rabbits decided to roam the yard tonight. I peered at the sky..no moon. Clouds covered the entire sky, there were no visible stars nor a moon. I sat there a bit thinking that maybe it would clear enough for a few pictures but to no avail. Gathering up everything, I hauled it all back inside rather disappointed that my moon had jilted me. It did pique my curiosity though and I searched through my photographs. I found one picture of the three/quarter moon that depicted the craters well but I have a passion for the full moon and most of my pictures were of it. Still the craters and mountains were visible as dark blotches so I suppose I will be satisfied with what I have...until next time!

Earlier in the day, I visited my brother for a few minutes and on the way home I heard a curious sound. The path from his house to mine takes me through some rather large clumps of Sawtooth Palmettos. The noise was a quite loud rattling noise. I stopped to get a bearing on it and discovered it was coming from a Mimosa tree. There hanging in the tree were thousands of dried seed pods and the wind from the Bay was shaking them like maracas! My mind went flitting off to the story of the "Headless Horseman" with Ichabod Crane. The reeds and seed pods clattered about in the Disney movie to make perfect creepy "special" effects. Aha! If Disney can use it, why, oh why, can't I? I plan to use some of these seed pods in the entryway to my house for Halloween decorations. They are quite "dead" looking and will rattle marvelously if anyone brushes against them! It is just too sad that I live so far down on the Bayou that no Trick or Treaters venture here. It would be so fun! Occasionally, we have an impromptu party that night, but it would be delightful to share the decorations with others!