APED - A Picture Every Day: June 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Thursday's Duo 06-30-16

Hello and happy Thursday. Finally, I have a duo of birds on my bird feeder for a photo. Duos have been hard for me to view this season. I haven't been home that much, so my opportunities have been few. I do so love to watch the birds from my kitchen window enjoying the food. I watch as they pick at the food and throw out what they don't want to eat. I don't worry about waste, though, because there are other birds that like to eat what they throw on the ground. There is a sense of happiness that I feel when watching the birds at the feeder all year long.

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Wednesday's Walking on Water 06-29-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. Have you ever seen one of those bugs that looks like it can walk on water? Well, here it is. I saw it running about on the water when we were kayaking the other day, and, since I had my camera, I thought I'd try to get its photo. Yippee, I did - except that he was moving very fast, I was in a kayak and moving myself, and well, he's a little blurry and the photo has been highly cropped to try and show you this little bug, fly, or whatever this is that walks on water. Maybe soon I can get a better photo and show you his features better. It's pretty amazing what he can do. I've been thinking, though, and wonder if he can walk on water for only minuscule periods of time. He does go to and fro very quickly, and then flies away.

Hmmm, something to ponder. Meanwhile, I'll keep trying to get an awesome photograph of him and his kind every time I'm in the kayak.

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

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Tuesday's Treat 06-28-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. So, I know I always seem to have a lot of work to do. I never seem to get all the work done. Sometimes I feel guilty when I do something just for me, but, the other day, I just had to go kayaking, if only for a little while. I was informed that we hadn't been kayaking since the first of this year. I think that's a disgrace and we must make time for more kayaking adventures! After all, look what I saw!!

I love, love, love Great Blue Herons! I consider them one of my good luck charms. I was finishing my kayaking adventure and, as I turned the corner to home, I saw him. He was stalking something and I stopped, grabbed by camera, and sat as still as I could in my kayak. You can imagine how giddy I became as I snapped away when he gathered his treat! I feel as though I got a treat, too. And now, I'm showing off my treat to you. Yay.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday. Thank you for looking. I hope you enjoyed all your treats. See you tomorrow.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Monday's Star Power 06-27-16

Hello and happy Monday. I figured on this Monday that you deserved a star. I know that I do, so shouldn't everyone? This particular star flower is on our cucumber plant. It seems that many plants have stars as flowers. I love stars of all kinds - they make me think I have star power. I think tonight I might even get a chance to see some stars in the sky. I guess the universe loves stars. Hmmm - I'm thinking I should accept and embrace my own star power. How about you?

I hope you accepted and embraced your star power today. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Sunday's Carpenter Gothic Church 06-26-16

Hello and happy Sunday. Today's church is an example of an architectural style called Carpenter Gothic. You can read all about Carpenter Gothic at: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/carpenter-gothic-1840-1870.shtml, but the gist of the style is, "a need for quickly built houses - - and the desire for fanciful details." To me, this is an unusual style for a church - but pretty cool, and inviting. This is Pisgah Methodist Church near Florence, SC and it hasn't always been Carpenter Gothic. The Church was founded in 1806 and was originally called Russell's Church because a man named Dempsey Russell donated an acre of land to the congregation who then built a frame church. The name was changed in 1940 to Pisgah Methodist Church. After the Civil War, the church site moved a few miles west but came back soon after and built a larger frame church. The Church that you see was built in 1914. It's great that this building has been standing for more than 100 years. I'd say that Carpenter Gothic is not only quick and fanciful, but long lasting as well. You can read more about this particular Church at: http://pisgahum.com/history/

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

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Saturday's Setting 06-25-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Saturdays, to me, should be peaceful. Saturdays, to me, should have trees. Saturdays, to me, should have water. People on Saturdays, to me, should be optional. Sometmes, on Saturdays, I just want to have a perfect setting and do nothing,

I hope you're having your perfect Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow,

Saturday's Setting 06-25-16

I hope you're having your perfect Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow,

Friday, June 24, 2016

Friday's Dance Request 06-24-16

Hello and happy Friday. The birds you see are called Scarlet Ibis. They originate from the tropical areas of South America and the Caribbean Islands. I found these at the Asheboro NC Zoo in the Aviary. They appear to be striking a pose and asking to dance. It is Friday, after all, and a great day to go out dancing.

There is also a short story called The Scarlet Ibis by James Hurst, first published in 1960 and has become a literary classic. James Hurst was born near Jacksonville, North Carolina, and, although he travelled and lived many places in his lifetime, he was living in Jacksonville, North Carolina at the end of his life. The Scarlet Ibis is a thought provoking story of two young brothers. If you'd like to read it, check out http://www.calapitter.net/dead/39/scarlet_ibis.html. It's not a very long story, but definately worth the read.

"Now, let's go dancing", say the Scarlet Ibis.

I hope you had something to dance about today, Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Thursday's Lantana Bouquet 06-23-16

Hello and happy Thursday. This is a little bouquet of Lantana. Lantana is a hardy shrub that produces lots of little flower bouquets that butterflies love, love, love. And guess who likes to see and photograph butterflies? That's right - me. So, consequently, I love the lantana shrub with its little flowers, too.

I hope you had a little love today. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Wednesday's Martin Mothers' Stares 06-22-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. Well, unlike yesterday when the Carolina Anole wanted me to take his picture, these two nesters appear as if they would rather I go away. They must have been having a private conversation before I interrupted with my camera. I promise that I didn't stay long. I just wanted a few photos.

I hope you got what you wanted this Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Tuesday's Bossy Carolina Anole 06-21-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. So, the Carolina Anole comes up to me and asks, "Can you stand sideways on the post? No, you can't", he said, "that was a rhetorical question. So, grab your camera, sit down and take some photos." And so I did.

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

Monday, June 20, 2016

Monday's Marigold Fascination 06-20-16

Hello and happy Monday. I have a little Marigold color for you today. I planted these Marigolds in our small 6 foot by 4 foot raised garden bed because I was told to - - - and because I was also told that they keep insects away so that our tomatoes, squash, and cucumber plants have a better chance of bearing tasty foods. I did look that up on the internet by the way and found out many more interesting facts about this colorful flower.

I found out it is part of the daisy family; that it is associated with passion and creativity; that it is also associated with the sign of Leo; that Marigolds infused in water and then rubbed on your eyelids can induce psychic visions; that the Aztec Indians considered it sacred; and many more interesting beliefs about this lovely flower. It may also contain some healing properties and the petals are edible! You can find out more about this fascinating little flower at: http://livingartsoriginals.com/flower-marigold.htm. I tell you, I really learn a lot by blogging.

One thing that hit home for me was that Marigold leaves removes warts. When I was very young, I had warts on my hands and fingers and I used to pick at them in an effort to get rid of them. My mother took me to this older man who went to our church. She said that he could "talk the warts off of me" by rubbing something on one of the warts and saying a Bible verse. Well, if he believed he could do that and my mother believed he could do that, then I believed he could do it. By golly, he did, too! He took me in one of his rooms, there was an open bible on the table near an open window, he rubbed something that was in a pouch, on one of my warts and whispered something so low that I could not hear the words. It worked!! A few weeks later (I don't know how long it acually was), but all my warts were gone. None have ever come back, either. I wanted to know what that Bible verse was and what he rubbed on my finger, but I was told NO. The information he had to talk warts off people had to be passed down to someone in his immediate family, I was told. Now, I'm thinking it may have been Marigold leaves in that little pouch. I guess I'll never know the Bible verse. Oh well. I guess that being a believer may be what counts.

I hope you had a marvelous Monday and that you learned a little something today. I thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Sunday's Prospect United Methodist Church in Monroe, NC 06-19-16

Hello and happy Sunday. This Prospect United Methodist Church in Monroe, North Carolina. It sits on 6020 Prospect Road and directly in front of the end of Irby Road. According to their website: http://prospectumc.org/about-us-2/, it is one of the oldest churches in Union County. I guess they don't want to boast about their age. It is really a lovely church, inside and out. I know many people who were raised attending this church and I can tell you they are all loving people who enjoy having fun and are truly interested in others. Although the Mission Statement of this Church is quite a paragraph, it has been summed up with three words, "love, serve, grow". If you're around Monroe one day and want to attend, check out their website for times. I'm positive you'll be welcomed.

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

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Symbolic Saturday 06-18-16

Hello and happy Saturday. A few days ago I found this dragonfly posing for me on the tomato cage in the new little garden at the new little house. What could I do but oblige and take his photo? So, we closed and sold the other house yesterday and today I decide to use this picture for my blog. I do a little research on the symbolism of the dragonfly by going to the website: http://www.dragonfly-site.com/ and find out that "The dragonfly, in almost every part of the world symbolizes change and change in the perspective of self realization; and the kind of change that has its source in mental and emotional maturity and the understanding of the deeper meaning of life." Whoa, now that's profound - and even true for me. I never knew the symbolism about dragonflies and now, every time I see a dragonfly, I'm going to wonder what kind of change is coming. I guess the only constant in life is change, so I'd better be on the lookout for more symbolism from dragonflies coming my way.

I hope you had a sensational and maybe even symbolic Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Butterfly Friday 06-17-16

Ok, so yesterday wasn't Friday - today is. So, since I was a day ahead of myself, I had to go back and change yesterday's post to Thursday. I really have to watch my wishful thinking sometimes. Ha.

Hello and happy Friday. It really is Friday today and I really fluttered along today just like this butterfly does. It's been a very hectic week (well, last few weeks actually), and I will try not to get mixed up with days and dates in the future - although I make no promises. :) I will, however, correct my mistakes when I find them. A little information for you - we sold our home today that we loved (it was time to move on), to a lovely couple who seem to be just like us, only younger, who we feel will love our house, our neighbors and our neighborhood just as much as we do and that is so very comforting. In the process of moving and taking days off work and getting all the things done that go along with moving a household, I suppose I became disoriented with time and space. But, today I know that it is Friday. I'm glad that this little butterfly was around to distract me from the madness of packing and loading and stuff. I needed, if only for a few minutes, to recognize the beauty of nature.

I hope you were able to get distracted by the beauty of nature today. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Garden Thursday 06-16-16

Hello and happy Thursday! I have just a short and sweet post today. I'm moving and it's hectic so not much time for me. However, there was a little time made to look at and enjoy the progress of our small garden at the new place. This small garden looks like it enjoys being planted at this new place as much as we do since it's flourishing. We are looking forward to enjoying all the tomatoes, squash and cucumbers provided. Yum.

I hope you had a few moments to enjoy something today. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Wednesday's Reflection 06-15-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. Today I have a photograph of a little frog on the leg of one of my outdoor plastic chairs. This frog may be small, but he has a big reflection! I'm thinking he's wishing he could be as big as his reflection. He might wonder about all the things he could do if he were only a little bigger; the bigger sound he could make; the farther he could jump; the less he would get bullied by bigger frogs. There might be more advantages to being bigger. But, then again, there might be disadvantages like he would be more easily recognizable, so more easily caught. Since he might be able to jump farther, he just might jump a little too far and into the path of an approaching vehicle. So, maybe he just wants to stay as small as he is and dream big! Maybe he wants to be as courageous as if he were bigger. Maybe he just likes dreaming - just like the rest of us. Maybe it was just a fluke and I am making all this up. Well, I guess that's a possibility. I like to dream big, too.

How about you? Do you also like to dream big? I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Hay Tuesday Travel Time 06-14-16

Hello and happy Tuesday - or should I say, "Hay, Tuesday"? This is another one of my highway treasure moments. I carry my camera with me almost all the time because I do a lot of driving. I drove by this scene one day, loved it, thought about it and made a u-turn to photograph it. The pictures (adding another below as well) don't really do it justice. The scene was massive to me - acres and acres of harvested hay dotting the landscape and this one tree in the foreground calling to me. How could I not turn around and comply with nature's request? I am so very glad that I did, too, because I drove by this area the very next day and all the hay was gone. GONE! I could not believe that just 24 hours would make that much difference. This area was sparse and just not at all what I would call photogenic without the hay. I'll tell you, it taught me a lesson. You never know what the next day will bring so you better do the best you can with this day! I'm so glad I listened to myself that day because I often don't. Maybe I will get better about that.

I hope you took advantage of everything this day offered. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Monday's Meeting 06-13-16

Hello and happy Monday. It looks like the Martins are gathering for a meeting. Maybe there's a party that needs planning. Maybe they just like to visit. Or, maybe they just like to see how many can fit on the rods. Whatever the reason, I am always happy to see them. It's just wonderful to wake up and see the Martins and/or to see them in the evenings and to hear their wonderful chatter.

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

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Sunday's Happy Fathers' Day 06-12-16 (Although NOT Fathers' Day)

Hello and happy Sunday. Since I gave you a church yesterday, today I get to give a shout out to all the fathers out there on Fathers' Day. On a recent trip to the Asheboro NC Zoo, I was at the Chimpanzee area and look at what I saw! I am going to say that this is the father of that little one because, well, it's my blog and that's what I want to believe today. Ha. I mean, look at their interaction - he must be the parent of that little one. I have actually been saving this picture for a couple weeks just for this day. It makes me feel good to see the emotions of these two who are obviously close, just like fathers and their children should be. So to all you fathers out there who are involved with and love your children, "Happy Fathers' Day". There are also women that must play both mother and father roles who also deserve acknowledgement.

I hope you all had a sensational Sunday, whether or not you are a father because we all matter. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

P.S. I really wanted today to be Fathers' Day, but it is not! Haha. Joke is on me for not looking that up first. Guys, you got this a week early - live large and enjoy. Smile!!

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Saturday's Seventh Day Adventists Church 06-11-16

Hello and happy Saturday. I was near Florence, SC yesterday driving along and thinking about what kind of church I would post this weekend. I felt as though I needed/wanted a different kind of chuch this weekend. Low and behold I found it - a Seventh Day Adventist Church! You are seeing this church on Saturday because Seventh Day Adventists believe that the Sabbath is Saturday. I guess that makes sense because our modern day calendar shows Sunday as the first day of the week and Saturday as the 7th day. If you'd like to learn more about Seventh Day Adventists, their history, beliefs, etc... check out their website: https://www.adventist.org/en/information/.

I hope you're having a sensational Saturday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Friday's Gratitude 06-10-16

Hello and happy Friday! I like to think my Canada Goose friend is saying, "I am ready to receive you, Friday!" I, too, am ready to receive Friday. What a welcomed day Friday is. We work and work all week long and then, when Friday comes, we still work, but we feel like there may be a little rest for us later, maybe even a little fun for the next couple of days. So, yes, thank you, Friday, for coming every week to cheer me up. I think I'm going to do like this goose and spread my wings, receive this day with gratitude, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

I hope you have a joyful Friday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Thursday's Tillandsia Bromeliad 06-09-16

Hello and happy Thursday. Why don't we look at a Tillandsia Bromeliad today? This is an air or epiphyte bromelied. It attaches to branches, tree trunks and sometimes leaves. They need a place to rest, they just don't put down any roots or need soil. They do like tropical weather.

The fingers, or leaves of this bromeliad are all leaving from different directions and yet they all seem to be going to the same place to meet up again. That seems to me to be what teams do - start at one common area, go their separate ways, then come back together again when the work is done. Pretty neat, huh.

I hope you and your team had a great Thursday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Wednesday of the Mimosa Tree 06-08-2016

Hello and happy Wednesday. Today I noticed these funny looking, even fuzzy looking at times, flower-ish blooms on this weird shrub looking tree at my neighbor's driveway. As it turns out, that weird looking tree is a Mimosa. A quick check of the internet let me know that the Mimosa tree was first introduced to the United States by French botanist Andre Michaux in 1785 when he planted the tree in his personal botanic garden in Charleston, South Carolina. The Mimosa tree is actually native to the Middle East and Asia. To learn more of the Mimosa tree check out: http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2009/06/29/mimosa-the-wonderful-weed/. The author tells you the good and bad of this tree.

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Tuesday's Calming Blue Bird 06-07-16

Hello and happy Tuesday. This little blue bird is helping me feel happy today. I really enjoy being outside and capturing special moments of nature. Remembering these special moments keeps me calm when the work days are so hectic.

I hope you had a nice, calm Tuesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Monday, June 6, 2016

GET OUTTA HERE, MONDAY!!!! 06-06-16

Hello and happy Monday. Or is it, "GET OUTTA HERE, MONDAY!!!!" Yeah, I think for me it's the latter. I am very glad this Monday is almost over. Now, I know this picture has nothing in focus, but I think it makes its point. One goose was getting on the other's nerves, and, well, had to leave. This is usually how I feel about Mondays, only I don't get to chase them away. I just have to work through the day. Oh well, I made it - and so did you.

I hope your Monday was chase free. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Sunday's Seminole Baptist Church 06-05-16

Hello and happy Sunday. If you're travelling in Tampa, Florida, and you want to go to a church off the highway, try out Seminole Heights Baptist Church. They even have a continental breakfast on Suday mornings from 9:00-9:45a.m. If you live there, or if you find this interesting to you for when you travel, check out their website at: http://www.seminoleheights.org/ministries/.

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

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Saturday's Bird in the Yard 06-04-16

Hello and happy Saturday. Today I had to wash dishes by hand. In my house in North Carolina I am the only dishwasher, so, at least I have a window in front of the sink. A few feet from my window I set up a bird feeder. I have seen many different, albeit common, birds - cardinals, blue jays, robins, and finches. Today I saw a new bird - I was at the sink a long time. Since I haven't seen one of these birds in my front yard before, I had to do a Google search. This bird is a Brown Thrasher. According to the website: http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/brown-thrasher, the Brown Thrasher likes to live in thick brush and mostly forages on the ground for insects. I admit that there are a lot of brambles and bushes out back, so maybe he was just coming to see what new food I had put in the feeder. If you go to to the website, you can hear the songs that the Brown Thrashers sing and, I have to tell you, they are quite melodious. Check it out!

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

Friday, June 3, 2016

Zebra's Fun Friday 06-03-16

Hello and happy Friday. This zebra has the right idea for celebrating Friday. Let's just all roll on the ground and have some zebra fun. You could also just jump up and down waving your arms in the air. You could act like you don't care. But, you do care. It's Friday and you just might have some fun this weekend. I hope you have at least as much fun as this young zebra.

I also hope you had some fun today. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Thursday's Sweet Water Treat 06-02-16

Hello and happy Thursday. I want to go to the water! Come and go with me. This is at the dam on Lake Tillery in North Carolina. Anytime is a good time for a sweet time on or near the water. And, a beautiful day just adds to the sweetness!

I hope you had a beautifully sweet day today. Thanks for looking. See you tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Sweet Cardinal Wednesday 06-01-16

Hello and happy Wednesday. "It's snack time", says Mama Cardinal. She has something colorful in her beak and it looks like fun. Maybe it's cardinal candy! Many mamas like candy. I know because that sounds like me. Plus, my Mom liked her sweets as well. Sometimes, and especially at church dinners, she would get her dessert plate first and then go back for the meal - if she still had room. So I really understand the sweet life's temptation.

I hope you had a sweet life type of Wednesday. Thank you for looking. See you tomorrow.