Thing Called Love by Jennifer Peppery Ramsey and Jackson

Here are a few Butterflies that have fluttered by lately

Hope you are enjoying this hot summer!

The Dawning of a New Day

Do you ever have one of those nights when you wake up in the wee hours of the morning and you make the big mistake of 'thinking'?  I finally got up about 3:30 and made some coffee, checked my email, Facebook, etc.  Then comes the good part.  I went out on the sun porch and felt the cooler, early morning air coming through the windows.  I sat down in the glider with a cup of coffee to just meditate.  It was so quiet out there!  The silence was only broken by the call of the Whip-o-will, Quail and a few song birds.

Just as it was getting light, a few Hummingbirds began coming to the feeders, chirping and chattering as they fight for a place at the feeder.

Another sound I heard just as dawn was breaking was what sounded like a very large bumblebee gathering pollen from the Phlox just outside the window.  

I didn't see the Rabbits this morning, but lots of mornings there is one or two that run away when I go out on the porch.

A few days ago when I went out early, I saw an Armadillo headed to the woods after a night of digging for grubs, or whatever they eat.  They act like they do not see or hear you when you approach them.

The next time you wake up too early, go outside, or where you can see outside.  Look and listen and just see what is going on in your yard.  Or just use this time to sit and enjoy the silence, meditate and get ready for whatever the day has in store.

Thanks be to God that His mercies are new every morning!

Things I've seen this week

Sorry I haven't posted anything here for a long time! 

 Here are a few pictures to make up for my laziness!

We haven't had many butterflies this summer.  So when I DO see one, I just have to see if I can get a picture!

We have enjoyed seeing the big happy sunflowers every morning.  Thanks to our yard man for suggesting that we leave the little plants that came up under the bird feeders.

You just never know what all you miss by not going outside and walking around!  This Lantana is in a place that you don't see, unless you walk around the house.  I was out chasing a butterfly, when this Hummer came by for a few sips of nectar.  I was too excited to take time to focus.

Carolina Wren and sunflower

For the last day or two, we have been visited by a Skunk.   It forages through the grass and under the bird feeders.

Tonight the mother came and brought her four babies with her.  I think she is teaching them to forage for themselves.  They were eating some, but mostly playing with each other.  

I got to see the mother Skunk and her four babies leave all in a row.  After about an hour I went back to see if she had possibly put her babies to bed and come back by herself.

  Sure enough, there she was all by herself, eating the sunflower seed.

We have enjoyed having so many birds at the feeders.  The Sunflowers came up volunteer and the Goldfinch really like them.

A friend gave me a start of this Summer Phlox and it has really multiplied!

A perky, little Carolina Wren built her nest in this hanging basket.  We got to see the babies when they left the nest!  They were so cute!

We have seen lots of sunny days this summer! 

 Now it's hot and dry and I find myself looking forward to Fall.

Hope you are having a good summer!