Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Amazing!

 I find these little birds so amazing.   Watching them flutter back and forth at the feeders is very entertaining.  
There are many varieties.   Here in Ohio we have three types.  They are the Ruby Throat, Calliope, and Rufous.   The ones that visit here are the Ruby Throat.   The above photo is the female...  
 
the one below a male. 
    I read that they actually use their tongue to lap up the nectar and not their beak.
.
 Their natural predators are the bull frog, spider and praying mantis.
 
  When preparing for migration activity increases.  Much nourishment is needed for the long journey to Central America.    In fact it is important to keep the feeders hanging for two weeks after spotting the last one.  There may be those traveling from further north who may need to feed on their way south. 
 
Isn't it fascinating to think these tiny little ones will fly so far for the summer.  I am so glad they do.
Well it is time to go see a few more of their antics before climbing into bed.
Hope you have a wonderful evening.   
God Bless!

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Remembering

Tomorrow I will be remembering all those who served this country well.   They stood up and answered when duty called.   I live free because they did.









These soldiers fought in far away places.   They endured and suffered much.  Some fell never to return.   Others came back wounded and lost.

Why?

They knew that freedom was the only way.   Even if it cost everything.





What a blessing it is to choose where to live and work!   What a privilege to worship as one sees fit!   What a gift it is to be free!     










                                                                  Tomorrow I will be remembering!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Looking Up

I am taking a few moments to look up tonight.   My heart goes out to those in Oklahoma and Texas who have known such terrible loss from the tornadoes that have touched down.

 Won't you please join me as I look up.  Thank you. 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Garden


 Let me welcome you to the garden.  Hope you will enjoy a spring stroll.
These brilliant daylilies are just beginning to open.
 
The Star of Bethlehem does so much to brighten a shady spot.

 

 Blue and white columbine tumble down a leaf strewn bank.        
Pink Bleeding Heart dance so delicately upon their perch.
 
Perfume from the lilacs scent the air.
 

It was so nice you took a few moments to visit the garden.  


Thank you for stopping by.   Have a blessed evening!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Things to Share

 
 

 Here are some things to share.   Hope they make you smile.
Mrs. Hummingbird and her spouse have returned for the season... they inspired me to do some painting.  
 
                                   Mr. Toad stopped by for a visit.    Hope he will stay for the summer.  
 

These pansies were looking for a home.   I think they found one.

 
The boys decided this was a great place to spend an afternoon!
 
 
Shelby thinks it is time for dinner.
 
She may be right.
 
Hope you are smiling.   Have a great day!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day

Every Mother's Day I give a flowering plant to my Mom.   It is a tradition.  We both enjoy growing things.  My dear grandma loved this hobby too.   Her gardens boasted a wide variety.  There was always something blooming.   She had a "green thumb" and managed to pass it down to us.   
    
She would say when she shared a plant or gave one as a gift, "Don't thank me.  It might not grow."   My mom and I continue this practice.   Why?  I have no clue.   It is a silly superstition.  One that is never questioned.   Some things are what they are.  
 
As all gardeners know there are some plants that thrive no matter what the conditions.   Others are fussy.  They may not make it.    I am sure that if one thanked someone for a plant it would not die.    For now though I won't test fate (LOL)!
 
Hope everyone who is a Mom had a wonderful Mother's Day!  
God Bless.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Sunshine and Rain

 Some days God sends sunshine...


some days rain...













                                                                                                        
 some days a bit of both.
Every day He sends love.   We just need to look up.
  
                                                                                           Have a blessed day!



Sunday, May 5, 2013

A Quiet Retreat


 When my spirit needs refreshed I go to a special place.












A quiet retreat...

somewhere to think, dream and look up! 
  
 
a spot that is peaceful... 
  where birds provide the music
 
 
and wildflowers grow.
 
 It is here the Creator whispers,
 
"Be still and know I am God."
 
 Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

May's Arrival


With the arrival of May the garden starts to burst with color.  The tulips begin to put on quite a show.  Virginia bluebells have settled in every nook and cranny.
They are quite neighborly with the daffodils. 
 
  
  
Creeping phlox has started clambering over the banks.
 
Sweet violets cover woodland paths.   They are such a favorite of mine.    
 
  
 May certainly brings an abundance of flowering gifts.   I am so glad you stopped by to see it arrive.

  
 
Have a blessed day!

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...