APED - A Picture Every Day: November 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

Beyond to Before the Falls Monday 11-30-15

Hello and happy Monday. Today I have for you the other side of Dry Falls. I promise this is the last time I'll use these Falls pictures this month. (haha) Anyway, from this side you can see the Falls' front and side; plus, you can see where you've been and where you're going. Each way is worth the journey. Think about it.

I hope that your Monday's journey was a good one. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Sunday Falls From Above 11-29-15

Hello and happy Sunday. This, again, is Dry Falls near Highlands, NC. It is also named Big Cullasaja Falls. This is the view you'll get after you park and walk to the landing. That's all the effort you have to make for this view. You'll still oooh and aaahhh over it. You may even get a sense of how wonderful this earth is and how we need to take care of it for ourselves and those we love (if you didn't know that already). And this view may be all you need to satisfy your curiosity. But, if you're like me, you need more. Good thing there's more adventurous people like me out there that have a bigger curiosity and want to get closer because a path has been cleared and wonderful steps and strong rails have been put in place for me and others like me to walk safely to the Falls and explore before, behind and beyond the Falls. They have also put in some seating areas in case I get tired. I'm sure you have already guessed that there's no way anyone in a wheel chair would get to the bottom, but I did see a few determined people with canes making their way slowly down the steps and then up again. It's nice to see the human spirit triumphing over pain and disability to get closer to that which God has created for all of us and trusts us to enjoy, use wisely and protect.

There are other waterfalls you can see along Highway 64 on the way to or after Dry Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is less than a mile away and on the Highway and you can actually drive behind it - that is, if other people aren't standing in your way. Also, the smaller Cullasaja Falls are on Highway 64 and there are areas where two or three cars can pull safely to the side of the road for viewing and picture taking. Highway 64 is one winding mountain road that is really worth the drive/ride.

I hope you have a sensational Sunday and that you enjoy some nature today. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Front Falls Saturday 11-28-15

Hello and happy Saturday. Since yesterday I showed you what the back of water looked like, I thought I would show you what the front of the waterfall looked like. This is Dry Falls, located in the Nantahala National Forest on Highway 64 near Highlands, NC and, as you can see, there is a large amount of water falling 75 feet to the Cullasaja River below. This is only a photo, but I hope you can imagine how just how awesome this looks and sounds in person.

I don't know if you're able to see from this small picture, but there are people on the other side of the Falls. They got there by going behind the waterfall. I've seen many waterfalls in my day, but this is the first time I have been to one than I could walk behind. I think I'm feeling other trips to these falls during each season.

I hope you had a great Saturday. Thank you for looking, See you tomorrow.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Back Water Falling Friday 11-27-15

Hello and happy Friday. So I went Black Friday shopping today in Highlands, NC for waterfalls. Have you ever seen the back side of water? Well, now you have. This is the back side of a waterfall called Dry Falls. Dry Falls is just two miles outside of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge on Highway 64, which is a very winding road, scary, but scenic. There were a few scenic overlooks along the way that might have kept someone from getting car sick if one was so inclined.

Once we arrived at Dry Falls the parking lot was almost full. We wished more people were out at the malls shopping for Black Friday deals. I guess they were smart enough to realize that the best Black Friday deal was right here, Dry Falls is a 75 foot waterfall over a cliff that has enough room to walk behind it. You can see the falls from the lookout near the parking lot, but you know you want to walk behind the water so you venture forth. You reach this part of the waterfall by walking down about a hundred or so well placed stairs. After a few stops along the way for photo opportunities you reach your destination. Such awesomeness!!

This was my first time seeing Dry Falls. I'm ready to go back. I'm also ready to show you more pictures of our adventure today, so get ready for other "Fall" days. I will also give you a little more information about the area.

I hope you had as wonderful of a Black Friday as I did. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Triple Baboon Thursday 11-26-15

Hello and happy Thursday. Today I have for you some baboons from the Asheboro Zoo in North Carolina. I love the zoo. It is so inspiring to me. I enjoy seeing every exhibit. These guys were so entertaining when I was there that I just felt like adding a caption. It's Thanksgiving today, and I am grateful that I don't have to bow down to anyone. I'm thankful that I am free to live the way I want, be friends with whomever I want and think the way I want, It seems that so many people want to be told what to think and do, and, while I will listen and consider things, I am still free to think for myself. I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for all the men and women who fight for all of us to have that freedom.

Baboons are interesting large "monkeys". They are adaptable to different environments as long as they have water and safe sleeping places. You can find out more about baboons at http://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/baboon.

I hope you've had a great Thursday/Thanksgiving. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Wednesday's Window 11-25-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. On this day before Thanksgiving, I thought I'd give you a nice window view. This particular one is in Florida - St. Augustine to be exact. The time of day is a couple of hours past sunrise when there are only a few people on the beach. This is my favorite time of day - a slow, easy morning. I don't get many of these times, so when I do, they are cherished. Tomorrow will be one of those mornings and I am so looking forward to it. I will be thankful.

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. I hope you had a reason to be grateful. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Tuesday's Spiders 11-24-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. Today I have a few spiders for you - Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies, that is. These beauties were taken back in the late spring of this year at Landsford Canal State Park in Catawba, SC. The biggest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies are in Landsford Canal State Park. There's even a festival for them in mid to late May. In the park you can hike a trail to the viewing area or, you can put your kayak or canoe in the Catawba River and paddle around and get lost in all the lilies. The kayaking adventure is, of course, my personal favorite. And, I don't really get lost at all. As my mother would say, "We're not lost, we're just on a new adventure." Those words change a negative situation into a positive one immediately. Wise, wise words.

I hope you had a positively adventure filled wonderful Tuesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Mushroom Monday 11-23-15

Hello and happy Monday. Today I am taking you beneath the mushroom. This is a shelf mushroom. It's also a micro habitat providing a home for spiders, mites and other insects. I've read that even small beetles can fit in between the pores like the one you see up there, and they eat the spores. It seems there's an entire little ecosystem in a shelf mushroom. Everybody needs a home. But here's the thing - once these shelf mushrooms infect a tree, the fungus cannot be killed, so the shelf fungi are a major wood rotting group. You can read much more on the shelf fungi at http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/funfacts/shelffungi.htm. You can also use shelf mushrooms in herbal teas, but you probably don't want to eat them.

Before you go diving into the study of shelf mushrooms, I hope you had a marvelous Monday, Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sunday's Reflections 11-22-15

Hello and happy Sunday. Sundays, to me, seem to be about reflections. I have to admit that I do enjoy water reflections. I enjoy looking at nature reflected on still water as it seems everything looks better and the sky's bluer and the clouds more, um, "artistic". It's not quite like life. In real life, when I reflect on the days past, it's not always as pretty, But I'm working on it. I usually try to do my best with every day, but some days I fail, some days I don't try hard enough, I don't have the right attitude or I feel depressed, even a little angry and resentful for things that are outside my control, I just have to remember to take a deep breath, relax and know that I'll get through whatever it is. Other days, my reflections are this pretty, and I want more. When I get many more "pretty reflections" than the not so pretty, I will know that I am succeeding. I will keep trying,

I hope you had a wonderful Sunday! Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Saturday's Misty Morning 11-21-15

Misty Morning Saturday
Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Saturday. This morning while walking the dogs, I happened upon this lovely scene. This time of year is great for capturing the early morning mist on the water and I was grateful that I had my camera. " Mist is tiny droplets of water hanging in the air. These droplets form when warmer water in the air is rapidlycooled, causing it to change from invisible gas to tiny visible water droplets" as defined by the National Geographic website. Actually, this time of year you don't have to get up very early to catch this phenomenon as we were walking the dogs around 8 a.m. The sun hadn't been up very long and some of the fall colors were still around even though it's nearing the end of November.

I hope you had a chance to enjoy and be grateful for your Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, November 20, 2015

Friday Smell the Camellia 11-20-15

Hello and happy Friday. Today I want you to be like this yellow jacket and take time to smell the camellia - or roses - or any flower you choose. The point is to just take a few moments to relax. Today is Friday, and so that usually means you may be able to take the weekend to relax. Haha, yeah, right. Most of the time the weekend is about a "honey-do" list. But tonight, tonight is Friday, and you just might be able to stop for a while, get a good meal, and relax - maybe even go to the movies, or watch one on TV. No matter what, tonight, on Friday, may just be your chance to take a few deep breaths.

Enjoy your Friday night. Breath. In. And out. Relax.

I hope you had a great Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Roadside Treasure Thursday 11-19-15

Hello and happy Thursday. After a long, rainy drive to work this morning and an even longer and very busy day, I came out to no rain, continued fall colors and mist covering the ground, I was dreading my long drive home, but when I saw this my mind refocused into thoughts of photo opportunities. I didn't have much time as it was already after 5 p.m. Lucky for me there was this trestle bridge nearby that I had always wanted to stop and explore but never did until today. Although I like this photo very much, I had very little time here to explore. Now I know that this place that I've wanted to stop and see for so long holds treasures for me, I will surely stop again.

Is there any place that you've driven by frequently that you've always wanted to stop and explore but were always "too busy" or "didn't have enough time"? Maybe one day you will take that chance to stop even though it's been a long day and you're tired. You may find "treasures" that you will find refreshing. Remember to take your camera.

I hope you had a great Thursday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Hump Day and Looking for the Green 11-18-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. It's considered "hump day" and just like this camel, I'm working hard looking for the green. He eventually found a little green, but I'm sure it wasn't enough to fill him up. Thank goodness for zoo keepers for supplements. Unfortunately for him, he can only go so far in the search for his green. His movements are pretty constricted. Fortunately for me, I can go wherever I need to in order to find my green. While my opportunities are endless, I just may have to be willing to go away to find the grass. Then again, just like this camel, maybe I don't have to go far away, maybe I just have to work a little harder right where I am. Hmmm, hard choices.

I hope you had a wonderful hump day. Thank you for choosing to look at my photo and blog. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Tuesday's Delicacy 11-17-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. I have a crop from one of my recent camellia flowers for you today. It was a long day at work for me today and was made even longer by a last minute phone call adding even more work before I finished my day. Soooo, when I arrived home , all I wanted to do was look at something really beautiful to soothe my weary mind and body. I went to my photos, and now I feel better thanks to the photo you see. I love the delicateness of the petals and then the burst of color.

My spirit has now been rejuvinated. I hope that you have been a little soothed and rejuvenated as well.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Monday's Moth 11-16-15

Hello and happy Monday. Today I have for your visual pleasure a moth that I found on the windshield of my car. I thought it was pretty cool. I spent a little time on the internet looking for what this particular moth is called to no avail. Oh well. At least it took the time to land on my car for a while and let me enjoy him and take some photos. And, to me, it looks as though it has a face in its thorax (the part that connects its head and its abdomen). The face sort of looks like it's smiling. And smiling on Monday is a good thing.

I hope you had a smile filled Monday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Sunday Sunrise and Coffee With the Neighbors 11-15-15

Hello and Happy Sunday. I just couldn't resist giving you two pictures today - one of a blessed sunrise and another of morning coffee with the neighbors. In this case the neighbors are the Canada Geese seen in the distance. It was such a nice, quiet morning. Hoping that I have many, many more mornings just like this.

I hope you had a wonderfully blessed Sunday morning

and an overall great Sunday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Saturday's Obstacles 11-14-15

Hello and happy Saturday. This Saturday I want to remind you to watch your step. As I followed this path to the water's edge I noticed obstacles ready to trip me and get me to make a splash in the cold water; maybe even get hurt along the way. Now, these are tree roots and obviously the roots aren't "out to get me", but I do need to be careful where I step. They remind me how life is full of obstacles that we must lookout for and avoid along our way to living a successful life. Sometimes we have to destroy those obstacles; other times we just navigate around them. No matter how we overcome the obstacles it takes work. Many times the biggest obstacle we face is our own fear and once we destroy or overcome our fear, all other obstacles just might seem a little less daunting. I, for one, am always working on overcoming one fear or another and navigating obstacles at the same time. I'm hopeful that one day I will let go of any fear and know that I can overcome any obstacle in my path.

How about you? Are you already fearless or are you still working on it like me?

I hope you are having a great, obstacle free Saturday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, November 13, 2015

The More the Merrier on Friday the 13th 11-13-15

Hello and happy Friday the 13th. It looks like the more the merrier on my white camellia today with a yellow jacket and a small fly enjoying the pretty flower. I'm happy to take their photos. I'm even more happy that this camellia bush is blooming early. I have several other camellia bushes in my yard that have buds on them, but, so far no blooms. Because of that I believe we can enjoy a variety of camellia colors for a longer period - plus all the little creatures that come to enjoy the blooms. Yay! And look - there was no "bad luck" for me on this commonly feared Friday the 13th, only peace and blessings.

I hope you had a Friday full of peace and blessings. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Thurday's a Camellia and Honey Bee Day 11-12-15

Hello and happy Thursday. This is a camellia from my yard. They are supposed to bloom in the winter but they surprised me early this year. I had to take a closer look when I saw the bush blooming. It looks as though I'm not the only one interested in this flower. It seems as though a Western Honey Bee also has an interest in my camellia. And, since I have more camellia photos with and without the honey bee, I'll share more with you on another day. Maybe we'll even learn a little more about honey bees and camellias along the way. BEE on the lookout. (smiley face)

I hope you had a wonderful Thursday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Wednesday's Treat 11-11-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. Today I want to show you my cat, Ayla. Ayla loves treats. She and her cousin, Effie, get a treat or three when I leave in the morning and then again when I get home. So, if I'm lucky enough to be at home most of the day, and ask if they want a treat, I get a great response. It's just love, pure love - or a little hunger. I'm going to take the love; and give her a treat.

I hope someone gave you a treat today and you had a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Tuesday's Blessing Flower 11-10-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. We had a little sun today so I found a little flower for you. I looked on the internet but couldn't find a name for this little jewel. It bloomed up from the shallow water amid the lily pads. It's very delicate and I was afraid to kayak too closely. Hurting this beauty would make me sad. And who wants to be sad on Tuesday? Especially when I have this little paper thin blessing.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday with many blessings. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Monday's High 11-09-15

Hello and happy Monday. Since it's been raining so much here, I thought I'd bring out a throwback picture. This is a celebration - a celebration of being out with friends kayaking a most wonderful river on a mostly sunny day and embracing the feeling of love and of being loved. This is how I feel every time I go kayaking. There is love; love from the water, from the earth and the sky, from friends and family - and from me. All of that engulfs me and rejuvenates my mind, body and soul. It all seems very spiritual and I crave it. All of my senses seem heightened when I am kayaking and all my senses embrace the experience. When friends and family come along there is a feeling like no other - it's like a holiday, maybe even better. There's a saying about a runner's "high" that you've probably heard of or experienced. I used to run a good bit and it was true for me as well. But this, this kayaking experience is, for me, a much greater "high". So, if you've ever experienced the runner's "high", imagine how good you'd feel if you received that and more from kayaking.

I hope you had a marvelous Monday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Sunday's Lion 11-08-15

Hello and happy Sunday. I have my new find for you to see tonight. I found a lion protecting things, It seems a little serendipitous to me because my astrological sign is Leo. Needless to say I have an affinity for lions, The lion and I have something in common - he is known for being the "king of the jungle", and I like to be the "queen" of my home. Although my "queen" thing doesn't always work for me in my home, I will still "roar" when I think it's necessary.

I hope you had a roaringly great Sunday. Thank you for looking, See you tomorrow.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Saturday Satisfaction. 11-07-15

Hello and happy Saturday. This fine feathered friend of mine wants something to eat today. I am more than happy to oblige. Every form of life needs sustenance. I'm glad that this blue jay enjoys corn.

I hope you had a greatly enjoyable Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, November 6, 2015

"I Want Water" Friday. 11-06-15

Hello and happy Friday. This little cardinal seems to be saying, "Hey, is there water in this hose? Then give me some.". That house does indeed have water and I did put some water out. But he left when I did so. He probably came back when I was focused on something else. Oh well. At least I saw him now. Water is very necessary for all life and I'm glad I could supply it for this cardinal.

I hope you were supplied everything you needed today. I am hopeful that you had a great Friday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Happy Great Blue Heron Thursday 11-05-15

Hello and happy Thursday. It's been a long time since I've shown you one of my favorite birds. Of course, I love all birds, but, for some reason, the Great Blue Heron is special. I love the color, I love watching him fish; I love seeing him catch a fish; I love hearing the squawk and seeing him fly. And I love photographing herons. The heron is also a great fan of the water - obviously. And, since I also love the water, well, it just makes sense that it's my favorite bird.

I hope you had a Great Blue Heron of a Thursday. I thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Wednesday's Sun Setting 11-04-15

Hello and happy Wednesday. It 's "hump day" and this sunset announces the slide into the weekend. Of course there may be clouds overhead, just like it's been cloudy and rainy here for the last three days. Maybe by the weekend we will have clear skies and warm weather. Well, if not, we can always have a warm and sunny heart, right?

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Nature's Kiss and Hug (X and O) Tuesday. 11-03-15

Hello and happy Tuesday. As you know, last week I was fortunate enough to go kayaking. I love being out in nature . I love it even more when nature loves me back. I'm hoping you see the love, too - the X and O, or Kiss and Hug as I like to think of them. This was my first time kayaking this area and I'm glad it loves me because I love it, too, and I plan on kayaking here for many years to come.

I hope you had a loving, happy Tuesday. I thank you for looking and seeing my nature's kiss and hug. I hope you feel the love. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Flower Power Monday 11-2-15

Hello and happy Monday. There's been a lot of rain lately and I'm kind of tired of it. I do realize that we need the rain. Although it's like that song sung by Karen Carpenter of the Carpenters that goes, "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down". I know she's singing about two different days - or is she? So what happens if the rainy days are Mondays; are we doubly "down"? Well, sometimes I am. But then I look for beauty, and I usually find it. This time it is a flower - an azalea. This azalea shouldn't be blooming this time of year. Azaleas usually bloom in spring. I am glad that this particular shrub of mine decided to give me a couple of blooms in the fall. I am glad for the beauty of the flower and I love the color. I am glad for the rain that nourishes this plant and leaves drops on my flower for me to take a lovely photo. I am glad that I am no longer "down" on this rainy day AND Monday!

What about you? Do rainy days and Mondays get you down? If so, remember all the beauty in your life around you and become lifted up.

I hope you had a lovely Monday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Sunday Serenity 11-01-15

Hello and happy Sunday. Ahh, serenity. What is serenity? According to Dictionary.com, it is a noun meaning "the state of being serene, calm, or tranquil...". The word serene is an adjective meaning "calm, peaceful, tranquil; unruffled". I see all of that in this scene. My friend is enjoying a relaxing time on the river with nothing more than her kayak, a little fishing gear, and her thoughts, unencumbered by the noise of a busy world. Out here, there is peace and quiet; the kind that rejuvenates the body and spirit. This is the kind of day that is my Sunday; my church, if you will. This is what I dream of on those many busy days when I can't be on the river. This is what keeps me sane. This IS my Sunday. The good thing is, I don't need to wait for an actual Sunday to have this kind of day. My Sunday can come any time of the week. And, if I had my choice, I would have more than one "Sunday" in a week. I can't, of course. Some weeks I don't get a "Sunday". But, I can always have a partial Sunday in my mind. Enjoying the visualization might not be the same, but some days it's all I have.

How about you? Where is your serenity? I'll bet it's beautiful.

I hope you had a serene Sunday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.