Fledgling

This morning, our garden had all sorts of activities,

thanks to the Mockingbird family that took up 

residence in early spring. 

 Seems we had clear evidence of the young birds,

having reached an age when

the feathers and wing muscles are developed enough

for flight.  

So, what you see here in this photo taken today,

is a sweet young Mockingbird

having just learned to fly.....a "fledgling."

And everything is worth its while if we only grasp

it and its significance. ~Cherbuliez

Have a beautiful day!  Dee Dee

click image to enlarge

On My Desk To Read

In a famous press briefing, Rumsfield once remarked that 

 "there are also unknown unknowns.......

things we do not know we don't know."  

His book makes us realize just how much we didn't know.

Have a blessed day, everyone.....  Dee Dee

Think On This

President George Washington

After being elected President, Washington stressed these 

sentiments in his first inaugural address when he said:

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the 

invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more

than the people of the United States.  Every step by which

they have advanced to the character of an independent

nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of

providential agency.

It was no superfluous formality when they required that all

witnesses who testify in the courts or before Congressional 

hearings must take an oath and swear or affirm before God 

that they will tell the truth.

Washington said in his Farewell Address:

"Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life,

if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are 

the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?"

"Ah, but we've drifted so far from the truth......haven't we?"

Praying for our nation.....Dee Dee

Sources: The 5000 Year Leap

                                                 Principles of Freedom 101 (Suggested read)

Peonies

Peonies do not grow in Florida, or at least 

in the area where I live.  

The Fresh Market is the only place to

purchase these gorgeous Peonies....

but of course,  they have to be in season.  

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers,

so just imagine the big smile on my face when

I brought them home with me today.

They are amazing as a single flower......

or two together......

....or three placed in a turquoise Ball jar.  Sigh.....

Have a beautiful day, everyone!  Dee Dee

Mockingbird Bath Time

Mid morning, in our garden, we find more

bird activity than any other time of day.

With temps in the high 80s....our fine 

feathered friends are looking for sanctuary,

and escape from the heat.   

Again I managed to zoom through the Hibiscus

blooms and branches, capturing images of a 

rather befuddled Mockingbird.

This sweet bird just couldn't get enough enjoyment

from the refreshing waters......going in and out of

the birdbath, over and over again.  At one point, I

wondered if it might even do a "back stroke."

I'm glad you stopped by and hope your

enjoying God's blessings.....Dee Dee

The Harmony Of Nature

We've been seeing beautiful yellow shrubs blooming

on the side of the cottage for a few days now.  Each

year I look forward to the blending of the pink Crape Myrtle

blooms with the yellow...... 

So, it happened, finally.

In a few days the Crape Myrtle will have huge clusters

of pink blooms, making quite a breath-

taking impression.

Only the few first blooms today......up close they 

look and remind me of lace.....

I heard the sweet sounds of the Cardinals

a few weeks ago and knew immediately they

were back in our garden.  Why they make their

nest in shrubs so close to the ground, I'll never

know, but they do each year.  The neighbors cats

had been lurking around the nest and we shooed

them away. Today, I saw the sad

evidence on the ground.....broken egg shells, a 

certain indication of what had taken place. The

small nest was empty....look how sweetly they 

had prepared for their babies.  Sigh.....

Oh, how lovely is the earth this day; she parades her beauty

before my eyes.  If I had only been given gossamer wings, I'd

go dancing with the butterflies......~B. C. Ray

Have a blessed weekend.....Dee Dee

click on images to enlarge

Summertime

Now's the time of year when just about everyone

is taking advantage of the warm Florida sunshine. The folks seen

here are hoping for good winds out over the bay and calm waters

for a bit of smooth sailing. 

On the other side of the causeway, the

kayak rental business is doing really well.  

I, on the other hand find "relaxation" my preference today.

I like people watching and there are plenty of activities to see.

 Lovin' the cooler afternoon breezes we've had lately.....making

 perfect conditions for beach chair sitting by the waters edge....

and an exceptional time for a good read I've selected on my Kindle.

  Mary Jane Hathaway's Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits

(Austen Takes The South)....a sweet little summertime read.         

Have a sweet ole' day yaw'll!  Dee Dee