Thankful Thursday: Birds, May 31, 2018

Thankful Thursday, Little Things Thursday,
And on Saturday, I'd Rather B Birdin' and Saturday's Critters

Today I am thankful for simple pleasures!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 30, 2018

When I came home yesterday from playing Bingo with other senior citizens at the Community Center, two Cardinals and an Indigo Bunting were on my bird feeder.

An Eastern Phoebe was perched nearby.

And a Woodpecker was preening its feathers in the top of a tree. I just sat in my car for a few minutes, counting my blessings!

It is hard to believe, but that brilliant blue sky soon disappeared to be replaced by a severe thunderstorm later in the afternoon. Then just before dark, the sun was out again!

The senior citizen Bingo games are free so the prizes are small, but we have a lot of fun! I won a box of Kleenex tissues, and my friend Jan won hand lotion. Then we ate lunch at a new café in town with three other ladies from the Bingo group. Thankful for simple pleasures!

Have a blessed day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

And on Saturday,
For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Pied-billed Grebe, May 30, 2018

Wild Bird Wednesday and Wednesday Around The World

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

Pied-billed Grebes, Podilymbus podiceps, are common across much of the United States and southern Canada. They spend most of their time in the water, being rather awkward on land and rarely seen in flight (though they can fly). They rely on their expertise in swimming and diving to escape predators. They eat fish, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans.

Have a wonderful day!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Wednesday Around The World: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Little Free Library, May 28, 2018

Monday Mural, Through My Lens, and Our World Tuesday

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 24, 2018

I found this Little Free Library in the Mill Village neighborhood of Tupelo.

Sponsored by the Lee County Master Gardeners. Take a book, leave a book, Happy Reading!

Fruits, vegetables, and flowers decorate the back.

A clever use of an old newspaper box (with the lock removed, of course).

Have a wonderful week!

For more mural photos, visit Monday Mural: Click Here!

For a variety of interesting photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

And on Tuesday, please visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, May 27, 2018

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 20, 2018

Sad to see it, this old barn is being torn down.
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Your birds for today are...

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 25, 2018

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at one of the feeders on my front porch. The female is on the left; the male is on the right. Since the male is in a shadow, only a small portion of his ruby throat caught the light.

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit The Barn Collective: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit All Seasons: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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B&W: Grackle, May 26, 2018

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

In the original photo this Grackle was just a dark shape against a brilliant blue sky. I cropped out a lot of the sky and changed the photo to black and white to put the focus more on the bird and less on the sky.

Have a wonderful weekend!

For more black and white photos, visit The Weekend in Black and White: Click Here!

For more bird photos (in living color!), visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, May 25, 2018

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday, and Floral Friday Fotos
And on Saturday, Saturday's Critters

1. Here Comes The Rain! (Sky Watch Friday)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 19, 2018

We drove through a brief, but intense, rainstorm on our way home last Saturday afternoon.

2. Farming: Winter Wheat

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 24, 2018

We see a lot of Winter Wheat near where we live. This field is ready to be harvested.

If this farmer follows the usual crop pattern, soon after the wheat harvest he will plant soybeans.

3. The Most Interesting Thing I have Seen This Week (Floral Friday Fotos)

Corinth, Mississippi, USA, May 23, 2018

It is difficult to tell how many separate cactus plants make up this huge planting.

It was full of blooms on Wednesday, but there are plenty more buds waiting to open.

4. Good Food!

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 13, 2018

California Chicken Salad at O'Charley's Restaurant: Grilled chicken, strawberries, mandarin oranges, dried craneberries, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of mixed lettuces with honey-mustard salad dressing.

5. Raccoon (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 16, 2018

We put sunflower seed on the ground for the Mourning Doves, but the Raccoons like it, too!

I made these photos through my dining room window early one morning.

Have a wonderful weekend!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

For more flower photos, visit Floral Friday Fotos: Click Here!

And on Saturday
For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Killdeer, May 24, 2018

Thankful Thursday, Little Things Thursday,
and on Saturday, Saturday's Critters, and I'd Rather B Birdin'

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 17, 2018

Today I am thankful I was in the right place at the right time to see this Killdeer taking a bath!

First it dunked its head under the water...

...and then splashed around for a minute.

Back on shore, it gave an all-body shake to get rid of excess water.

Then preened its breast feathers...

...and straightened its back feathers. Then the grand finale...

...the tail feathers!

Have a blessed day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting assortment of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

And on Saturday
For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin': Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Blue-winged Teals, May 23, 2018

ABC Wednesday, Wild Bird Wednesday, and Wednesday Around The World
T is for Teals - waterfowl belonging to the Dabbling Duck group of birds

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 11, 2018

Blue-winged Teals, Spatula discors, are migratory birds of North America. They spend the Winter in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean Islands before flying to Canada and the northern parts of the United States to breed and raise their young in the Spring and Summer. I watch for them in the Spring so I can get photos if they stop for a few days before continuing their journey.

Have a wonderful day!

For more on the letter T, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Wednesday Around The World: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Wildflowers: Spiderwort, May 23, 2018

The fourth Wednesday of each month is Wildflower Wednesday!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 14, 2018

Tradescantia virginiana, Spiderwort, is a North American native wildflower hardy in USDA zones 4 - 9. Each plant produces a mass of buds that open a few at a time, extending the bloom time.

The plants grow up to 24 inches tall, and they look best grown in clumps.

I found these Spiderworts growing on the side of the road near my house.

Have a wonderful day!

For more wildflowers, visit Gail at Clay and Limestone: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Strawberries, May 22, 2018

Our World Tuesday, and Ruby Tuesday Too

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 19, 2018

Last year I bought a few strawberry plants and set them out in one of my flower beds.

Now I am picking a few ripe strawberries each day - a small, but delicious, harvest!

Have a wonderful day!

For more photos featuring the color Red, visit Ruby Tuesday Too: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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The Barn Collective, May 20, 2018

Booneville, Mississippi, USA, May 8, 2018

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Your birds for today are...

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

Canada Geese with goslings

Have a blessed day!

For more barn photos, visit The Barn Collective: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Through My Lens: Click Here!

Whatever season you are in, it is always fun to visit All Seasons: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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B&W: Bench, May 19, 2018

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

I know you are busy, but take a minute to sit down and relax.

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

Stop and smell the roses!
(This rose bush is directly across the walkway from the bench).

Have a wonderful weekend!

For more black and white photos, visit The Weekend in Black and White: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Willy Nilly Friday, May 18, 2018

Willy Nilly Friday 5, Sky Watch Friday
And on Saturday, Saturday's Critters and I'd Rather B Birdin'

1. Pickwick Lake (Sky Watch Friday)

Bruton Branch, Tennessee, USA, May 11, 2018

Last Friday was such a beautiful day! We crossed the Tennessee River at Pickwick Dam, and drove around to Bruton Branch Recreation Area on the north shore of Pickwick Lake. There are campsites, a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a children's playground. And best of all on these hot, humid days - air conditioning in the restrooms!

We were intrigued to see shells mixed in with the gravel placed along the lake shore to help prevent erosion...

...and entertained by several Eastern Kingbirds searching the picnic grounds for food.

2. Camaros

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, May 4, 2018

Two more photos from the Blue Suede Cruise Car Show: a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro...

...and a 1976 Chevrolet Camaro.

3. Good Food: Free Pie Wednesday!

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 25, 2018

The Wednesday Special at O'Charley's Restaurants is buy a meal, get a slice of pie free!
My husband likes their caramel pie, and I usually get apple. It is not a large slice of pie,
but hey, it's free!

O'Charley's got their start in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1971. Now there are over 200 restaurants in 17 states.

4. Luna Moth (Saturday's Critters)

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 8, 2018

Luna Moths, Actias luna, are common across the eastern half of the United States. They are night-flying and are attracted to bright lights. I found this one on my kitchen window screen early one morning.

5. Canada Goose Family (I'd Rather B Birdin')

Pickwick, Tennessee, USA, May 7, 2018

You can thank my husband for spotting this Canada Goose family half-hidden in the grasses growing at the edge of Pickwick Lake.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

For more weather-related photos, visit Sky Watch Friday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Willy Nilly Friday 5: Click Here!

And on Saturday
For more animal photos, visit Saturday's Critters: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit I'd Rather B Birdin: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Thankful Thursday, May 17, 2018

Thankful Thursday and Little Things Thursday

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 5, 2018

Today I am thankful my strawberry plants came through the winter just fine and are producing strawberries again!

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 15, 2018

I eat a few with my cereal each morning. You can't get berries any fresher than this!

Have a blessed day!

Let us know what you are thankful for, visit Thankful Thursday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Little Things Thursday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Sandpipers, May 16, 2018

ABC Wednesday, Wild Bird Wednesday, and Wednesday Around The World
S is for Sandpipers - small shorebirds

Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, April 21, 2018

I think this is a Solitary Sandpiper, Tringa solitaria, that winters in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, and migrates to Canada to breed and raise its young. After a brief stopover here in North Mississippi, it is already on its way farther north.

They are not truly solitary, but are usually seen in pairs or small groups as opposed to the large flocks of other migrating shorebirds.

If someone can confirm my ID of these birds or suggest another ID, please let me know.

Have a wonderful day!

For more on the letter S, visit ABC Wednesday: Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Wednesday Around The World: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day May 2018

Northeast corner of Mississippi, USA zone 7
After a very cold Spring, it feels like we have jumped from Winter straight into Summer!
Today's forecast: high 93F (33C) with an afternoon thunderstorm.

I recently bought a six-pack of mixed color Dianthus to brighten up a corner.

A miniature Gladiolus

All Roses are beautiful, but my favorite is this old-fashioned Burr Rose, Rosa roxburghii.

My red climbing Rose has reached the top of its trellis and says, 'Where to now?'

Prentiss County, Mississippi, USA, May 1, 2018

And then there is this beauty that bloomed on May 1, halfway between Bloom Day posts. As you can see, I am having a battle with vines that are invading my flower beds.

Iris

Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' is an unruly shrub that I have to trim back a bit after it blooms. And how much trimming is 'a bit'? you ask. I cut it back enough that I can walk along the pathway without having to fight it off!

My Snowball Bush is reaching for the sky!

In the vegetable garden I added Marigolds as companion plants for my tomatoes.

Also in my garden spot, my Green Peas are blooming. I planted them early, but the Spring has been so cold that they were slow getting started.

And my Wild Blackberry thicket is full of blooms! I am hoping for blackberry pies this Summer.

Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!

When trying to comment I sometimes get an 'Invalid Security Token' message. Is anyone else having this problem? Do you know a solution for it?

To see gardens around the world, visit Carol for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day: Click Here!

For an interesting variety of photos, visit Our World Tuesday: Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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