Wednesday's Walking on Water 06-29-16

Copyright 2016 AJ Horton

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.

Happy New Year Friday 1-1-16

Copyright 2016 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Friday.  Also, Happy New Year!!  I knew that today, on the first day of the year, that my blog had to have something to do with kayaks, water and wildlife.  Well, I must be living right!  I wanted to go kayaking today but it started getting late and colder, so we had to scrap that idea.  As I was wandering around the yard, I saw these Muscovy Ducks making an entrance near my kayaks.  Yay.  Now I had everything I wanted to include in my first photo of the year.  Now only 364 days to go.  

This is the first day I had ever seen Muscovy Ducks in my yard or in my neighborhood.  Usually I see Canada Geese, so this was indeed a welcome surprise.  My front yard is somewhat smaller today thanks to many recent, heavy rains so that, once these guys stepped out of the water, they were close to my kayaks and me.  In fact, before they left the yard, they came less than three feet away from me.  The New Year has been very good to me so far.

I hope you've had a great New Year's Day.  Thank you for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Friday.  I just love, love, love this camellia!  Last night it rained and when I was walking the yard this morning I saw it - pretty, delicate white flowers with water droplets all over.  Yippee!  I ran to get my cameras and, well, I really like this one so I'm sharing,  Sharing is caring, right?

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

Thursday's Misty Morning 12-17-15

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello and happy Thursday.  This morning was full of mist and fog and I thought I'd let you see a reminder.  Remember, there is beauty in all things.

I hope you noticed some beauty today.

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

Back Water Falling Friday 11-27-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

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.

Sunday's Reflections 11-22-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

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'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.

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

Copyright AJ Horton

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.

I Needed a Good Paddle This Friday 10-30-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Friday.   Today, I needed a good paddling!  And I got it!  I had some business for Mullins, SC yesterday, and, thanks to a nice co-worker, I was able to spend the night and kayak this morning.  This is what I've been missing for a while - being on the water, enjoying the peace and quiet.  It's not always quiet, though, there are many birds singing, and the water rushing past the kayak as I bring my paddle in and out of the water is just, well, music to my ears, and the view!!! "Ahhh" the view screams, "this is what you want, this is why you're here - Enjoy!" - and we obey.  The peace and quiet comes from no cell phone usage (although we do carry one in case of emergency), and there is no traffic noise.  I even heard many "cock-a-doodle-do"s from a rooster this morning.  I had a little bit of paradise today and I want to share a little of it with you.

I hope you had a fabulous Friday.  I hope you had just a little bit of what you consider "paradise" today.  I thank you for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Tuesday's Relaxation

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello and happy Tuesday.  Tuesday is one of those days, for me, that, by the end of the day, I need a little distraction.  Today I choose to look at the water ane the sky - mostly the sky.  Sometimes looking at the sky relaxes me.  And when you put water with it - well, it's like the best day ever!  So at the end of a busy day, being able to gaze upon such beauty just takes away all of the day's stresses so I can relax mind and body.  Tomorrow's another day and while tomorrow may be just as busy as today, tonight I have this photo to gaze upom - and I relax.

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

Sunday's Kayak Wishing 10-11-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and Happy Sunday.  I want to go kayaking!  Above is the perfect place.  I just wish I was there.  Well, I can't be there today, but soon.  Soon I will get to go kayaking here.  If it gets too late into the year I have some cold weather gear, so no worries.  I can't help but look at this and think, "what if".  What if I were out there right now?  What if I could spend all day on the water taking pictures and paddling?  What if I could have the choice to paddle every day?    Hmmmm.  Yep.  I enjoy the dream.

I hope you've had a great Sunday.  Thanks for looking and dreaming with me.  See you tomorrow.

Friday's Water

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Friday!  Today is about reflections; and growth.  We see the flowers in/on the water as the growth - flourishing in the water and sunshine.  We see the clouds and trees reflections that bring the UP to the DOWN.  That is such a great thing about water.  We can see what's going on in the water, on the ground and in the sky.  Of course, water is good for more than that (like drinking, bathing, etc,), which is a great reason we should make sure we protect our water.

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

Burying My Head Monday 9-21-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello on Monday.  It's Monday, and my flamingo friend asks, "Can I just stay here until Friday?"  Aw, my little friend, no.  And neither can I - even though, after today, I want to join my flamingo friend.  I have things to do, though; places to go; people to see; people coming to visit!  So, burying my head in the water is not a good idea this week.  So I'll carry on the best I can.  I know you will as well.

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

Tuesday Falls

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello on Tuesday.  It's summertime, and it's hot!  And, when it's summertime, and hot, one's mind wanders to the cooler days of fall.  In the fall, we go to the mountains and go waterfall hunting.  This particular waterfall was near Asheville, North Carolina.  We're also a little cooler when we go waterfall hunting, although hiking to the falls does heat us up.  If you go waterfall hunting,  remember to wear comfortable shoes and carry water.  Oh, and also remember your camera!

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

Misty Thursday Morning

Copyright AJ Horton

Thursdays are special days.  And even more special if you're lucky enough to rise early and go to the river because you just might find something extraordinary.  This mist was formed because cooler air passed over the warm water.  I have found this happens most in spring or fall.  Those are the two best times of the year to get out of bed early as far as I'm concerned.  I really enjoy misty mornings and even more so when there's a heron around.

I hope you've enjoyed your Thursday.  Thank you for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Saturday's Flower

Copyright AJ Horton

Okay, I hope you're having a great Saturday.  I found this flower, near water, in Florida.  I've searched some on the internet and haven't been able to find out the kind or name of the flower.  Does anyone know?  I have to stop searching now because it's beautiful here and I must get out and enjoy this day.  Please clue me in if you know what it is.

Have a great day.  Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Thursday and I need Water!

Copyright AJ Horton

My big alligator is so dry, it needs water!  Since it's so rainy here it can have some of mine.  And it's cold again, so back into hibernation it will go.  Fortunately for me this alligator lives in one of the Florida Zoos.  According to the defenders.org website, there are 1.25 million alligators in Florida!  Now that's a lot of gator.  And this one has a little lizard hitchhiking on top. I guess it's a gator wannabe.  The website says that alligators can swim swiftly because of their tail and on land they can "move quickly for short distances".  I have actually seen an alligator run.  A friend and I were riding on a bike trail in Florida when I saw it.  Thank God that part was fenced!  We stopped as all of a sudden the alligator began running toward a small retaining pond and then rolled down the small embankment before the egret could react.  I thought the alligator moved very fast that day and from now on I want to always be behind a fence when I see an alligator.  

I hope you had a great Thursday.  Maybe you enjoyed the rain.  Maybe you're in an area that didn't get any today.  Maybe you'd like some rain like my alligator.  Either way, I hope you are having the day you want.  Thanks for looking. No matter what the weather, I hope you keep a sunny outlook!  See you tomorrow.

Friday Peace and Blessings

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello Friday!  I am starting this day with gratitude as the sun comes up over Friday.  Whenever I find myself at the Catawba River Dam, Fort Mill, SC  access site I feel peace.  This picture, to me, symbolizes all that the day may offer;  a golden glow that warms; a smooth surface to navigate; and a knowing that there are obstacles along the way.  That light from above will allow me to see  how to navigate the way around, through or over those obstacles.  All I need to do is keep my mind open and use my brain and brawn a little bit; sometimes a lot.   It is hard, there's a lot of work getting around all those obstacles, but when you do, when you look back and see all that you've been through and the sun is still shining, and you're so tired, you still feel energized and grateful and pleased with your accomplishments!    And you'll know that you can deal with future obstacles as well.

 

So on this Friday I wish for you peace and blessings and the insight you need to navigate through all the obstacles you may face on your journey through the day.  Keep a good attitude with gratitude.  You know you'll be rewarded in the end.  Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful, wonderful day.  See you tomorrow.