APED - A Picture Every Day: April 2016

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Saturday's Little Friend 04-30-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Say hello to my little friend, the lizard. He and I met this morning on my steps. I didn't step on him and he let me take his picture after he moved out of my way. It was really nice how that worked out for both of us. I've seen this guy around my house before, mostly from the window and I have watched him change color at times depending on where or what he is on. From what I've read on the internet it seems he is a Green Anole. Today, he gave me a little extra treat when he puffed out his dewlap. I was dutifully impressed by the color as I had not seen this before. If you'd like to learn more about my friend, check out: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-19_lizard_green_anole.htm. These guys are actually good for your garden.

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

Friday, April 29, 2016

Friday Fun at the Beach 04-29-16

Hello and happy Friday. Yay, it's Friday! We made it to the weekend. Now what? Well, I think another trip to the beach would be fun. I think any time is a good time to go to the beach, so I'm taking you with me. This is Sunset Beach, in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The town of Sunset Beach began in 1955. Mannon C. Gore purchased the land from a family whose ownership of it dated back to the 1700s. A person could buy oceanfront lots here by 1958, and, in 1963, an oceanfront lot with a small house cost $1,000. Appreciation for the beach over the years has skyrocketed prices and an oceanfront lot with house will cost you more than $500,000.

The pier on the right of the picture is called Vesta Pier. The Vesta was a civil war blockade runner that was set on fire in 1864 and it sank near the beach in about 10 feet of water. Now, due to the accumulation of sand over the years, the remains of the Vesta is completely buried. This pier was built over the sunken blockade runner, hence the name, Vesta Pier. I guess they want to make sure that old ship stays buried. :)

You can read more of the history of Sunset Beach if you'd like by going to: http://www.sunsetbeachnc.gov/

I hope you had a fun and fabulous Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Thursday's Highway Treasure 04-28-16

Hello and happy Thursday. Today I had a really long drive to and from work. It was dark when I left this morning, and cloudy, rainy and sunny on the way home. I've noticed many times the wildflowers growing along the highways through the years and always thought, "One day I'm going to stop and take some pictures of those flowers." Well, today was the day. This little flower looks almost like tissue paper close up. It was hard to get a decently sharp picture as the cars and 18 wheelers caused a lot of wind for these delicate flowers. There were only 2 or 3 of the white ones in the whole crowd.

The beautiful flowers along the Highway are due to the Highway Beautification Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in October, 1965. President Johnson's wife, Lady Bird, pushed to beautify America's landscapes. The First Lady wanted billboards and junk yards gone from the landscapes and replaced with trees, flowers, green spaces and parks. That seems reasonable to me. I am not about politics on my blog, but if you'd like to read about that process with this Act, please go to https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/beauty.cfm. The next year the First Lady issued a series of stamps called "Plant for a More Beautiful America" . You can read more about the stamps at https://www.uspsconnection.com/cc_site/1990/10/22/president-johnson-signs-the-highway-beautification-act/

We should plan and plant a more beautiful America. We need our clean water and beautiful landscapes and our sustainable farms and livestock. We need to enjoy and be stewards to this great land we've been given. I believe I am fortunate and blessed to live in this great country, and I, for one, agree with First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. When I was growing up, there was a commercial showcasing an owl that said, "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute." We need to teach that to our future generations.

I hope you had a wonderful Thursday. If you drove today, I hope you saw something pretty on your drive. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Lucy Rules Wednesday 04-27-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. I have a portrait of my dog, Lucy, today. I don't think that I have ever put Lucy up on the blog so, today is the day. Lucy is close to ten years old and she is still a pretty and loving and energetic "pup". She even "prances" when she walks and that makes me smile.

I hope you had something to smile about this Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Tuesday Tree Blossoms 04-26-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. Let's look at a few tree blossoms today. It's been a long day, and I just want to look at something pretty. How about you?

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

Monday, April 25, 2016

Monday's Beach Wishing 04-25-16

Hello and happy Monday. So, last Saturday I went to the beach. Today, on Monday, I'm wishing I was back at the beach. To me, any day at the beach is a good day. Of course I had to work today, so no beach for me, but it was still a good day. Like the sign on our secretary's desk says, "It's a good day to have a good day." We have to make the best of every day. It would just be better if I was at the beach. Oh well, I can visualize or look at my pictures.

Would you rather be somewhere else today?

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

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Sunday's First Baptist Church in Florence, SC 04-24-16

Hello and happy Sunday. Today I have a photo for you of the First Baptist Church in Florence, SC. First Baptist Church opened its doors almost 150 years ago in June of 1866. Many additions and renovations later you can see most of it in this photo. There's more on the other side as this church is quite expansive. You can read the history and more about the church and its mission at http://www.fbcflorence.org/index.php/who-we-are/fbc-history.

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

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Beach Fun Saturday 04-23-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Today seemed like a nice day to drive to the beach. We found ourselves at a beach the three of us had never been to - Sunset Beach in North Carolina. While there were a good many people on the beach even though this is their "slow season". It was a beautiful day. There was one big black cloud rolling in that you can see making an entrance at the upper left of the pic. We worried for only a moment that it may rain, but, it just rolled on out to sea. Happiness. That is what today was about. We were celebrating the life of a cherished person that left us for Heaven well before we were ready. But, then again, can anyone ever really be ready for a loved one to pass? We did what we thought my Mom would like to do today - went to the beach, laughed, enjoyed each others' company.

All is well.

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

Friday, April 22, 2016

Friday Fly By 04-22-16

Hello and happy Friday. Looks like we're about to fly away. Yes, let's take a mini vacation this weekend, fly away and not worry about anything. Sounds good to me - all but flying in this plane. This one hasn't flown in a very long time. My sister actually saw this one off the road near Florence, SC. There, of course, is no information about this plane, although I would love to know its story.

If you had to work today, I hope your Friday flew by today and you had some fun. If you didn't have to work today, I'm pretty sure the day flew by for you. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Thursday's Wall Flowers 04-21-16

Hello and happy Thursday. I've given you a lot of flowers lately, so I'd like to give you a different kind of flower today - wall flowers. :) You now have giant, 3dimensional roses placed on a wall for you. The middle of each rose, to me, looks like someone puckering up for a kiss. Maybe that one butterfly wants all those "kisses". Do you think that's where the term, "butterfly kisses" comes from? I'm just kidding. I know "butterfly kisses" and how to do them. Still, this wall flower exhibition is pretty cool, although to some, it might also be considered kitchy. Sometimes people refer to others as "wall flowers" when others stand back away from the crowd and don't participate in the activity - like someone who goes to a dance and just stands near the wall, afraid to dance, maybe can't dance, or maybe too shy to ask someone to dance. Try not to be a "wall flower". Dance. Always dance.

I hope you had a non-wall flower Thursday. I hope you danced. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

What's Up Wednesday? 04-20-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. I have for you a bobcat from the Asheboro Zoo. He seems to be saying, "What's up, Wednesday?". He's a great looking cat! I want to pet him, but I know better - plus there's this thick glass separating us in front and wire on the side. Bobcats are great hunters, plus they've been hunted greatly. So much so, that they are on the endangered list. Read more about bobcats, their habitats and their hunting ability at http://www.defenders.org/bobcat/bobcats.

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Beaching it on Tuesday 04-19-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. I feel like going to the beach today. Of course, I can't go to the beach - I have to work - but I can look at my picture of the beach as the sun sets. I can take myself there in my mind and imagine the wind, the salty smell, the birds, the sand, etc. I can enjoy this moment. I hope you can as well.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday. Take a trip in your mind any time. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Iguana Monday 04-18-16

Hello and happy Monday. I'm thinking Mondays are a little rough, it has some sharp edges and just when you think you may have conquered it and are near the end, it whips you with its tail. So, this iguana reminded me of Mondays. Can you believe some people keep iguanas for pets? He is cute, though. Mondays always start out cute, too - until you get to work! Ha. But, Mondays are a necessary day and you may as well enjoy them as much as possible. Cheer up, work hard, and it will be done before you know it. The iguana Monday will be tamed before you know it.

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

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Sunday At Gapway Baptist Church 04-17-16

Hello and happy Sunday. How about going to Gapway Baptist Church in Mullins, SC?

This lovely church was formed in 1775 and, still today, they believe that "It's All About Jesus". This is the third and present structure built in 1882 as a wood frame structure. It was remodled, bricked and given additions in 1948. If you'd like to find out more about the history of this lovely church check out the website: http://www.gapwaybaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com/templates/lif01aq/details.asp?id=13996&PID=19499

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

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Moon over Saturday 04-16-16

Hello and happy Saturday. So, I was enjoying walking the dogs this evening while it was still light and loving the beautiful sky. I looked up through the trees while the pups were ambling along and saw this - a present! I really enjoy seeing the moon in the daytime. It's so much easier to photograph this way. If I didn't have to walk my dogs, I would've missed this jewel.

I hope you've enjoyed Saturday and had a special "jewel" added to your day. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Friday's Window Dressing 04-15-16

Hello and happy Friday. Well, today, after the internet guy came and went, I headed out toward the zoo. I had charged all my batteries, cleaned all my lenses, packed up my gear and made sure I had my floppy hat in the car. One thing I didn't count on - my allergies. Although I had taken my allergy medication, including nose spray and eye drops, just 5 miles down the road, windows up, my eyes began watering and my sinuses felt swollen and painful, and nasal breathing became a memory. So, I turned the car around and came back home, wondering what I would do for tonight's blog.

Lucky for me I have beautiful azaleas blooming outside my living room window. While I would much rather be outside, sinus pain is keeping me indoors. At least I have a good view. I am grateful.

I hope you had a no pain Friday and a reason to be grateful. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Thursday Boating 04-14-16

Hello and happy Thursday. It's a beautiful day. Let's go boating/sailing. They're trying to hide the boat with the weeds, but I see it and I want to go! It's just too pretty to stay inside or work when we could be boating.

I hope you had an enjoyable Thursday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Polar Bear Toy Love on Wednesday 04-13-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. What does a Polar Bear love more than cold temperatures, cold water and her boyfriend? Well, her favorite toy, of course! This is Anana loving life and her toy at the Asheboro Zoo in North Carolina. She looks so peaceful and happy and I smile just looking at her.

I hope you smiled a lot this Wednesday. If not, grab your favorite toy and start playing! Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

A Ribbon Like Tuesday 04-12-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. Yes, it's another azalea, but I just couldn't resist. The petals look as ribbons to me and I enjoy it very much. Ribbons can accessorize our presents/gifts, our door wreaths, balloons, to wrap our cut flowers, and our hair in order to make them more attractive. So, why then, can't ribbons adorn flowers? Do you suppose that people got the idea to invent ribbons because of the ribbon-like appearance from some flowers' edges? I wouldn't be surprised. We can get a lot of good ideas from nature.

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

Monday, April 11, 2016

Monday's a Walk in the Park 04-11-16

Hello and happy Monday. We took a ride to the back side of Landsford Canal State Park and look what we saw!! This place is definitely getting ready for summer. Look at all that green. And, in a month or so you'll be able to see, on the other side of this park, the beautiful Spider Lillies that will bloom in abundance. Please be sure to check the website http://scgreatoutdoors.com/park-landsford.html or http://southcarolinaparks.com/landsfordcanal/introduction.aspx to see more about this lovely park and to find out the date range for the Spider Lilly viewings.

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

Sunday, April 10, 2016

St. Michael Methodist Church on Sunday 04-10-16

Hello and happy Sunday. Today I have for you the St. Michael Methodist Church in Bennettsville, SC. It is actually in the downtown of Bennettsville on Cheraw St., and I had to take this photo from my car while I was behind other cars at a stop light. I couldn't find any history on it, but, to me, it looks like something from the Renassaince Era, but, since I'm no architect and know nothing of period architecture it could be from any time period. I do know that it is intriguing to me and maybe, one of these days, I'll get to go back and step inside - - maybe even on a Sunday.

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

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Saturday With A Buddy 04-09-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Yeah, so, I know I've put up a good bit of azaleas lately, but they are in season so just bear with me a few more times. I couldn't resist putting up this pair of "buddies". It reminds me that we should always use the "buddy system" when we go out and have fun because there's "safety in numbers". And, it's always helpful in life to have a buddy that we can call at any time to help us through any situation or to just enjoy the company of and know that someone has "got your back" or will tell you the truth even when others won't. Saturday is a good day to use the buddy system and really enjoy your friends and/or family.

I hope you had a good Saturday and that maybe you and a buddy had some fun. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Star Filled Friday 04-08-16

Hello and happy Friday. You know, although I have been around azaleas all my life, I never noticed until yesterday that the azalea flower looks like a star! So, it reminded me that I'm a star - and so are you. We are all stars living on this wonderful planet. And, if we are careful and caring and responsible, we can take care of this earth and enjoy all the gifts we have been given and prosper, and still have plenty left over for our future stars to do the same.

I hope you enjoyed a star filled and prosperous Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Thursday's Purple 04-07-16

Hello and happy Thursday. It was raining when I woke this morning and I had the day off, so I turned back over and napped. When I finally got up and walked the dogs, it had stopped raining, but the sky was still gray so it made the colors of my azaleas and flowers pop! So, after I walked the dogs I grabbed my Nikon with the macro lens and off I went. This is a little purple flower that pops up in my yard every year and I know not what it is - but I hate to mow it because it's so pretty. They have spread over the yard and are really in the way of my walking through the yard so I try to wait until they stop flowering to mow. After I finished taking pictures this morning, I was looking over them on my computer and saw all these little fiber-like strands in the middle that I had not noticed before. I went back out and took more pictures to try and accentuate those strands a little better. And, there's still a drop left over from this morning's rain. I hope you will enjoy seeing this.

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Paying for Food on Wednesday 04-06-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. Have you ever noticed how there's a price to be paid for everything? There is very little that is ever "free". And food, well, we must have that so we gladly, or sometimes reluctantly, pay. Well, in my yard, I make sure my birds have a nice feeder and food. Then, they pay me by letting me take pictures. I collect payment as often as possible, too. :) I don't think they mind. Sometimes it's as if they are posing for me.

I hope you had a good day and your food was worth your money - or photo - or whatever your payment. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Butterflies Never Give Up on Tuesday 04-05-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. Do you ever feel like there's something missing? Well, my little butterfly friend actually is missing part of his wing. I think it made him a little less accurate in his flights. It may have taken him longer to get to where he was going, but he still got there. One little butterfly just won't give up even though he has part of his wing missing.

I hope you had a terrific "never give up" Tuesday. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Monday's Housing 04-04-16

Hello and happy Monday. The Purple Martins are back for this Monday. Last week I told you of how we broke a couple of the old gourds by trying to straighten their pole. I ordered a new pole and new set of gourds (they're plastic, two piece gourds, though) and put all of it together for my new friends. Sometimes, it seems, that older is preferred. I guess that's the case here. Last week there were 3 couples and now there are 6 couples, so our friends have expanded, but still no takers on the new housing. Oh well. Maybe next year they'll bring more friends who will enjoy the newer housing.

I hope you had a marvelous Monday and that you like your housing, whether old or new. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Sunday at Bennettsville Presbyterian Church 04-03-16

Hello and happy Sunday. Today we're going to see the Bennettsville Presbyterian Church. The original framed church was founded in 1855. In 1907, there was another, brick church built to replace the original. Unfortunately, that church burned before they could even hold the first service. But the parishioners of this church would not give up and built another, almost duplicate, brick church which was opened for services in 1911. Now that's dedication!

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

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Saturday in the Wind 04-02-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Today, as I was sitting out by my little pond I noticed a few damselflies These two look like they are close friends - it was very windy and I believe they were trying to hang on and not be blown away. I did my best to get a clear, sharp picture of them hanging on to each other. You know, friendship is one of the most important things in life. To have a close friend that you can count on to be there in the hard and windy times is paramount. A person can feel blessed to have such a friend. When that friend is also your spouse, well, you can count yourself doubly blessed.

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

Friday, April 1, 2016

Friday Butterfly 04-01-16

Hello and happy Friday. Today, the work week changes into the weekend, and so, I have a butterfly for you. A butterfly has changed from a caterpillar, so, I guess you could say that the slow moving caterpillar is the week and the butterfly is the weekend. The butterfly flits and flies here and there enjoying the days, the flowers, the air. Butterflies are as enjoyable to watch as weekends are to have.

I hope you had an enjoyable Friday. I thank you for watching. See you tomorrow.