And Then It Was Gone...

   Since hurricane season, the windows of the Little Bayou House still wear their storm covers.  One thing or another has gotten in the way of removing and storing the panels.  For the past month, it felt sort of like living in a box or greenhouse.  It was hot and I could not see out through the panels.  Light filtered through but the view is blocked.  I shrugged it off and thought it really did not matter if they stayed up all winter. The panels would block a lot of the winter's chill that blows in off of the water.  It was all good.

  Then, today, I realized that I do care!  The old wood-burning cookstove has been chugging away with the cold front that moved in last night.  The fire feels good but keeping it stoked is just an added chore.  Late this afternoon, I made quick dash out for another armload of firewood.  It only takes a moment since the woodpile is nearby so I left the paneled door that covers the french doors open.  I dashed out and then back again.  I was just in time to see the lightshow taking place on the floor.  Throwing the wood in the bin, I grabbed the camera to snap a photo of this beautiful sight!  Then, as quickly as it appeared, the colors faded and were gone.  

  I miss seeing the rainbows filling the room.  With the windows and doors covered, it is blah in here.  Do I dare ask Son to remove and store the panels while he is in the midst of rebuilding the shelves in the dining room just so I can have rainbows dancing every afternoon?   Nah...better wait until he has a free day.   And...just my luck, once they are down we will have a winter storm with hurricane force winds.  Maybe I should just move the prisms and crystals to a new location.  Still, it was exciting to see them today after such a dreary few days.

Pretty On Pink

   Although the flower gardens have reached their peaks and are now in a steady decline, the beauty can still be found.  The zinnia beds outdid themselves this summer and are still clinging to life even though they are long and lanky.  Pruning has gone the wayside.  For the rest of their days, I am leaving them to grow as they please which means they are spilling out of the gardens over the bench.  A few days ago, the mower caught some and really "pruned" them.  I just do not have the heart to yank them from the ground while they are still blooming.  Those blooms are feeding a lot of late butterflies.

  Speaking of butterflies, among all of the swallowtails and skippers was a lovely, little butterfly.  This is the first time I have come across one of these in the gardens so I am pretty excited!  I believe this adorable critter is a Checkerspot!  (Imagine that...checkerspot when it is checkered!)  The small butterfly stayed around all day feeding mainly on the pink zinnias.  Apparently, it has an affinity for pink!  

  With all of the lovely butterflies flitting around the zinnias, it would be a shame to rip out the plants.  Although the gardens look a bit shabby, they shall remain until the fall flowers begin to bloom.  

Late Summer Beauty

   The entire spring and first part of summer was extremely rainy.  It rained so much that our hill was even starting to get a bit mushy which is strange since the water runs right off into the Bayou or Bay.   Still, the gardens had standing puddles and that rotted the plants at the roots.  Most of the summer garden was a bust.  I got enough tomatoes to restock our supply of jars of sauce and catsup so all is well.  We can stretch the pickles for another year since the cucumbers succumbed to the root rot.  Regardless, those months were good since the rain kept it a bit cooler.  Then came SUMMER!  I knew the weather was going to take a swing in the other direction and made preparations by not planting a late garden.  Watering it would have just been too much.  So now the veggie patch sits empty.

  Still, other plants are doing well regardless of the dryness.  Most "in-ground" plants can adapt, especially trees.  Their roots are deep enough that it takes an endless drought to do damage.  Their adaptability was shown this morning.  We had a good soaking rain yesterday evening complete with lots of lightning.  It was that rain that did the world of good for the trees.  This morning, I found where the pear trees were trying to bloom again!  One rain and out popped blossoms.  I have come to expect this as it happens almost every fall.  Not much will come of the blossoms as their season is over but that does not keep the trees from trying.  If nothing else, the trees add a bit of beauty to a yard where other flowers are starting to wane.

Neglected Yet Thriving

   Short and sweet post tonight as I am purely exhausted.  The day was spent landscaping the side yard where Son and I just poured the concrete gutter drain that ends with Puddle Pond.  After working with concrete, the yard was a mess and needed to be revamped.  That involved transplanting approximately 200 bulbs which is long, hard work.  The end result will be worth the effort so I push through the tiredness.  Son worked on the finishing touches of the "walk-through" herb tower.  That will be a dream come true for me!

  I did take the time to admire the azaleas that have burst forth with blooms this week, I have neglected the poor bushes this entire year but they thrived regardless.  After the blooms are spent, they will get a good trimming and possibly be moved.  For now, I shall sit back and breathe in the sweet aroma and simply ooh and ahh at the loveliness.  Be happy, folks.  

The Tempest And The Tree

   What you find in the debris during a hurricane can pretty much tell the severity of the blow.  Usually, we find a "wake-line" of dead marsh mats, boards, trash and small pieces of driftwood.  If a storm of a Category 4 or 5 comes, the tidal surge brings heartbreaking stories in the form of people's homes, businesses and the possibility of finding one not so fortunate.  Thankfully, the only deaths on the Bayou have been critters and not humans.  The stronger the storm, the greater the chance of others' belongings being washed ashore here or in the shallows of the Bayou.  After Hurricane Katrina, boats, sides of houses, furniture and even a refrigerator truck came into the yard.  Sofas were hung in the tops of trees and whole decks were laid against the house.  We were fortunate that Hurricane Zeta came in as a Category 2 and whipped itself right out of here with great speed.  The wake line contains the marsh mats and boards but very few other items.  

  One of the more interesting (and beautiful) items to sit in the front yard compliments of Hurricane Zeta is a very large piece of driftwood.  The thing is about five feet in length and perhaps has a diameter of almost fifteen inches.  It has beautiful knot holes and stubby limbs.  The driftwood piece is hollow and has been smoothed by the tide waters.  The wood is remarkably clean so the grain can be easily seen.  

  One thing that interested me was how many hurricanes this once massive tree had seen.  It is obvious to note that the winds were not easy on it.  The entire piece was once twisted mercilessly by the winds.  The woodgrain wraps around the tree instead of being straight. It is a beautiful piece and should have a place to show its glory.  Either this piece will find its way up the hill to the Little Bayou House or will be carted to my brother's place across the way.  We both find the piece interesting.  Either way, the driftwood will finally find a home after so many years being tossed and turned by a tempest.

Looking Rosy..

  Just recently, my outlook on life was lambasted by an acquaintance.  "The world is in despair and yet you still go around looking through your "rose-colored" glasses.  That does not make sense.  It is stupid to always find something nice."  Huh?  Well, I beg your pardon but I would much rather be seeing niceties than gloom and despair.  Of course, I can do this as I have distanced myself from the naysayers of the world.  Now peace surrounds me and my eyes have been opened.  The world is nice.  People are not.  I can do without them.

  A few months back, I was in awe of the Saltmarsh Morning Glories that bloom near the pier.  These plants love to have their roots right in the brackish water and gently lay their 20 feet long vines atop the marsh grass or any bush that happens to be in their range.  The bright blooms open before dawn and fade with the heat of the sun.  Though fleeting, the blooms are favorites of mine as I get to see them with my predawn hikes.  Their beauty astounds.

  Come this morning, I found that, even though the blooms are scarce now, the vines are still providing beauty.  It takes someone that has the patience to find beauty among the briers but it is there.  The seed pods of the morning glory are stunning when seen close up. (The photo was taken with a macro lens.) The rosiness of the flowers still lingers in the pod.  Soon the pod will become hard and turn brown but for now, it is a mixture of greens, pinks, yellows and reds.  Yes, folks, there is beauty hidden in those marshes and all over this old world.  Perhaps it would be wise for some of you to borrow my rose-colored spectacles and take a look at how wonderful life is. 

I'm Free!

   So it was my first day to freely roam the entire yard...well, almost.  I did get to leave the confines of the Small Gardens and hike about the lower part of the yard and around by the canebrake.  Still, there was no wandering on the pier or creek bed but that will come soon.  After a bit more than a month of confinement, it sure felt glorious to stretch my legs and do some wandering!   While there was not a lot in the way of exciting events occurring during my hike, the escape was enough.

 While on the lower part near the pier, a beautiful bloom caught my eye.  A cluster of Salt-marsh Morning Glories had just started to open.  The buds had turned to the east and were bursting with beauty as the sun rose over the horizon.  I was excited as I have not seen these beauties in weeks!  It made me realize just how much I have been missing while my healing was taking place.

  

  The Salt-marsh Morning Glories are rather interesting plants.  As many times as I have tried to plant the seeds along the garden fences, they have never done well.  It takes having their "feet" wet to make them flourish.  Salt-marsh Morning Glories grow right in the brackish waters of the marsh.  In times of storms, flood waters can completely cover the vines but, once the water recedes, the vines go right on living and blooming.  The saltwater does not kill the roots. The blooms can be the pinkish color like the ones near the pier or almost blue.  There is even one beautiful white type that blooms on the other side of the Bayou where I cannot roam.  

  Yep, it does not take much to bring smiles when you are free to roam.  I can hardly wait until the ban on the pier visits is lifted.  I really NEED to get back to that water!  Happy hiking, folks!

The Beauty of Squash!

  It is my longstanding habit of rising before the sun and starting the day with a trip to the pier then back to the gardens.  This is a throwback to my childhood when I was either fishing with Pop or hoeing weeds with him during the early morning hours.  He instilled the love of both in me and I carry that with me to this day.  Fishing and farming!

  This morning as I was tending the garden, a thought occurred.  Why are squash plants not considered to be "flower-garden worthy"?  The broad leaves of the plant are just as showy as any hosta and the blooms can top just about any lily.  The plants are beautiful and also produce supper!  What more could you ask?  I knelt in the soft dirt to get a really good look at the squash bloom and was greeted by a number of tiny bumblebees as they gathered the pollen.  It seems that those and the honeybees fully appreciate the squash plants!  

  Squash are separated into two categories...summer squash and winter squash.  Zucchini, yellow crook neck and pattypan are types of summer squash and butternut, acorn and pumpkins are winter squash.  A lot of folks think that "winter" squash are planted in the cooler months but this is not so.  They are called that simply because they have tougher skins and can be stored for a long time during winter.  While it is not that common today, years back, folks harvested the winter squash and stored them for use during the cold months when it was hard to have a garden.  The tough skins kept the squash from rotting or becoming dried.  This provided food when times were lean.  I still overwinter a basket of butternut squash in the back room and pumpkins wherever I find a place to put them!  They last just fine and provide many a meal when the garden is planted with winter crops.  That, my friends, is the beauty of squash...other than their fine leaves and lovely blooms!

The World Beneath the Underbrush

  Earlier today, there came an eerily familiar fracas from deep in the creek bed.  It grew in intensity until I had to quit painting, grab the camera and slip unseen through the underbrush.  The cacophony reminded me of a saddening situation a few years back.  I witnessed a large male raccoon literally slaughtering the young of a small female.  It was breeding season but she already had kits. Since the massacre took place high in the top of a dead pine tree, there was nothing I could do to help the sweet little mama.  I watched and cringed as I saw the male pull the tiny babies from the nest, bite them and fling them to the ground.  Little Mama tried valiantly to protect her litter but it was to no avail.  She finally gave up and flung herself from the treetop.  She would rather plunge some sixty feet to the ground than watch her babies be so brutally killed.  This horrifying massacre lingered in my mind for years to come and, today, it surfaced with each scream.

  As I edged my way through the underbrush and down past the palmetto clumps, I was thankful for the cool air.  Hopefully, all cottonmouths had crawled back in their warm spots for the day and I would not tread on any.  The screaming continued for the full ten minutes it took me to reach the spot where I could see what was happening.  Thankfully, it was too early for kits yet but this was equally brutal.  Sweet and gentle love is not a common thing in the critter world.  Four large males were competing over a small female but she was caught in the middle of the brawl.  No matter how she tried, there was no escape.  She was bleeding and screaming as the males battled over her.  Since no kits were involved (yet), I turned to leave.  There was no reason for me to be there and, in fact, it would have been dangerous (and foolish) for me to intervene with nothing but a camera to use as a weapon to protect myself.

  As I clamored up the hillside out of the creek, I was suddenly sidetracked.  Without realizing it when I was racing down, I had plowed through a virtual fairyland of beauty!  Dropping to my knees, I admired the beauty of mosses, ferns and tiny flowers!  The overhead canopy of trees and bamboo had protected the area from the elements and allowed this natural wonderland to flourish!  Oblivious to the melee going on about fifty feet from me, I started photographing the captivating beauty of the forest floor.  Key word here is "started".  After only two photographs, the camera went dead and, in my rush to be a "savior of baby raccoons", I forgot to pick up extra batteries.  Yep, my wonderland would have to wait until I have another opportunity to weasel my way beneath the thickets.  Since it is to be cold tomorrow, it should be a perfect time if the opportunity presents itself.  Then, I SHALL remember to grab a pocketful of extra batteries! 

It's My Choice

  Have you ever sat back and pondered what is and what should be?  Not that I have all of these deep thoughts that could ever bring world peace or a solution to looming problems but I do ponder things.  Years ago, Pop told me that if I thought long and hard enough about an idea, I may just come up with an understanding deeper than what I originally had.  Made sense back then some fifty odd years ago and still holds true today.  Most folks just don't think long enough to find a solution to anything anymore.

  If you look into a mirror you see what is.  There is no denying that fact. And while most of us may like or dislike what we see in that image, it does not give insight on what could be.  The possibilities are there.  The reflection we see is not the same as the reflections we can think.  The image in the mirror can be modified to cover surface blemishes but if we do not reflect long and hard we, ourselves, cannot be changed.  It takes deep reflection into our minds to figure out how to improve our lot in life.  Ha!  I told you that I pondered!

  All of this pondering on reflections actually had nothing to do with anything yet had a lot to do with everything.  Early this morning, the dreary skies gave me just enough light to catch a reflection on the calm waters.  A branch had somehow become lodged in the edge of the marsh and cast such a beautiful image on the water below that it started the mind reeling.  There was no improving the picture in my mind.  I can find beauty in the oddest of things simply because, a long time ago, I discovered that I am far happier looking for beauty instead of seeing ugliness.  Some claim that I turn a blind-eye to what is happening in the world but I beg to differ.  I merely see things in a different light.  I could go around seeing ugliness which would fill me with anger, disgust and pain or I could seek beauty and fill my spirit with happiness, hope and peace.  I choose the latter.  

This One Tolerates Me...

  Yesterday, I made mention of my preference of critter friends over people friends, as I have so many times in the past.  It is just a "me" thing as I prefer peace and I often find that in the animals of the Bayou.  They are merely trying to survive and have no time for frivolous drama and pettiness.  I, also, stated that there are some critters here that plain do not wish to be buddy-buddy with me and I fully respect that.  

  One of those "not so close" critters is the osprey.  Ospreys have their standards of who is to be trusted and I am obviously not one on their list.  In fact, their list is rather short.  I am not sure they even like other ospreys.  That said, there are a couple around who do not mind my presence purely because they have grown accustomed to my daily hikes about the hillside.  I still consider them as my friends but I have not gained the honor of being "their" friend.  That is ok.  I can still watch and admire them from a distance.

  Early this afternoon, a beautiful osprey sat on the pier post as I was meandering down the board path.  I could hear its screams as soon as I opened the front door so it was only natural that I venture down that way.  The osprey was resting from a day of hunting.  Earlier, it flew over the house with a rather large fish but was back within a few moments.  I assume that either it "presented" its catch to its potential mate or lost the fish to an eagle.  (Eagles are notorious thieves!  They will wait until an osprey catches a fish, then steal it rather than work to catch their own!)  The ospreys do not nest until early April so I am hesitant to say the fish fed little ones but with the warm weather, anything is possible...not plausible nor probable but surely possible.

  This afternoon, the osprey stayed put until I was well on halfway down the pier.  The bird eyed me constantly as if in hopes that I would retreat back up the hillside.  Once it took flight, it made a huge loop and came back to the same post.   I stood watching then turned to let it rest in peace.  There was no need in disturbing this majestic bird.  I was happy just to catch a couple of photos from the distance.

Mistakes Can Be Beautiful

  Most folks do not like to admit to mistakes.  I have no problem with it.  If I do something wrong or the outcome is not perfect,  I will happily say it was my fault.  I figure that mistakes are just learning experiences so looking at it as a lesson learned can make all the difference in the world.  So what?  I goofed.  I admit it.  I will attempt a "redo" and hopefully things will have better results.  There are those who see this as a weakness.  Their way of coping is to blame others or to hide the evidence.  Nope..not me.  

  In photography, there are a lot of opportunities for mistakes but sometimes not many chances for a retake.  This is especially true when photographing nature.  The bird will fly away, the otter will dive beneath the waters or the clouds will shift and the chance for the perfect picture goes with them.  Still, it is better to have tried than to give up and think it is useless to attempt.   The other day gave me the chance to admit a mistake but to find a bit of beauty in that mistake.  I was out trying to photograph the sunrise but there was a misting rain that kept putting water droplets on the camera lens.  At first, I was a bit dismayed that my pictures would all have weird reflections but, then, I gave up trying to dry the lens between shots.  This, my friends, was a mistake as each photo after that had odd little "rainbows" or irises dotted on it.  Nary a pretty sunrise photograph was taken.

  
  Once I had the opportunity to review the pictures that I took, I realized that not keeping the camera lens clean was not a good idea.  Irises everywhere!  However!  Through that mistake came the one chance to have a creation that cannot be replicated if I tried.  My mistake of a wet lens turned into an unusually interesting photograph.  Definitely, it will never win any awards nor will it be lauded as "art" but I find it quite lovely.  It is a good day when a mistake actually makes you smile.  This one does.  I call it a happy accident.

I can handle the day...

  Yesterday morning, Mark and I traipsed to the pier in hopes of finding a few minnows to use as bait.  He has been catching a lot of mullet lately but I was in hopes of a redfish or large trout.  I do not mind eating mullet but grow tired of the "muddy" taste.  To my way of thinking, mullet are best eaten fresh.  As soon as they are caught..clean, fry and eat.  A distinct flavor of bayou mud permeates the fish after it sits for a few hours in the refrigerator and especially after the fish are frozen.  I am not a fan.  Yesterday morning, however, the fishing did not happen so they were not on the menu for our meal.

  I was duly impressed by the scenery from the pier.  A heavy cloud cover made the sunrise invisible but, along about 8am, the sun tried to poke its face through the overcast skies.  It tried but could not quite burst through to brighten the day.  The effort made for an amazing view, though, and the still waters were reflecting just enough light to make it interesting.  

  There has to be something said about how still waters can bring forth beauty.  Leading a calm, peaceful life reflects upon all nearby.  I am seeing that more clearly, as I age.  Things are just not worth the turmoil.  It is best to live in peace with the world and let beauty be a reflection of all that is good.  It has to start somewhere.  I may as well be with me.  I CAN handle this day and find the beauty therein.

I had ONE!

  I have always loved the photographs of the thousands of Monarch Butterflies clinging to trees as they rest during migration.  There is just something special about seeing them finally getting a well-deserved rest after their arduous flight.  In a way, it gives a sense of hope.  If fragile butterflies can make such a trek, surely we can face our every day trials.  At least it seems that way to me.

  While taking the old dog down for his afternoon hike, I noticed the Monarchs flitting overhead.  Several dozen of the orange "flying flowers" made their way across the marsh.  It seemed as if their migration was heading in the wrong direction, however.  The butterflies were coming across the Bay, over the marsh and, then, northward.  I would have thought that this was backward!  As I stood there pondering the misdirected critters, one came in to alight in the old oak tree,  A single Monarch hung in my tree.  This pales in comparison to the photographs I have seen but my loner made me smile.  You can do it, buddy!! Take a little snooze then catch up with your friends! Happy flights!

Why I Like A Weedy Garden!

  During the spring, I pretty much keep the garden weed-free. I get a bit overzealous and want everything neat and tidy.  Nary a weed grows in the tomatoes...for a while, at least.  Then I get a bit lackadaisical and pretty soon, hunting for tomatoes is exciting!  It is like a hiking through a rain forest with plants towering overhead, vines wrapping around the ankles and...well, you get the idea.  It is pretty bad. Then about midsummer, I do away with most everything and start over again.  The gardens are cleared and it looks nice for a bit.

  Fall, however, sees a whole new bunch of weeds popping up everywhere.  Goldenrod shoots up six feet high, Ageratum mound over in thick clumps, Blackeyed Susan Daisies sway with the breeze and Oxeye Daisies fill in wherever there is space.  The garden never looks prettier than with all of these wildflowers that others call weeds.  At least, I think it is pretty.  Where others see weeds, I see...butterfly magnets!

  Right now, the Monarch Butterflies are starting their migration through the area.  They need a place to stop for a few moments to gather nourishment to continue their flight.  My weedy garden offers a variety of delectable treats for the butterflies, moths, honeybees, bumblebees and any other pollen seeking critters.  The beauty is not only in the blossoms but what is attracted.  Yep, I love my weedy garden!

A Bit of Beauty in the Marsh!

  Down in the marsh, there are a lot of plants that seem to flourish in the brackish waters.  One of these grows right next to the pier.  It brushes my shoulders each time I pass.  Usually, I am more concerned about any critters that may be hiding among the thick leaves than I am the limbs.  Bees, beetles, ants, spiders and moths all seem to love the bush!  Today, however, I was a bit leery about getting the little tufts of fluff caught in my hair!  As I eased my way off the pier, a flurry of tiny, hairy seeds rose into the air!  It looked like our version of a snow storm.  (Here in the Deep South, we have to use our imaginations to have snow!)

  The Groundsel bush was covered with the white achenes (seed like things) that go flying in all directions at the least disturbance.  I pondered about this bush as I finished my hike up the hillside.  In the spring, blossoms dot the bush but are not significant enough to call notice.  Come fall, however, the bush is a pretty thing with its silvery white fluffs and oval leaves.  Hundreds of the shrubs dot the marsh edges as far as you can see back into the Bayou.  It makes for a beautiful sight!  

  The Groundsel bush is the only eastern species of the aster family to get to tree-size.  It can grow up to twelve feet in height and branches out to be a rather full shrub.  It is tolerant of the salt spray making it a nice ornamental plant for the Coast.  It does have rather weak wood and breaks easily but is fast growing.  If a storm does flatten it, a couple of months later, it is back in place.  I like the Groundsel bushes and their flying tufts.  They bring a bit of brightness to the otherwise drab marsh.

The Lady in Red!

  Since chive blossoms seem to attract a myriad of insects, I am fully considering strewing seeds over the entire hillside!  This would be a win/win situation!  I would not have to cut grass again and I would be able to butterfly/moth watch while simply sitting in my lawn chair!  Things could not get much better than that!  I would save about 8 hours a week in cutting time and could spend that extra time enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature!

 Early this morning, I glanced out the window and saw a slight movement above the white garlic chive blossoms.  The sun was not up yet but I could tell that the movement was a moth.  Ok, that did it!  I slipped on my shoes and headed out the back door.  The mosquitoes were terrible this morning but I was determined to get my photograph.  For several years now, a species of moth has been visiting the herb garden but photographing it was never an option.  This morning, the moth literally posed for the camera!  Right at sunrise,  a Scarlet-bodied Wasp Moth flitted over the blossoms.  It was gorgeous!  It appeared to be dressed in a red velvet gown with black trim at the head and hem of the gown.  On the black parts, lovely turquoise gemstones glittered in the sun glinting over the pines!  Such elegance!  Such beauty!  Yep!  Well worth the wait!

 

Finding the Strength

  Sometimes when things are a bit rough and you find yourself fretting over what is not in your control, it is easy to lose sight of how many blessings are at hand.  Right now, I am dealing with a few things that seemingly have no satisfactory ending so it feels only that there are worse times ahead.  These things are not able to be "fixed" and weigh heavy on my mind.  For several months, I thought I was handling the situations well but, today, that idea all came tumbling down around me and made the day look dismal.  It felt that I was alone in my struggles.  I needed an "escape" so I headed out the back door to just breathe.  It seems that a bit of solitude can really put things back into perspective so I hiked my new path.  It did not take long for the mood to lift so I headed back to the Little Bayou House.  I was still perplexed about how to handle things and still saddened by the inevitable outcome of the situations but, at least, I felt that I could face what was to come.

  My stroll back to the house took me past a few flower gardens and into the east arbor.  It was at the base of this arbor that I was taken aback by the sight of a single bloom.  A daylily had burst forth with all its beauty.  How had I not noticed this before?  Three times, I had passed through that gate earlier in the day and not once had I seen the flower.  I knelt down and cupped the bloom in my hands and, strange as it seems, felt strength being poured into my soul.  I smiled.  With a renewed spirit and a happy heart, I could face the world again.  Throw me your best shot, Frustrations!  I've got this.

  You see, that daylily was a gift from my precious daughter-in-law.  No, she did not mean it to be the end-all cure for the world's woes and, as matter of fact, it was not even a true gift just a sweet gesture.  She just happened to have extra daylily rhizomes and called to see if I wanted some.  Long story short..I was truly thankful for her thinking of me.  The daylilies were a bright spot that I could turn to in my down times.  Today's bloom was perceived as a sign that I did, indeed, have the power to prevail!  Joanna will probably never know how her small act of kindness has been a light during so many dark times but, then, she is pretty amazing and makes the whole world a brighter spot by just being herself.

Three...Two...One!!

  Early this afternoon, Mark headed out to help an elderly couple that we know.  They were having a bit of trouble with their truck so he volunteered to repair the thing.  No sooner had he left than I heard a strange ruckus in the back yard.  I listened for a moment then grabbed the camera and raced to the back door.  I recognized that cacophony!  There were bald eagles somewhere nearby and I wanted photographs, if at all possible!

  My efforts were rewarded!  I did not even have to get off the back porch before I spied these majestic birds.  Three....yes, THREE adult bald eagles were in a pine tree next to the house!!  Ok, ok..calm down.  If I wanted clear photos I needed to take my time and find the best spot to stand.  I quietly slipped off the porch to get the first pictures but an oak tree limb shrouded the birds.  the first photo of the three birds was not as clear as I wished. It was definitely a better place up on the porch.  Just as I prepared to take another photo, one of the eagles flew directly over my head and out of sight behind the roof of the house.  Drats!  Nope!  Do not be discouraged!  Concentrate on the other two.  Then the second bird flew in the same path and was out of sight.  Ok...I am happy with one! 

  The eagles fascinate me and I am happy to see that the numbers here are growing.  Obviously, the birds are being pushed more and more to our piece of property since it is one of the last "wild and free" places in the area.  I intentionally leave as many trees and as much underbrush to act as a safe haven for the critters.  It seems to be working.  The eagles are welcome to stay!

Happy as a Goldenrod...

  Down by the marsh edge, I sort of let Mother Nature take her course and decide what grows.  It is obvious that I do not keep the impeccable yard that Pop did but I rather like the wild look of the place.  Granted the upper two acres is kept relatively cleared but the rest of the acreage is let be wild and free.  The critters need a place to feel safe and underbrush provides perfect hiding/nesting areas.

  While on this morning's hike, I came across the fluffy seeds of the goldenrod.  During the fall, goldenrod fills the marsh with such beauty and during the winter months, the seeds do much the same.  Actually, my hike took me there just at the right time because later in the day, rain and high winds probably scattered the seeds about the hillside.  Now, all that is left, is a bit of warm sunshine to come this spring so a whole new crop of the "weeds" will sprout.  

  While there are those who will argue that my idea of beauty is a bit frazzled, I figure that Mother Nature has much more experience about decorating the Bayou than I do.  When viewing the seed tufts this morning, it made me realize more than ever that seeing beauty is all in how you look at things.  The Bayou and I are a lot alike.  We are both a little unkempt at times but deep down, we are both happy as a lark...or goldenrod...happy as a goldenrod...if a weed can be happy.