Whatsoever Is Lovely Challenge Week # 22

XingfuMama has a really uplifting challenge for us. We are invited to step back for a few moments each week to find something lovely or to tell of a precious moment in our lives. A couple of days ago, after two days of almost continuous rain, I looked out of my kitchen window to be greeted by this beautiful sight. One of my orchids had been very busy preparing for its fair-weather debut and the twins were dressed in the most glorious attire.

There are so many things in life which fill us with joy and nature seems to provide me with something wonderful every day. Whilst I’ve been sitting on my sofa typing this, I’ve had one eye out of the window, watching the Great Blue Heron parents teaching their young one to fly. How blessed I am to have such creatures almost in my backyard.

If you have something lovely to report, be sure to click on this link. Hope your week is going really well.

One-liner Wednesday: We Are The Survivors

Despite the culling of our iguanas, a few have obviously been smarter than the guy with the gun.

Young iggy is still bright green, but he’s already learning to keep a lookout for danger.

“Stepping out with my baby” are Ignatius and Igua, who in time will no doubt give the Iguana Control guy a run for his money.

Wishing you all a great rest of the week.

To join in Linda’s ‘One-liner Wednesday’ challenge, just click the link.

 

 

Theresa Turtle Prepares For Motherhood

A couple of weeks ago I noticed that Theresa, our resident River Cooter turtle was digging a hole in our backyard. I went out to tell her that her efforts weren’t appreciated, but she ignored me and carried on anyway, so I left her in peace.

After googling to find out why she was doing this, I realized that she was preparing a nest in which to lay her eggs. The hole was soon filled in and the grass has since grown over it. I hope the baby turtles will hatch safely and be able to get out, as the mom’s job is done once she’s laid the eggs and she takes no further interest in her brood, so they have to fend for themselves. Apparently it’s a team effort and they take it in turns to dig their way out. Imagine if we humans did the same.

Feathers On Friday: Seeing Double

Mervyn Muscovy scooting past without stopping to greet anyone. Well,  I guess that’s what neighbours do these days.

We have a delightful elderly couple living next door and this morning, they called to ask if they and their son can come round on Sunday to sit outside in our lanai and listen to me play the piano. Apparently it’s something they have really missed during lock-down. So, we’ll put up the sun umbrella, open a bottle of Prosecco, socially distance the seating and tell the goldfish not make a noise. I’m really looking forward to our first visitors in almost three months.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful weekend.

Not So Mundane Monday Visitors

Once again, my bathroom window was the right place to be, when a pair of red foxes decided to wander through our backyard.

Ms Foxy sat down to have a scratch and looked askance at me pointing my camera her way.

Her partner wasn’t waiting for her and was already on his way to the next house.

Wishing you all a good week with some happy surprises.

 

Something Different In My Backyard

We have a new visitor in the form of Dillon the Armadillo. We couldn’t get too close as these creatures can jump three to four feet in the air if frightened, so it’s not a great photo taken with hubby’s iPhone.

The nine-banded armadillo is quite small and mostly nocturnal, so it was surprising to see him during the day. Now we know who is responsible for digging holes in the lawn. There’s always something new to see in nature if one is on the lookout.

 

Feathers On Friday: Gentle Neighbours

On our morning walk, Muriel Muscovy approached me with that “Do you have any treats for me?” look on her face. Sad to say, all I had in my pocket was a tissue.

I invited her to come join the ducks under my bird feeder, where there are always lots of  seeds scattered in the grass.

She might even meet Mr Blue Jay who is also a frequent visitor, The more the merrier.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend, as peaceful as the wildlife in my backyard.

 

One Word Sunday: Dream

Amun and Isis our resident Egyptian geese, stand looking at the dreamy reflections across the pond.

I wonder if like me, they’re dreaming of ‘Far away places with strange sounding names.’

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Far+away+places+with+strange+sounding+names

Hope your Sunday is going well. It’s pouring with rain here in Florida, so we missed our usual morning walk.

To join in Debbie’s ‘One Word Sunday Challenge’, just click the link,

 

Floral Friday Surprise

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”  ~ Lao Tzu

Our Cattleya orchid has been resting for so long, hanging high on the post outside the kitchen window. that I’d almost forgotten about her. She has however, obviously been very busy and yesterday surprised us with two exquisite twin flowers, just in time for hubby’s birthday. What a perfect gift.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend full of pleasant surprises.

It’s A beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood.

“If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Every morning, hubby and I go for a three mile walk around our community. We are so blessed with the weather here in Florida and as long as we get out whilst it’s still quite cool, it’s really pleasant. We see a few walkers  and cyclists on our route and always smile and wave, occasionally exchanging a few encouraging words, from the required distance of course. Whilst it’s good to see some of our human neighbours, the beauty of nature is the best thing about our walks.

This lovely garden has a beautiful and fragrant Frangipani in bloom.

Danny and Daisy weren’t taking any chances and crossed the road to maintain social distancing.

Robbie rabbit turned his back on me, just in case.

Sammy  was also not in the mood for socialising.

The Great Egret just ignored me as he snootily strutted his stuff.

Almost home and time for breakfast, as we passed this lovely Angel Trumpet vine.

I so look forward to our daily walks. As John Muir noted, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”  Wishing you all a peaceful and safe weekend.