Memorial Day

 

In memory of our fallen solders!

- some gave a lot, others gave it all -

Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters ~ 389 ~

Today's post is all about releasing my Black Swallowtail Butterflies...

30 have emerged and been released back into the wild.

Most fly off with confidence after being in chrysalis all winter.

A few hang around on my hand or flowers before leaving.

At the start of spring, I had a total of 52 chrysalis. 

With 30 being successfully released, I still have 22 yet to emerge.

I will share with all of you, some of our special moments together!

There are 4 in this picture.

I really enjoy spending a few minutes with them,

and being able to capture a few images before they fly off.

Saying good-bye, watching them soar...it's like being a part of a small miracle.

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, 

but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty!

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturday Critters

Miss. Maddie's First Dance Recital

 My Great Niece Madelyn had her first dance recital.

 She is only 3, soft spoken, a little shy, sweet and adorable as can be.

Cute as a button, she told her grandmother that 

"she is only a little girl"!

Cousins, I am not sure I could love these girls more!

Seeing Double

 As I have previously mentioned, two American Coots are still swimming around in

Lake of the Lilies

There were probably as many as fifty here during the winter...

they have all left for summer except these two.

They should be gone by now, but remain, I assume they will be here all summer.

There are only two swans here, 

in a lake where there were probably at least 25 by this time last year.

Swans mate for life, 

and I think that is so cool, isn't nature amazing?

Two Mockingbirds playing in he grass...

and two Turtles sunbathing

 that quickly scooted into the water when they noticed I was paying attention to them.

In all things of nature, there is something the marvelous...

The Baby Birds

 I checked the baby birds this morning and they are doing well.

Momma and Poppa Cardinal are not too thrilled when I check in, so I do it pretty infrequently.

I found the nest on May 2nd

I spotted these 2 eggs on May 13th

The babies hatched on May 18th

This is how they look today May 26th...

They still have a few days to go.

Birds of a feather, flock together.

Dinner At The Point Pleasant Inlet

 It has become pretty common place to ride down to the Point Pleasant Inlet and have dinner.

We usually stay in the car but on Wednesday the temperatures were perfect for outdoor dining,

so we ate outside at one of the picnic tables there.

I made these Home Chef Sausage, Pepper & Onion Sandwiches before we left the house.

I wrapped them up in aluminum foil and we brought them to the inlet to enjoy.

They were delicious!

We saw a lot of boats,

both large and small!

There were a lot of people out.

We saw the Jamaica coming in from the ocean.

This guy was super happy with his "catch of the day"!

The last stop was Rita's for some ice.

I had Watermelon on this day, Juicy Pear is my favorite!

One small positive thought in the morning, can change the entire outcome of your day!

Think positive thoughts!

Saying Hello, Welcome!

As life returns to normal, and we greet guests again,

I wanted to spruce up the front door area.

 

I have had this hanging on my front door for several years now,

it is a favorite of mine.

I look forward to having friends and family over again,

I think "hello" is the perfect greeting!

This old bench was in the backyard, it had seen better days.

I painted it,

and placed it on my very small front porch.

I love pillows,

 and I thought these would be the perfect addition to the bench,

to match with the front door black & white theme.

The pillows came from WayFair.

I changed out my flag for summer...

and purchased the matching doormat to tie in with the black & white plaid theme.

I also bought the mailbox cover and the small garden flag all from

 Discount Decorative Flags

they have a huge selection and great prices.

My white azalea's up by the front door are in bloom now,

I have found them to be the perfect spot for releasing and photographing my butterflies.

Wise Words On Sunday

Saturday Critters ~ 388 ~

 I recently visited Lake of the Lilies and was so excited to see this little guy scooting around.

I think this is a Semipalmated Sandpiper or perhaps a Juvenile Least Sandpiper

It was a tiny bird, very busy, scooting quickly about the shoreline.

Next I saw this pretty Killdeer

This bird is very common around the lake, I see several on every trip.

The Killdeer is boldly marked, long legged...a very noisy plover.

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturday Critters