Enjoying the View

I know I've said it before, but Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me.  Here we are in one of the worst droughts in many years and she throws me a curve ball.

I went out to the Fen the other night.  As I walked back and came up over the hill overlooking the lower fen, I was greeted with so much amazing color.  I almost couldn't believe it.  I continued around the edge and down into the fen, stopping to examine all the different varieties of late summer bloomers.  Once I finally reached the spot I was going to, I just stood there and took it all in.  So many colors, everywhere.  I don't think I've seen an explosion of color here, like this, at any other time of the year.  As I stood there in amazement, thinking it couldn't get any better, it did.

This little six point wandered out on the far side, about 130 yards away from me.  Luckily, I had one of my longer zooms already mounted.  I snapped away furiously while he let me.  The distance and the diminishing light gave me all the challenge I could handle, especially while handholding.  When he turned and moved up the hill out of site, without even flagging, all I could think was, Wow!

Ultimate Breakfast

This snapshot may look like a simple breakfast of fried tators with onions, biscuits and gravy, and it is.  But good sausage gravy doesn't just happen.  It takes time, practice and patience to make it right.  And a good teacher is a big help too.  Yea, it's a simple, hardy breakfast, and much more.  It's a memory.  Many memories as a matter of fact, that come back every time I make this.  Memories of times spent with good friends in wonderful places doing things that we loved to do and lived for.  Also the memory of a Man who was our camp cook at many a deer camp.  He is more than just a camp cook.  He is a teacher, a guide, a mentor and a good friend.  He is the one who taught me how to make good sausage gravy.  Always a smiling face.  Always a good story or tale to tell, about life, past experiences and laughter.  Always, living life to it's fullest.  I haven't seen this man for a couple of years, and that's a shame.  He was a big influence on many aspects of my life, and I need to rectify the absence.

Here's to you Pedro, the ultimate breakfast!  Thanks for the memories.

Summertime Beauty

 

I think I like the summertime wildflowers best.  There is always something in bloom, somewhere, and usually several varieties at once that compliment each other with their colors.  Spring is definitely my favorite time of the year.  The wildflowers are beautiful and fairly predictable.  Summer tends to bring a little more unpredictability, to me.  Take this beauty for instance.  It is a Blackberry Lily.  I've never seen it before this season, even though there were dozens of them blooming in a place I frequent quite often.  I suppose it was meant to be on an evening like this one.  With Barred Owls calling from the tree line across the field, and deer jumping and blowing at almost every turn in the trail, how could I not expect to find something new and unusual to finish off this beautiful summer day.

Summer Sunset

 

I love the view from my backyard.  Especially on a cooler summer evening when Mother Nature brings all of her elements together.  The nice soft breeze from the north-west; slow moving, interesting clouds in the sky; the colors of the setting sun highlighting everything that it touches.  If it weren't for the sounds of cars and shopping carts at my friendly neighborhood Wally World, it might be perfect.  As the sunset gives way to the moon and stars and planets, and the noise gives way to the sounds of Katydids and Crickets singing through the night, I have to wonder, who else is enjoying Mother Nature's symphony tonight.

Rushing Waters

 

I love moving water.  Sitting by a small rushing stream or creek is one of the most relaxing things I can think of.  So many sensations to experience and refresh.  The sounds of the water as it moves past, over the rocks, the birds singing, the leaves rustling in the breeze, the coolness of the air, and the never ending patterns of the water itself.  Even as the water rushes by, as life also does, time seems to freeze for a while in moments like these.

Early Summer

As true summer gains it's foothold on the area, walks in the woods and fens become more adventurous.  Not only can the heat and humidity zap your strength, but the mosquitoes and deer flies will zap your blood.  These nuisances are but slight obstacles to be overcome so that the peace, tranquility and coolness of the inner woods can be found.  Color is scarce except for the infinite shades of green.  But it is there if you look for it.  If you live in the moment, the moments that matter will find you.