Bridge For Wednesday 02-24-16

James P. Houlihan Memorial Bridge  Copyright 2016 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Wednesday.  This is the James P. Houlihan Memorial Bridge.  It was originally constructed as a manual swing span bridge in 1922.  In 1954 the entire swing span was reconstructed and electric mechanisms were put in place to swing the bridge for ships to pass.  You can find this bridge in Georgia on Highway 17/State Route 25 crossing the Savannah River near Chatham County.  It has been a long time since I have seen a swing bridge, so I was happy to run across this one so I could photograph and show you.  There are only 2 swing span bridges left in Georgia.  I looked up two websites for my blog so, if you want to read a little more about it, and see just how a swing bridge works, check out https://cdn.loc.gov/master/pnp/habshaer/ga/ga0800/ga0823/data/ga0823data.pdf and http://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=georgia/houlihanbridge/.

I hope your Wednesday was a great "bridge" for you to Thursday and Friday.  Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Thursday Tree

Copyright AJ Horton

Happy Thursday.  Today I have for you a wonderful piece of Jekyll Island in Georgia called Driftwood Beach.  This huge dead tree was washed ashore here many years ago.  I love this part of Georgia.  This was taken when I was on a trip in October 2014.  I have only been to Georgia once since then, in August, and was not able to go to Driftwood Beach at the time  I miss it and hope to go back soon.

Do you have a favorite place you would like to visit?  How long has it been since you were there?  If you're like me, you need another visit soon.  I hope it happens for you.

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

Hummingbird Monday

Copyright AJ Horton

Hummingbird Monday.  Did you know that Hummingbirds are the smallest birds, coming in at about 3 inches?  Did you know that they are the only birds that can fly backwards?  They can also fly forward, right, left, up, down and upside down.  Did you know that they flap their wings at a rate of 80 times a second?  And their heart beats about 1260 times a minute?  Yep, if you check out www.Defenders.org, you can find other good info on hummingbirds.  One other thing I know about hummingbirds is that they have their own song - Hummingbird - by Seals and Crofts.  You may want to check it out on YouTube.  It's an oldie but a goodie.
One thing all that info can't give you is the feeling you get when you see one of these little wonders in action!  My oh my they are amazing!  My friends had this set up on their back deck in coastal Georgia and several hummingbirds come and eat.  They are mesmerizing to watch and when they arrive, that is all I want to do - watch and make photos.  
I hope you have a wonderful Monday - one where you don't feel like you're flapping your wings at 80 times a second.  Find and enjoy today's nectar like this little hummingbird.  
Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Monday's Grackle's Cracker

Copyright AJ Horton

  Monday's Grackle's Cracker.... Can you say that fast 5 times?  I can't.  It's a real tongue twister for me.  I found this little bird enjoying my pretzel pieces when I was lounging on a pier in coastal Georgia last August.  The closest match I could find on this bird is that it is an adult female boat-tailed grackle.   She's not as shiny as some of the pictures I've seen online but we're not in the direct sun either.  We were fortunate to have a roof overhead - kept me from getting too hot, sweaty and sunburned!  

  Sometimes, if you just sit still and pay attention, something good will happen - like this bird getting so close.

  Monday's usually bring about a lot of work so not much sitting around today except for right now, writing this and enjoying the memory.

  I hope you had a wonderful Monday.  I hope you had a chance to just sit and be quiet for even a few minutes to rest your mind and muscles.  Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Friday Wishing

Copyright AJ Horton

Okay, so it's Friday and it's still very, very cold - except in this photo.  This is in one of my favorite places, St Marys, GA.  I just love looking at the colors of the sky, the water, the grasses.  And knowing it's warm there, much warmer than here.  But now it is still Friday, and Friday is special.  For many, it signifies the end of a work week and the joyous weekend begins with possibilities.  You can go out with friends, stay in with friends, stay home and relax with loved ones or that special someone.  Whatever this Friday and the weekend brings, I hope you enjoy.  Thanks for looking.  Maybe you'll feel warmer enjoying the photo from St. Marys.  See you tomorrow.