Sunny Side Up

Thou Shall NOT Occupy!

2012-02-03T15:53:00.000-06:00

It has just been the most mild of winters in Northern Alabama!

The kind of winter that feels right for the south. We had a little snow and cold early on, but hopefully winter will close with ease and we can move on to bigger and better things.

Ok, maybe I'm living in a dream world, but without dreams where would we be?

I'm looking forward to dividing Morgan's boots and finding new homes for the crowd growing there. Because as we all know it's not nice to Occupy too much space.

It's much nicer to have room to breath.

To guide with love and strength.

This ideal brings out the best in all of us.

For those who like to Occupy...

Thinking you can cause trouble and put others out, then sneak away unnoticed...

...is the wrong kind of thinking my friend!

We know who you are!

You are hereby notified!!!

P.S. I love it that the sweet little Flying Squirrels have decided to take up residence over the winter in my beloved Bluebird nest, however...

they just got their two week notice! This house belongs to my kids!

Ole, the Ever Watchful

2012-01-13T09:46:00.001-06:00

Good Ol' Ole. He always lets me know what's going on in the woods on the mountain. This morning was no different. I heard his "there's a critter" bark, turn into "DEER" bark and quickly got my bins and camera.

A buck was sneaking through the woods. I'm pretty sure he was saying to himself...

"Don't mind that fat dog"

"Just keep your head down, concentrate and keep walking"

"Keep your head down and hide behind the trees"

Well, it worked. Ole watched him depart the property and retired back to his post!

Looking Back

2012-01-12T14:22:00.000-06:00

These forgotten photos were taken last May. What a beautiful month in Alabama!

It's still hard for me to get over how much earlier spring comes in the south!

As most birds here on the mountain, hiding in the trees from the photographer is their favorite past time. This little Palm Warbler is no exception.

And here I am training the birds to take seed from my hand.

I got really impatient...so it didn't really work out well. I had to fight the mice off at night. That was no fun!

Looking for a Post

2012-01-06T14:05:00.000-06:00

Well, not this kind of post.

You know...a blog post. As I wandered about the yard looking for inspiration, I was a little disappointed. But there's always new growth to lift spirits.

And sweet little Chickadees.

And there was even a early Crocus...

...and a bright Flowering Cabbage.

Those darn early birds!

Finally I bumped into this face. He was looking for someone living under the tarp.

And he had a partner in crime!

They REALLY thought they'd found something...

...but I think they were chasing shadows!

Daisy knows there's a critter somewhere...

Now matter how long it takes,

they'll never give up!!

My 2011 Headers. Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T09:28:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite parts of blogging is creating fun headers throughout the year. I always hope you enjoy them as much as my posts.

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe

2012!

Sunday Drive

2011-11-20T19:39:00.001-06:00

It was an overcast day with a chance of rain, but with the mild temps and a finished yard project behind us, we decided to take a little Sunday drive round the mountain. We took a few roads that well, really lead nowhere, because if you keep going in a straight line, you'll drive off a cliff! So round and round we went until we found these beauties!

Such lovely girls...

...and their very stern looking fellow.

We loved the house across the road from their pasture and can only imagine the view from the back!

The road finally led us down off our mountain, a road we've traveled before...just not this direction.

At the bottom turn, heading back up, were these three country bumpkins giving us the eye.

We took a little round about way home. One I've ridden the motorcycle on a few times. See that ridge? The road that leads us home is up there!

We go down...

...and round...

...and up and round.

And down and round again.

And down and round and up....

...and up and up and up!

If you take a look back...

...you're sure to get a little dizzy!!!

Remembering...

2011-11-11T07:54:00.000-06:00

Those Who Serve

God Bless the USA and all to keep Freedom in their hearts.

Babyface

2011-11-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

The season is moving a little faster than I could have imagined!

Not 3 days ago my Japanese Maple was a dull maroon. Yesterday in the sun, I noticed it had changed to a spectacular red!

As we sat outside, enjoying the warmth and sunshine of a fine fall afternoon, I had a little visitor. Now I know some of you (Julie) aren't interested in my little fuzzy friends....

...but how can I not show this crazy little Babyface!

This little Jumping Spider is just one of the many that, as far as arachnids go, has stole my heart!

The Sky is Falling!

2011-11-03T14:40:00.000-05:00

There seems to be a lot less stuff up...

...and a lot more stuff down!

October is nearly gone!

2011-10-31T13:42:00.001-05:00

It's been so long since I've been here, I've almost forgotten how to blog! I've been a little neglectful, so I'm really hoping you'll enjoy the photos from my yard.

We've been enjoying the colors, the cool temps and the changes in the air.

The pups are doing what they do best.

The butterflies are enjoying the flowers that have popped up in the yard. I've seen more Monarchs (shown above) as they head south, and the Gulf Fritillary has really become one of my favorites.

Daisy Lu wishes I would let her go off and play sometimes, but I won't so she sits and stares into the woods, dreaming of fat squirrels.

The Gaura has become one of my favorite flowers.

This little azalea has put on its best show ever.

The Beautyberries are spreading under the Black Gum...

...and the poor rose, struggles in the shade.

Here's hoping your yard is as sunny and colorful as it can be!

September Sights

2011-09-14T14:14:00.001-05:00

September is a tough month. Only the most hardy of living things can take the heat and drought of this summer.

The Sedum did well.

If I could remember the name of this beautiful garden flower I would say...it's a good one to have!

I know someone out there will help me out with the name of this plant!

I've been very careful to keep my favorite ferns watered and happy.

And these wild Beautyberries have spread under the Black Gum tree!

What would September be without the crazy antics of the Hummingbirds...

...yelling at me to fill the feeders...

...and keeping a watchful eye!

Summer is surely coming to an end.

9.11.2001

2011-09-11T06:46:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS THAT?

2011-09-05T09:49:00.001-05:00

Well, Here's something I haven't seen in a while.

I wasn't quite sure what it was at first!

When you live on the tippy top of a mountain you don't get even the runoff from rain in the surrounding areas, so we're a little crispy here.

Thanks to Tropical Storm Lee, we may get a little relief...

(well, maybe a LOT)...

...but it may be a little too late.

There is one good thing about living on the tippy top of a mountain,

flooding is not a problem.

Late Summer

2011-08-17T14:08:00.001-05:00

This summer has just flown by! It's been hot and dry, very much like last summer.

One thing I can always depend on is my little buddy showing up at the window looking for something to eat and a little "Howdy!"

I really haven't seen a lot of butterflies this summer, but I've been pretty busy. The Gulf Fritillaries are showing up now,

as well as the Great Spangled Frits.

There's a hint of change comin!

And the ever beautiful Hydrangea are just doin their thing!

Hope your summer has been a good one!

The Month of July

2011-08-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

The month of July when by so fast!

The dragons came out...

The Blackberry Lilies popped...

The Salvia reached for the sky!

The Hummingbirds kept a watchful eye!

Tasty treats are growing...

...and we started building a shed!

Then we went to Ruby Falls...

...and The Incline!

And now we're back to work!

I hope your July went slower than mine!

I miss you all and hope to get back to blogging more regularly!

The Move

2011-07-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

Morgan, Daisy Lu and I left for Florida on June 7th to give Bette a helping hand in packing her house and having an estate sale. She's lived in the house 13 years, the last nine without my dad as we lost him in 2002.

arriving in Florida.

I really didn't take a lot of photos because we worked our butts off from morn to late. Well, late nights were for playing cards and laughing.

A beautiful home that will make the new owners very comfortable.

Morgan was a hard working girl the two weeks we were there, but had plenty of time to enjoy the pool with Daisy Lu.

Bette and I went through many old pictures and I took many home with me. Here is my dad pretending to be Woody, long before Toy Story was created!

Here my dad is only half pretending! He was a Sky Marshall in the 70's and a United States Customs Agent after that!

Molly, my dad and Morgan in 1999.

Bette's new house is a duplex in a gated community. She will enjoy a lake in the backyard and a pool, with out all the up keep!

Ok I had to throw this one in too! Me and my dad on his new Lambretta Scooter! I didn't remember this so glad to find this one!

He became a pilot in the Air Force and flew a KC 135. He obviously loved aircraft at an early age.

Back at Bette's I tried to do a little bird watching in the early mornings. The White Ibis was a very popular bird at her place.

Her pond had a number of critters, including this Four-spotted Pennent.

Daisy Lu wasn't real happy about having to be leashed most of the time but she was a big draw during the sale!

Oh here's my dad again, showing off! Look...no hands!!

Bette closed on both houses yesterday. Today she is moving in her new beautiful house!

I'm thinking of you Bette and hope the move is smooth!!

A Working Vacation

2011-06-24T17:33:00.002-05:00

I've been in Florida for the past two weeks, with Morgan and Daisy Lu, helping my step-mom (Bette)...she's much more like a sister to me...pack her house up for a big move. We had some very memorable moments!! hahaha!

At the end of each day...

Tricolored Heron

...we looked quite a bit like this!!!!!

Around the Yard

2011-05-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

It seems like time is flying and I haven't been very good at keeping up with my blog or my blog buddies. I miss visiting and hope to catch up with you all soon.

I've been enjoying the beautiful Alabama weather and working on projects in the yard.

This crazy garden has got me scratching my head. I'm not quite sure what to do with it but just so you know, this is the better side!

We moved the picnic table. It really needs a cleaning and maybe paint or something.

A new Elephant Ear. Lots of water is needed to keep them happy.

Flower pot 2011.

Through the shadows.

You know I really could have moved the stick!

Got the old Coal Hod planted up!

The Oakleaf is such a beauty!

Ok you'll have to let me know what you think about this. This is Morgan's little girl table and chairs that she has outgrown. We thought about selling it, until I remembered I've been thinking about having some kind of shelving outside the back door. Now maybe just a little rustic looking paint and a few more items? Best part, FREE!

Hope you all had a wonderful and thankful Memorial Day.

My Irish Eyes are Smiling

2011-05-22T16:02:00.000-05:00

My daughter Rachel and her bo, Mike just got back from over a week in Ireland where they saw the most beautiful sights and met our Irish family for the first time!

Welcome home!! I just can't wait to see photos and hear all about your trip!

Rachel and Mike took these pictures of each other with Rachel's new G12 we picked out before she left.

I think they are just great!

Flowers of Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:12:00.001-05:00

Morgan's Flamingo boots recycled.

New stones heading to the shed.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

Peacock Moss

Looking Up

2011-05-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hoping your skies are full of wonder today.

ABCD with Thoughts and Prayers

2011-05-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

Many of you know about, and some of my good friends have experienced some of the, possibly the worst, storms in the history of the south. My family was extremely fortunate to have made it through the devastation without damage. My mom's town of Guntersville had a huge hit but she was safe in her little apartment.

We here on the mountain heard "the train" and saw debris fly over the house...well, I was actually in the tub with Morgan and Daisy Lu, but my husband saw debris fly over the house when he told us to take cover. We got our power and water on the 4th day after the storms. There are many without power, water, homes. Many have lost loved ones. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those who's lives have been sidetracked and our big THANK YOU goes out to all those who have stepped up to help in many ways.
THANK YOU!!!
I wanted to join my friend Gary at USA Tour on a Harley Davidson with his ABCD (a bloggers centerline day) Challenge. As you can see below the weather today doesn't look very nice. I am somewhere in that red dot and am not sure I want to venture too far from home. So I decided to find a centerline very close to home...

My driveway!

I thought this would be a fairly easy task but deciding I would do this on my own it became a challenge. Especially when Daisy Lu came to help. My timer on the camera was set for 10 seconds and it was quite a hike. I wanted to get a little bit of storm debris there in the foreground.

I thought wearing my Harley cap would help.

Ok now Daisy...no one needs to see THAT!!

Come on girl!!

She was not thrilled to be in the shot at all. But I had to laugh the whole time!

Well for what it's worth, here is my set up for the photos. A little upside down flower pot to hold the camera. Running out to the bike was such a joy!

And of course I had to add an artsy photo for all my gardening pals!

Gary you made my day!

Yesterdays Birds

2011-04-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

It's a crazy time here in the woods. There are so many migrants and summer birds showing up I don't know which way to look!

Most are so high up in the trees or move so fast it's hard to photograph, but blurry photos or not, I can't resist posting.

Palm Warbler

Summer Tanager

Mamma Eastern Bluebird (there's 5 little ones in the box)

Chipping Sparrow

Black and White Warbler (female)

My sweet little Tufty

And a very mouthy Yellow-rumped Warbler

What a noisy place it's been around here lately!!

Gardening at its Finest

2011-04-22T07:54:00.001-05:00

Last year I met LaRue in Scottsboro, just off the mountain along the river. She has run her husband John's nursery since his passing in 2000. John had a vision, he made it real and he lives on through is wife's loving care of this spectacular property. She is amazing, and sweeter than southern tea! Her gardens are filled with color, welcoming, and inspiring.
My new friend Deborah form Helena, Alabama joined us for a tour. Please visit her Journal to see her beautiful post on her visit to John's Native Gardens.

Take a little walk with us and enjoy the view.

LaRue specializes in native Azaleas, Rhododendrons, conifers, ferns and many other beautiful southern plants and shrubs. If you are in northern Alabama you should be sure to make a trip to Scottsboro. You will be so glad you did!

I've started a blog for LaRue and you can find more information at John's Native Azaleas

Happy Easter all!

ABCD- Will You Take Part?

2011-04-13T20:47:00.002-05:00

I really enjoyed following Gary across the US this past summer/fall.
He's coue up with a fun idea that I am going to try. Here it is.
If you haven't already, check out Gary here.

Maybe you would like to join in with this.....

A Bloggers Centerline Day, or ABCD, will take place on Sunday 1st May 2011.

The plan is to inspire as many bloggers as possible to go outside and take a photograph of themselves on this day, wherever they are in the world. The photo can be creative, arty, contain more than one person, be in any type of location and can contain anything else you like. It must however contain the centerline of a road and at least part of you, the blogger.

There are 5 rules....

Rule 1 - the picture must be taken on 1st May 2011.

Rule 2 - the picture must be of yourself, and you must be a person that publishes a blog. You can include whatever else you like in the picture, including other people if you wish.

Rule 3 - the picture must include the centerline of a road.

Rule 4 – you should publish the picture on your blog on 1st May 2011, along with a few words about the picture and why you chose that location or pose.

Rule 5 - when you have posted the picture on your own blog, put a comment on http://garysusatour.blogspot.com/2011/04/abcd-will-you-take-part.html and include in that comment the address of your own blog post containing your own picture.

Gary France will then pick his favourite photos and publish these as being the winners. There will be a prize of $100 awarded to the overall single winner, as chosen by Gary.

In order to get this event known as widely as possible, please copy and paste this posting onto your own blog, including the title. Please do that today!

As a reminder to yourself to take the photo and post it, put an entry into your diary for 1st May 2011.

Let’s see if we can get as any people to join in as possible.

For Nadine

2011-04-07T19:21:00.000-05:00

Thank you for creating a tapestry of color

that takes my breath away each spring!

Can You See It?

2011-04-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a Smiley Face!!

It may take some time.

Part II: Patricia's Gardens: A walk in the woods

2011-03-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday afternoon Morgan and I headed to Patricia's for a little walk in the woods. This is the time in northern Alabama to get into the woods if you're worried about little things like big snakes, that will soon enjoy the wamth of a woodland slither.

As you can see, sometimes the road has it's challenges.

And you never know who has decided to take up residence along the way.

Pat showed us very old, very large trees that had carvings made by relatives from long ago. We wished we could go back in time and see all the past events of her woods!

The outcroppings of boulders grew out of the woods like mini cities and were turned up and twisted in awe inspiring ways. They had trees growing out of them and these beautiful Resurrection Ferns.

Morgan is really enjoying the beauty of God's handiwork as she explores nature at it's finest.

I have to report that my camera battery had died in the woods and I didn't get all the sweet wildflowers that were growing. Luckily I did have a battery in the car so when we got back to the gardens I was ready to go.

The Iris are just beginning to open.

Whimsy is just the thing in every garden!

I still can't get over the vibrant color of Azaleas.

And then came Maddie! She is a pro at playing soccer with a basketball!

She and Morgan had a blast...

...and they wore each other out!

What a great time we all had!

Thanks Pat, we're looking forward to spending more time getting to know you and sharing our love of the garden!

Patricia's Gardens: Some things are just meant to be. Part I

2011-03-30T09:09:00.001-05:00

The first year that I moved to northern Alabama was a year of discovery. Mostly just around my own neck of the woods.

After I found the main roads to my shopping destinations, I expanded my search to some of the back roads for a more relaxed drive. Well, it can be a little difficult to relax when you find a road with some of the most spectacular gardens on the mountain. The road I'm speaking of is the same road that I wrote about in October 2009 titled Living in a Dream. click here to see post.

Now there was this particular property on this road that turned my head and had me laying my foot on the break every time we drove by. Morgan had to here me say "next time I see someone in that garden, we're stopping" over and over again. Then finally, one June day when we were heading home from her swimming lessons, there she was! A lady in that garden! I hit the brake and we pulled in the driveway. Sure it was the wrong driveway but that was fine, when I asked if I could see her garden she welcomed me with open arms!

It was Patricia and we stood and spoke about gardens and gardening for over an hour. We felt like we'd been friends forever. It was meant to be.

These are photos from last summer.

Morgan in front of the massive cactus.

Look at these beautiful rows!

The birds are very welcomed on this property. What friend of mine wouldn't welcome the birdies!

Oh and a dog in the garden with a smile like that! See it was meant to be! Meet Maddie.

Patricia and her husband live on the edge of the mountain, and they garden right to the bluff!

There are some big boulders in the woods behind their house but wait until you see the ones across the road!

We have many plants that are the same, but we also have some that we plan to share.

I brought Patricia one of my Blackberry Lilies and she told me that when a friend gives you a plant you are not supposed to thank them, if you do, it won't grow.

That is really going to be difficult for both of us, but I think we figured out a way to get around it. When she told me this story she gave me a wink and we both understand what that means.

I think we just started a tradition!

;-)

Tomorrow Part II: Our walk in her woods.

The Story of My Harley Header

2011-03-23T18:49:00.001-05:00

Last year I somehow ran into a blog by a fellow, well I would say bloke but I'm not sure if that is proper for me to say, so I'll say fellow, from the London, England area, Gary, who was planning a trip on his beautiful Harley Davidson Road King, "The Leading Ladies". Not just any road trip, but one that traversed the United States from the most northern tip of Maine, to the most southern tip of California! I mean, how COOL is that!!

I found his blog before he started so was able to follow the journey and I even suggested he swing my old stomping grounds in the Thousand Islands area of NY which he did.

I was so touched when he took the time to stop at the end of my old road in Chaumont, NY and take pictures just for me!

Thanks Gary, that was just really nice of you.

Here are the photos he sent.

I was totally amazed by the adventures and stories that Gary photographed and wrote about, OH and the videos!!! Wow, it was as if you were right there on the bike and believe me when I say there were times my heart was pounding because well, I'm kind of afraid of heights and don't know if I could have made it on some of the beautiful, but scary, roads he managed to find.

After, what was it, 5 months and 21,000 miles the journey was over and me and his dedicated followers wished him well, said we were sad it was over, but lucky for us, Gary has plans for more exciting treks in the future.

So here I am at my header...a challenge to me from Gary. I was to get my motorcycle on a header before the end of March. Whew, I really am cutting it close, don't you think!

I've ridden a few times so far this year, but never managed to get a picture. I even planned on having more than just one but as I stopped for a second shoot, a fellow, who just bought a HD Forty Eight had to stop and talk to me about the bikes for about a half hour! hahaha, ask Gary he knows all about stopping and talking to people on their Harleys!

So here's my one photo...

...dedicated to Gary France. Thanks for bringing us along on your ride of a lifetime!

Please click on Gary's name or the title of my blog to go to Gary's blog and enjoy the adventure for yourself!

Emerging Gardens

2011-03-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

The days have been warm and sunny and wonderful things are beginning to happen.

All these photos were taken this evening before the light was lost.

More fun with Rachel

2011-03-18T05:44:00.001-05:00

They just had to jump off the mountain!

Now Rachie is just showing off!

It's always fun to find a hidey hole.

Our day in beautiful Huntsville.

One more day today and then off to the airport at 5pm.

A Visit

2011-03-14T07:49:00.000-05:00

Rachel is here for the week!

We're just going to have fun.

And be a little silly.

And hope every evening ends with a beautiful sky.

Morgan just enjoys having her sister by her side.

Water in the Woods

2011-03-11T07:28:00.000-06:00

As I was walking through my yard Wednesday I could hear water running through the woods, so pack up my little Canon and took a stroll. I found many trees on the ground, some have been there for a long time as this one below, and some were downed durning the storm that swept through.

Once I get in the woods it's hard for me to tell which trees have just fallen, but there are telltale signs.

I do remember seeing these down like this so nothing new here.

However this one is fresh. An old dead tree that just couldn't stand the winds.

At the base I found all this beautiful color and a Resurrection Fern.

My house is on a high spot on the mountain so all this water runs by and down across the road toward the neighbors. There is a beautiful running stream that winds it's way around a bluff in the woods and off toward the river below.

I just love the Forsythia blooming in front of these old silos.

Heading back up the driveway I noticed something very wrong. This old tree, which I'd named the Hobbit house, was no longer standing. I realize how lucky we were because had it fallen the opposite direction it would have taken down our power line.

But for now all is well at Sunny Side Up.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by the earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific.

Rain on the Mountain

2011-03-10T07:58:00.001-06:00

Yesterday the rains came and the daffodils bowed their head in thanks.

The Lilac is just bursting to get out.

They are all just waiting for the sun to come back out to raise their heads to the sky.

The Redbuds can barley stand waiting.

Even the Clematis are making their move.

And color is on the verge of busting out!

Tomorrow...how the woods deals with the rain.

There's something to look at...

2011-03-04T15:55:00.001-06:00

...everywhere you turn!

Such a Pretty Thing

2011-02-27T20:57:00.001-06:00

I'm looking forward to it being even more beautiful than it already is!

Note to all my blog friends:

I've been looking at all your beautiful posts but haven't been very good at commenting lately. Seems I am taking advantage of the beautiful weather to get yard work done. The leaf clean-up has been taking the most time.

I've done everything from raking, to blowing, to scooping with the tractor bucket!!

Who knew living in the woods would be so much work!

NOT ME!

Spring?

2011-02-23T18:36:00.004-06:00

It may not be Spring here on the mountain, but it sure feels like it!

And looks like it.

Morning Crocus

Afternoon Crocus

I was even able to find a butterfly that thought it was Spring!

Winter Question Mark

The White-throated Sparrow was prentending not to be there in the bush.

And the Barberry Bush is not holding back.

Looks like we were all fooled today!

Late Winter Birds

2011-02-20T18:38:00.000-06:00

It's been pretty nice here lately at Sunny Side Up and I've been raking and moving plants around the yard and just haven't had the camera out as much as I should. Now I could tell you the truth and say that most of the pictures I've been taking are horrible and I just don't have anything nice to post but I'm pretty sure none of you want to hear that!

So here are a couple of my little feathered friends looking for sunflower seed in the garden.

Carolina Chickadee

American Goldfinch

Tufted Titmouse

Hope you all have sweet bird songs in your gardens!

Eagle Art

2011-02-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

The eagle today at Guntersville Dam

Layer Mask by Jerry at Shadowhouse Creations

Another Snow Day

2011-02-10T18:44:00.002-06:00

Just a shot this morning taken on the cell phone.

Sunday Bloom

2011-02-06T14:36:00.002-06:00

Thinking Ahead

2011-01-31T18:30:00.002-06:00

This weekends weather in northern Alabama was just fantastic! The sun was warm, the sky bright and it felt like things would be changing for the better. Now I know that is silly thinking but I wanted to get out when I had the chance and fiddle in the yard. I just love this rustic trellis that was in one of the back fields. It used to have a clematis growing on it but no longer does. And I just happened to have a clematis that had nothing to climb on, so a move was in order.

It was an easy dig and was finished in no time.

On to the bat house. I purchased this bat house at Lowe's on sale but didn't notice that it was cracked and well kind of falling apart. So we nailed it together and caulked the crack and hope that it will hold up for a while. We're still planning on building one but just haven't gotten to that yet!

Oh and I guess the...either squirrels or raccoons are back. They are just causing all kinds of trouble in the night!

It was a bit foggy today but the rain held off til this evening and it was warm enough to get out and enjoy the day for a little bit.

There's nothing like a green moss covered rock and the hint of a Rose Campion to make your day!

To all my friends in the northeast and central states...STAY WARM!

I hope you're prepared for the snow that's on the way.

Another Snowy Morn

2011-01-21T08:47:00.002-06:00

And there it is!!!

2011-01-18T14:38:00.000-06:00

My Neighbor Brenda and I have been walking, weather permitting lately and yesterday afternoon, after the snow melted (finally) she called and asked if Morgan and I would like to head out.

Of course we did! I grabbed the camera and off we went.

There seems to be a new addition to the neighborhood. We don't know his name yet but he is a very friendly fellow.

We'll be sure to bring him an apple next time.

We had Brenda's sweet collie Prissy with us and luckily she is a very well behaved girl, because things could have gone very wrong otherwise, when we saw none other than.....

The infamous ARMADILLO!!!

At first he didn't see us.

But it wasn't long before he spied us with his little beady eyes and started hauling!

And I mean HAULING!!!

Prissy was actually right on his tail but when we said STOP...she did just that. And this little feller made it safely home.

Talk about a lazy armadillo...or is that resourceful?

Prissy didn't mine too much that we stopped her fun and just went on her merry way of checking out the neighborhood.

Of course when her arch nemesis showed up, the neighborhood Squirrel, she was bound and determined not to let anything but a tree stop her from getting to it. Lucky for that squirrel there are plenty trees to be found.

Prissy watched its every move, even when the squirrel crossed the road, from up above!

It's getting late Prissy...

Time to head home!

Great Eagles and Fine Folks

2011-01-16T20:15:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful day to take advantage of the sights that the Dam in Guntersville has to offer! The sun was out and the snow beginning to melt, so I grabbed my camera and bins and headed down the mountain.

As I came to the parking lane I saw the groups of folks with their binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras all trained toward the eagle nest or landing spot.

These ladies were over by the water looking for birds in flight no doubt.

The main focus is this old dead tree. A perfect landing spot for the Eagles as they change duties from sitter to hunter...or for Bluebirds who sneak in when no one is looking!

After some time we noticed Mrs. Eagle getting antsy and sure enough here came Mr. Eagle to take her place and give her a break. You can just see him behind the trees coming in for a landing.

Making the turn to the nest. Can you see Momma below waiting somewhat patiently.

After a few minutes of debate on which way to go she headed toward us...

...made a turn...

...and was gone.

Leaving Papa to try to figure out how he got himself into this mess.

I've met some wonderful fine folks in my group and some that I'm seeing each time I head down the mountain to visit the Eagles. I even made some new friends today AND met (finally) in person, someone who's pictures I've admired quite a bit for some time!

While we were mostly focused on the Eagles we did see and hear a number of birds in the trees including Brown-headed Nuthatches and this Yellow-rumped Warbler.

One of the other groups in the distance.

A young feller keeping up with his dad in the truck! Just for fun!

AH! Here's my group! I'm liking this bunch and hope I can run into them more often! You can see the landing tree in the distance.

I bid my farewell, hoping that I wasn't the jinx that was keeping the Eagles from showing up more often, but I'm pretty sure it was me! Down the way there is another spot I know and I snuck in to see what I could see.

Not too much, but this sweet Yellow-rump or Butter Butt as some call them.

A lone House Finch...

And one of just a few Cedar Waxwings.

What I was really hoping for was a Loggerhead Shrike sitting on a post, but there was none to be had.

With the moon on the rise I decided to head home.

All in all it was a very good day!

Winter Birding

2011-01-12T07:27:00.001-06:00

With the snow comes lots of birds looking for easy treats and I've been enjoying their company. I've heard a few thumps on the windows but no casualties.

It's snowing again this morning and I'm getting some not so common visitors for my woodsy yard.

Yesterday this Chipping Sparrow showed up. They more prefer my field down by the road.

Also yesterday a group of young Red-winged Blackbirds showed up and this morning an immature Common Grackle. All very common in my barren yard up north but not so much here in the woods.

Yard list today:

American Goldfinch

House Finch

Pine Siskin

Pine Warbler

Common Grackle

Red-wing Blackbird

Tufted Titmouse

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Carolina Chickadee

Cardinal

Chipping Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-breasted Nuthatch

Dark-eyed Junco
Mourning Dove

Hope I didn't forget anyone...time to put out more seed!

Snowshoeing in Alabama

2011-01-11T09:43:00.004-06:00

Having spent most of my life in "the north country" of northern NY, to me 7" of snow means just that...7" of snow.

But here in Alabama 7" of snow means a

FORCED VACATION without being able to go anywhere.

SO....

Lets go SNOWSHOEING!

Looks like the deer are still roaming the woods.

Everyone went over the tree without a hitch but Poor old Ole had to go around. I think Daisy Lu was trying to make him feel bad by showing off, however he just laughed it off!

Maybe it's time to get the swing cleaned off?

Did I say I was looking forward to spring?

Today we are all home again. We'll go snowshoeing and do some birdwatching and just enjoy the time at home. I think we'll be snowed in for at least a few more days!

So Much for my Daffodils

2011-01-10T07:33:00.000-06:00

Funny HUH!! hahaha!

What Brings a Smile to my Face!

2011-01-06T12:52:00.000-06:00

I was outside, enjoying the sun, planning what I hope will be a beautiful makeover for my shed and new garden around it. As I rounded the house to an existing garden I found these beautiful green tops of my daffodils poking out of the ground!

Oh happy day!

I'm just trying to ignore the fact that there is snow and ice in the weather forecast!

Tryin to catch an Eagle

2011-01-03T19:57:00.000-06:00

Today is Morgan's last day of vacation so we ran some errands and then scooted over to the Dam in Guntersville to see if we could see the Bald Eagle couple that are nesting there.

We didn't see a lot of birds but caught this pair of Great Blue Herons above.

We had a big rain this past week and the water was high.

The water was obviously a lot higher than today. This log must have floated up the ramp and then got wedged along the fence!

Luckily we met a nice fellow who let us sneak in his viewing spot to see one of the Eagles on the nest.

We didn't stick around too long to see the other Eagle come along, because we had to get home.

Can you see that little white head up in the tree?

Since I live about 5 minutes from this spot, I could probably get down here again soon.

Thanks Larry and Debbie for sharing your spot!

My 2010 Headers: Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T08:50:00.000-06:00

For all those who change out your Headers during the year, you might consider doing a post like this.

It's a lot of fun and sure does bring back some memories!

Happy New Year to you all and I'm looking forward to seeing another year of wonderful stories!

Another Christmas Day Photo

2010-12-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:48:00.000-06:00

From our house to yours!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2010-12-22T21:07:00.000-06:00

Hoping you all have a Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Whoop Whoop!!!

2010-12-19T19:59:00.000-06:00

Today we hit the road and went to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur, Alabama to see what we cold see.

The sun was shining and the birds were out.

The big birds that is!

There were many Sandhill Cranes and if you've never heard them you must look that up.

What a great sound they make.

Check it out here.

But really the best part of the day was seeing the Whooping Cranes mingled in with the Sandhill.

There were two. We were in an observatory building and at quite a distance. These pictures are taken through a glass window and heavily cropped.

What a great day!

Whoop Whoop!!!

The Joy of Bird Buddies!

2010-12-11T10:57:00.000-06:00

It got really cold the night before I took photos of my trail and the Red-bellied Woodpecker and I noticed the water in the bird bath had froze. I saw a Nuthatch was looking for a drink of water, so I ran in to get some to top off the solid mass of ice and leaves. As soon as I went in the house I saw a flurry of wings out the window. Guess who?

I'm so glad I got my Bluebird house set up this year.

What a super treat!

A Woodland Walk in the Making

2010-12-08T18:37:00.003-06:00

This past year I've started a little project in the woods. I'm creating a path that leads from my picnic table, through the woods and around to the swing. With a little inspiration I got from a new found Alabama garden blogger, Deborah, at Deb's Garden, I was even more motivated to get cracking on the job. Above I've already got cinder blocks awaiting a rustic bench topper.

I've lined the walkway with tree limbs and am raking off the leaves to promote moss growth.

I have plenty moss to transplant in hopes that it will fill in over time.

Deborah's blog is just full of great gardening information and when I mentioned to her that I was in the process of starting my woodland walk she quickly sent me her tips, having mastered the job with a lot of hard work and devotion. I'm sure she wont mind if I share them with anyone interested, here.

I moved a few young Hellebores to the trail, my very first plants for the walk to come. They are still looking great after more than a week and the freezing temps we've had.

As I walked back up the path today my buddy the Red-bellied Woodpecker was busy at his favorite spot on the Dogwood. He loves to gather up sunflower seeds from the ground and fly them up to the tree where he pounds them until they open and are snackable!

He starts at the top...

...backs his way down...Ok you can't see him backing but I promise you he is behind the tree, backing...

...see I told you...

...down to a certain spot, then jumps to the ground.

He then grabs a seed and...

...flies up to his spot.

Yes! I talking about you!

Hopefully in the years to come, I'll have a beautiful woodland trail that will brighten even the shadiest of forests!
Thanks Deb!!

Morning Photo

2010-12-03T08:30:00.000-06:00

Hi all!

Trees are getting bare on the mountain!

The Confused Bluebird!

2010-11-29T07:04:00.000-06:00

No honey...you're not a Martin...but it's ok, you're welcome to stay!

Creeper Camo

2010-11-26T08:46:00.003-06:00

When I opened the door yesterday to check on the Nuthatches and Titmice at the feeder I noticed something a little different climbing up one of the trees.
A little camouflaged Brown Creeper!

They are not the easiest birds to spot but sure are special to find since they are not as common as many other birds in my woods.

They also don't hold very still so these photos are the best I could get. They are however, much better than the ones I got last year at this time of this little Brown feller.

When I turned around I noticed something not so camouflaged.

One of my two beautiful Camellias is beginning to bloom.

When I turned around again, I saw other non-camo garden beauties.

This little Harvestman was doing his best not to be seen...

...but not these Salvia. (I'm pretty sure they are Salvia but if I'm wrong please feel free to let me know).

The Redbud seed pods stand out a little bit.

And this Dogwood is hanging on til the bitter end!

SNOW Bunting in Alabama!!!!

2010-11-24T14:24:00.001-06:00

The news was out and Morgan and I decided to take the 15 minute trip...(ok we were on the way to my mom's anyway) to see the Snow Bunting that had landed in Guntersville!

Well, there were a few people there and I wanted to use my good birding etiquette so I didn't get too close to the bird and my view was obscured because of the extremely low profile of this hungry little bunting! He spent all his time munching on grass seeds.

If you will notice the view this little feller chose is a pretty good one so I'm thinking it's a pretty smart Bunting...good views....great weather!!

Who could ask for more!!

(I'm just hoping he won't be bringing any snow with him!!! PLEASE!!!)

Color

2010-11-23T06:24:00.001-06:00

The front garden is covered in leaves and looking drab. It's been a while since the vibrant colors of Spring.

I built this rustic bench out of materials left here from the previous owners.
I just love it...as a matter of fact there is enough material to make 5 or 6 more!

And this is one of my finds at the Antique Shop I found the other day.
I thought it would make a fine planter and I paid a whopping $4.00 for it!
As soon as my mom saw it, she said..."oh that's a coal hod! We had them when we were kids."
COOL!!!

Antiquing

2010-11-22T06:03:00.004-06:00

My friend Katie and took a little trip down the road and checked out two antique shops not far from home. I just love old things and thought I'd share a couple pictures. The photos below are for my friend Kerry.

Kerry takes the best old bike photos I've ever seen!

I chose this photo after taking 3 or 4 because the as the train was passing by, without noticing, the car here nearly matches the bike! NICE!!!

I LOVE old chairs!!

But alas my wallet could not support bringing home any this day.

I did find a couple affordable items and I guess that'll make for another post!

Right Out my Door at the End of the Day

2010-11-15T20:51:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to try to get this color that is in my yard today.

I used the timer and set the camera down. The only thing I did with this photo was downsize!!

F/4, 1/3 sec. ISO 400

An Autumn Morning Walk

2010-11-12T10:07:00.000-06:00

These are the sights I'm enjoying today!

Band Break

2010-11-02T21:22:00.000-05:00

I have to let all my friends know what I've been doing lately.

I've been a Band Mom.

It's been FUN!

Morgan has been having the best time in the world!

The season is over and I'm putting together a little movie for the band.
The 2010 DAR Marching Patriots!
Way to go!!!!

How Exciting!

2010-10-18T15:31:00.003-05:00

A special treat for me to photograph, this Red-breasted Nuthatch showed up while I was on the phone with my mom. I said good-bye and rushed to get the camera. This sweetheart was the perfect model for me as I clicked away.

Porch Pictures and Pansies

2010-10-14T20:29:00.001-05:00

It's getting a little festive around here. Just a tad. I painted the porch chairs red and picked up a little throw for the table.

I took two planters and made a table out of them (finally!) I filled the pot up with this and that and then topped it with rocks and a perfect fitted glass.

Pansies are all the rage this time of year so I figured I'd play along.
Who can resist purple and yellow?

NOT ME!

A Special Columbus Day Visit

2010-10-10T06:58:00.004-05:00

Lately it seems I've been very busy with just about everything from Morgan's Marching Band (which is a blast) to helping out a friend with her gardening (which is a blast) but I was able to get up early the other morning to head out and capture something special.

On the way to that something special, I made a couple quick stops to see if I could find some things to make the special, extra special.

If you visit my friend Debi from The Giraffe Head Tree you would already know that the Nina and Pinta are on the Tennessee River and are now docked in Guntersville, AL for this Columbus Day.

I knew that the morning would be the best time for me to get down to take some photos, and that is what I did, but since it was early I was not able to get too close due to privacy issues.

The stern of the Pinta.

The bow of the Pinta.

Stern to stern at the dock.

It was a glorious morning!

The Nina.

Note the fishermen in the background. I bet these guys have some of the most beautiful mornings on earth!

Hope you all have a Happy Columbus Day!

The Colors of Autumn

2010-09-27T10:38:00.002-05:00

The sweet pink Cosmos.

The soft purple Beautyberry.

Burgundy Japanese Maple.

And the little surprise...

...of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak or two!

Finding a Place in the Sun

2010-09-22T05:52:00.001-05:00

Daisy loves to sit in the sun...no matter how hot it is!

~Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air...~

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Walking with the Neighbors

2010-09-19T06:18:00.005-05:00

Morgan asked me if I wanted to get up early on Saturday morning and take a walk...if it wasn't too hot that is...and it wasn't and I agreed. So off we went and there at the bottom of the driveway were Wrascle and his new friend...well...we don't know his name yet, but he sure is a friendly fellow!

Wrascle and no name walked with us down the road a little bit, but Wascle is a smart pup and when I tell him to stay home, he listens.

A little further down the road we finally got to meet these two neighbors that we see nearly everyday but never stopped to introduce ourselves too. They didn't tell us their names either, but they enjoyed our company, as we did theirs.

As soon as we left no name #3 and no name #4, we were greeted by a LOUD WOOOOOOOOOOO and we weren't quite sure how to take that salutation, was it friend or foe? Well, it turned out to be a friend and there wasn't a thing we could do to keep our new friend from showing us the ropes of the neighborhood.

We decided, since he didn't offer up his name, we would call him Buddy, cause that is what he was,
our Buddy.

Buddy walked up the road with us until we turned back to head home. At first he was a little too excited to meet us and wanted to jump...but with a few stern points and "psssstts" in our best Cesar Millan, he understood and was as good as gold!

This and the next series of photos I think is quite telling of the relationship that our three neighbors have. Personally, I think no name #3 (the lighter donkey, or is that a mule???) is the pack leader.

You'll notice the unspoken wordage between #3 and Buddy...even tho Buddy wanted to be a part of the petting fun...he was "asked" to move away by Mr. #3.

We had a great time meeting our neighbors and since Buddy lived right across the street from these fellows we tried to tell him to stay home. We tried to tell him it was too hot, he should go lay in his bed, but no, he wouldn't have it. He stayed behind us a bit, but actually followed us to our driveway and then said his goodbye and turned to head home. (I think he just really wanted to know where we lived).

Before we got to our drive, Morgan was temped by the neighbors Magnolia tree and HAD to have a thick, leathery leaf of her own.

And I just had to have a photo of this beautiful Pine that borders our property.

Point Park on Lookout Mountain

2010-09-14T06:41:00.004-05:00

After leaving the caves of Rock City we headed for Ruby Falls, but sadly it was a holiday weekend and I think everyone from the seven states you could see from Lover's Leap was there. So instead of waiting in line we decided to go check out Point Park and see the story of the Battle of Lookout Mountain, and the Blue and the Gray.

I really had no idea just exactly where on Lookout Mountain the Park was, but it didn't take long to figure it out.

Looking down over Chattanooga Tennessee.

You are literally on the edge of the mountain standing here.

Story of the "Battle Above the Clouds"

The New York Peace Memorial on Lookout Mountain.

A Confederate soldier awaits the battle.

Sadly this photo is supposed to be under the next one but for some reason this template just jumps photos all over the place with no rhyme or reason and no undoing or dragging will put it back where it's supposed to be.
After leaving Point Park (click on post title to read more) we drove to Chatanooga for lunch.

Point Park

There are other wonderful places to explore here but we decided to have lunch and come back another day.

Leaving the area heading for home we encoundered this Blast from the Past!

I couldn't help but get a few photos.

Dodge Super Bee

I really love all the signs for Fireworks....but somehow not to sure about mixing Cold Beer and Fireworks...seems like a bad combo to me!!!

THEN I remembered that there was someplace I wanted to stop on the way home. Can you figure out which place on this sign was my destination?

It was like Christmas in there!!

We all had a great day and hope you enjoyed our little trip.

Rock City~Part ll

2010-09-12T07:42:00.001-05:00

Looking over "Lover's Leap"

There were so many pretty flowers and plants throughout the park.

Alabama Flag.
The state motto is
"We Dare Defend our Rights"
From the poem~
"What constitutes a state?...
Men who their duties know,
but know their rights,
and knowing, dare maintain."
~Sir William Jones~

Morgan flattened a penny with the swinging bridge pressed into it.

Yucca.

Luckily we all made it through this space!

Whew!

A little dippin dot fun!

Another view of "Lover's Leap".

And there are times when you have to climb around the rock to get to where you need to go...

...Just Kidding!!!

From below the Swinging Bridge.

This was not even half of the fun!

Never Forget

2010-09-11T05:50:00.000-05:00

Rock City on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee

2010-09-09T07:27:00.003-05:00

Over the Labor Day weekend my daughter, Rachel, came to visit and we planned to take a trip to Rock City which was a really great idea!

As you're driving up Lookout Mountain you can see Lover's Leap and it is just an amazing sight!

We got there very early on in the morning and it was a good thing as we found out later in the day. A holiday weekend is probably not the best time to go...unless you are a REAL people person!

The gardens are perfect and the plants on all the trails are clearly marked!
What a spectacular view!

The picture above and next two below are courtesy of my Hubby.

We had a little time for some pickin and a grinnin!

The trails were fantastic, lots of crevices and rock bridges.

And one heck of an awesome swinging bridge!

More to come on Rock City and Lookout Mountain.

Note: I've decided that this format for my blog was a very annoying change for me.

I haven't quite got the hang of using this format and it is taking me a lot longer to make a post, and it is a very frustrating job. I may need to rethink this plan!

Almost Autumn

2010-09-02T14:09:00.001-05:00

You know it's getting late in the season of summer when you start seeing things like brown Redbud pods.

Unopened Sedums.

Turning Beautyberry berries.

Blackberry Lily berries.

Aged Hydrangea.

Flowing grasses.

A second blush of Chaste Tree blooms.

Dogwood berries.

And a touch of orange

It's just a matter of time now!

Crazy Birds!!!

2010-09-01T15:10:00.002-05:00

It's been exciting around here. I think I may have up to 50 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at one time...hard to count...if you look too hard you might lose an eye!!!

I'm hoping this video is not too long and boring...

The Little Things

2010-08-24T20:41:00.003-05:00

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!