This was the most interesting picture I took today.  I promise it isn't photoshopped although it really looks like it is.  This is a Red Bay Tree in my back yard.  This tree leans so far over the water that it actually touches the water.  A few years back, a special Japanese Beetle made it way through Florida and killed almost all of the Red Bays.  I lost 4, but the others survived.  This particular Beetle was untouched by the typical insecticides and caused quite a panic.  It is a lovely tree.

Tweetles,

Sandra

I'm Back!

Well, I'm back.  And where have you been?,  you might ask.  This is a rather embarrassing confession I'm about to make.  The week of my last post - of what I perceived as perfectly marvelous examples of photos, I decided that having my photos on a stock site would be so exciting and rewarding.

Alas, as we all know beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and when my photos were rejected, I was, shall me say "devastated".  I know, it was childish.  After all, I was taking the pictures for my own enjoyment.  I guess I thought I needed some validation.

So now, I'm back and with a newly uplifted attitude.  I've been validated.  I entered one of my photos in the Clay County Fair and am now am the proud winner of a BLUE Ribbon AND $3.00 cash.  So, I'm back and here's my winning photo!

Tweetles,
Sandra

What a remarkable master plan!

I wrote last week that the Moon Flower was so special because the moths that feed at night can see them since they are bright white.  And then I showed you the Morning Glory that is in the same family but blooms in the morning.  Now take a look at the pink ones.  They are called Four O'Clocks.  They bloom in the late afternoon around 4 o'clock.   It occurred to me that with this family of flowers, we have blooms round the clock.

See, it is a remarkable master plan - this creation of God's.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

A different way to handle succulents.

The San Diego Botanical Gardens found a different way to grown succulents.  Take a look at the Mexican musician.  He's almost completely covered with plants.  That's a pretty innovative way to grow plants and decorate your garden.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Feeling Good!

I don't know about you, but this picture just make me feel HAPPY!  I love the mixture and the naturalness of these flowers.  Its like God's little painting that changes daily.  Pretty cool I think.

Til Tomorrow,

Tweetles

What is this bird?

I have searched but haven't found out what this bird is. It's so interesting with the black protrusion on its head. Because of its feet, I think it is a type of duck. But after all my research, I can't find it. Anybody know?

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetle

Cork Oak

This is a cork oak tree. Wine corks and cork floors are derived from the bark of these trees. This one was located in San Diego. Very interesting if you take a close look.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Hooded Merganser

This was a cute little duck I saw at the safari. They were quite prolific. They lay 10-12 white eggs and reside in wooded areas. Interesting how the head is two-toned.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

A Pair of Parrots

This pair of parrots greeted up as we entered the San Diego Safari.  They were very colorful as you can see and seemed to be serving as our welcoming committee or were they merely inspected those who entered?

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Artichoke

I was blown away by this plant.  I had never seen artichoke growing before.  I'm not sure if the purple comes before the artichoke closes up or if it is the result of an artichoke that is not harvested and then it produces the bloom.  But it is beautiful.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Morning Glory

Earlier this week I shared a photo of a moonflower and said it was in the same family as the morning glory so I thought I would follow up with this morning glory so you could compare the two.

I will be home tomorrow and can write more lengthy blogs. It's a little more difficult on the iPad. I don't have quite the control.

So Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sleeping Duck

At a beautiful resort called Paradise Point in San Diego, I saw this duck sleeping. I had no idea they tucked their head under their wing to sleep.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Real Deal

Since I've talked so much about the "flamingos" in a couple posts lately, I wanted to share this picture I made in California. Now this one is the real thing. He lives in the San Diego Zoo Safari Area. Did you know that the shrimp a flamingo eats is what gives him his color? I think this one hasn't had much shrimp lately.

I have a lot of great photos to share in the upcoming posts. So,

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Moonflower

This beautiful blossom is a moonflower. It opens at night and is pollinated by night flying moths. There are other flowers that night moths pollinate and they are all white so they can be seen by the moth. The moonflower is in the same family as the morning glory but it is pollinated by bees and butterflies during the day.


Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Buckeye

This is a nice example of a buckeye butterfly.  They are called that for obvious reasons.  The spots on their wings look like eyes.  Those eyes serve as protection for them against birds.  I guess the birds think they're larger or more fierce than they are?

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Moss and Holly

You may remember that sometime back I mentioned how much I love the moss hanging from the trees.  This is such an interesting contrast in texture - the holly leaves are shiny and stiff while the moss is dull in color and blow easily in the breeze.  Nice.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Great Blue Heron in Summer

This majestic Great Blue Heron has remained in and around the pond in my back yard - despite the presence of a gator.  In the past, they usually move on to safer territory, but this one seems to have control of the situation and continues to walk the perimeter of the pond each day to find his food.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Lantana

If you're looking for a drought resistant plant that comes back year after year and attracts butterflies, Lantana is the plant for you.  Commonly called "Choke Weed" this is one plant you don't want in your pasture.  They are quite showy and come in various shades of yellow, orange and red.

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

A Real Angry Bird

I don't know if you play the game Angry Birds, but I found this real Angry Bird.  I don't know who he was mad at, but he was giving somebody a tongue lashing.  Or was it a she?

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles

Kite

I had to lay on my back in the grass to get this picture.  I suppose that could have been "dangerous" but I did keep my mouth closed.  The Swallowtail Kite is such a beautiful and graceful bird.

They eat insects while in flight and also eat reptiles and small animals.  Two eggs are laid but the first to hatch will usually kill the younger one.  This is called to obligate siblicide. 

Til Tomorrow,
Tweetles