The Little Things

Ok! Working with the new layout takes a little getting used to.

So here I go.

I've not taken many photos of some of my favorite things because, well, it's just been too hot! But I did manage to get out with the camera and try to take some pictures of the little guys around the yard.

A Pearl Crescent down by the mailbox. (my new header).

This Sweet Gray Hairstreak stealing from the Hummingbirds...I doubt they would mind...too much.

And this crazy Walking Stick with an Ole hair on his....leg...I guess!!!

I have been trying to get pictures of the crazy bunch of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at the feeders but they have been so shy lately. Now that all the kids are out of the nest, it's all you can do not to lose an eye out there!!!

There she goes!!

They sure are quick little guys!

The Bigger Picture

I'm just seeing about putting bigger pictures on the blog.

Sometimes it's a little nerve-racking changing things up!

Ditto Landing

Not 20 minutes from my home is a place on the Tennessee River called Ditto Landing. I pass it quite a bit as I travel to Sam's a couple times a month. Finally after a year I finally stopped just to see what I would find. It was beautiful.Click on the title for information on this scenic park. I plan on going back as soon as it cools off a little for a more thorough inspection. Can't wait!

"the Stig" visits Alabama!

Ok Gary, I have been told that Chris is not the Stig by Chris himself! So there, let's put that one to rest!

I was treated by a great visit today from Chris and Vicky from "Everyday Riding" blog and it was just a blast. I've been following their trek from the trickling beginnings of the Mississippi River in the great state of Minnesota, to the its final dump into the Gulf of Mexico. They have had quite an adventure so far with its ups and downs, sights, rain, and heat! Mostly heat! It was truly a pleasure to enjoy some sweet tea and talk about their journey. For some interesting information on some really cool motorcycles go visit Everyday Riding by clicking on Chris's name in this post or the title of his blog. Also click on Gary's name and see his adventure with Chris and how Chris, really just might be "the Stig"!!

Vicky is was such a pleasure to meet you! Hang on and enjoy all the views!

What a wonderful time to share!

Ride Safe you two, and I hope you didn't get too delayed by stopping.

Finding a new Place to Live...

...NOT me!!

But the five baby Bluebirds living in my back yard. I'd finally learned to mark my calendar to watch for their fledge and it worked! They were right on time. This little one flew out as I was photographing.Mom was watching me like a hawk so I didn't stick around long.I took these pictures yesterday and all 5 were out of the box this morning.I went to the peninsula town of Guntersville and took a few photos. It was VERY hot and my eyes were stinging from salty sweat as I photographed.I loved this little Halloween Pennant perched on the high bush.The Veteran's Memorial Bridge on 431.The river walk. Too hot to enjoy today.In the parking lot of the Chamber of Commerce I found this beautiful Camaro. Perfect car, perfect color. And the Crepe Myrtle added a nice touch.Now that Morgan is back to school I can get out and enjoy riding a little more.I don't get so upset when she forgets to bring something to school and I have to RIDE it over to her!!

Stopping Just to Look Around

It's been mighty hot here in the sunny south. And DRY!

It's not fun to be outside during the day so my gardens are weedy and brown.

These photos were taken within the last few weeks.

A Painted Lady.I've seen a lot of these baby Five-lined Skinks. This one is particularly cute. He spends much of his time on my front stoop, wiggling his tail and driving Miss Daisy Crazy!! Actually Mr Ole too but Miss Daisy sounded much better! These are Datana Moth caterpillars eating my blueberry bushes. They only ate a little.My beautiful Dogwood.And a little Skipper. I wish I was an expert on Skippers but this one looks so much like so many others...I just can't say for sure which one it is!

When you take the time to stop and smell the skippers, you really realize just how cute they are! OK maybe not smell them, but you know what I mean!

DeSoto State Park Alabama

Sunday morning I asked my hubby..."what do you want to do today?"

"absolutely nothin" was the answer...
"do you want to go for a ride?" I ask.

The next thing I know we are packed and ready to go, but where?

I never asked until we were heading down the road that had the sign,

DeSoto State Park

What a beautiful ride!!

With so many pictures I'll let some of them speak for themselves.

All of a sudden I realized there were some peeps hanging from the side of the mountain.

Please feel free to "bigify" the pictures as Tammy says.

See the house at the top right? What a view.

Last night, long after I saw this feat in person...I was having anxiety attacks!! hahaha!

The house on the hill.

Salty SkimmerA lifer for me. Variable Dancer.

This was a plant I've never seen so if anyone knows what it is I'm up for learning!!

Two Skippers here.I'm going to say Fiery Skipper for the light one. The other one is difficult...maybe a Little Glassywing? Anyone out there want to pipe in?UG!!!I'll keep my feet on a nice wide surface!We rode to the Azalea Trail, but the water was low and there really wasn't much water to see.Next was LUNCH at the DeSoto Restaurant. A lovely buffet with lots of good southern food! We noticed a group of folks that came in after us had Corvette Club shirts on and when we left this is what we found in the parking lot!Be still my heart.The only thing better would have been the Subaru WRX Club parked here! We then rode to Sequoya Caverns, but alas...note the sign on the gate!Well, all was not lost, Morgan got to say hi to this friendly fellow.The trip was so much fun! 158 miles and 6 hours!The temps in the upper 90's.We drove through three rain showers on the way home and I just couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was a cold prickly rain but it felt SO VERY GOOD!!