Merry Christmas

Many years ago, on a very, very cold Winter's day, I photographed two of the waterfalls at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls. As I perused my archives this morning, I happened across this image of Cedar Falls and wanted to share it again. To my amazement when I traveled back in time on my blog, I found I had only shared this image one time way back in 2009. The image is a low resolution scan from slide film, but I love the colors of the limestone rock behind the waterfall and the trees hanging over.

Perhaps one day I will get back to Hocking Hills and take new photographs with my digital camera. Until then, this beauty will have to suffice. I want to leave a note for everyone stopping by my blog this holiday season. May your holidays be filled with friends and family and much peace and joy. Have a Very Merry Christmas. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wildlife Walk, Radnor Lake State Park

Come hike with me as I walk the lake trail at Radnor Lake State Park today. Did I mention we will get to visit with some of the local wildlife as we take a walk on this bright sunny day with temps hovering in the high 60's. Radnor Lake is in the middle of metropolitan Nashville surrounded by large neighborhoods, so it gets a lot of visitors.

After about a mile into the lake trail, I turned toward the aviary trail and hiked another quarter mile into the woods. To my surprise as I neared a clearing in the woods, a huge bird flew up from the clearing and perched in a nearby tree. I have never seen an Owl in the wild, until today! A gorgeous Barred Owl sat perched in a tree perfectly positioned for picture taking. Every now and then he would turn his head all the way around and stare down at me. I was about 200 yards away on the path. You suppose he knew he was the star of my show! Did I mention this is a Life List Bird!

The trail to the opposite side of the lake cuts through the lake and a swamp. As I walked I peered into the water and saw something swimming parallel with the trail. A Muskrat swam past me and disappeared into the deep water carrying a large stash of vegetation. Lunch!

As I peered into the depths of the swamp, a huge Turtle swam by. He didn't seem to mind the company at all.

The Turtles were out in force sunning themselves on downed branches in the lake close to the shoreline.

There were various species of Turtles sunning themselves. I hope they put on sunscreen.

As I turned to make my way to the aviary, I snapped this image looking back at Radnor Lake. It's a beautiful lake and quite large. The perimeter lake trail, if you choose to hike it all the way around, is three miles. I did the entire hike on my first trip here to Radnor Lake in 2016.

I wished I could contain my excitement at seeing my first Owl in the wild. Needless to say, when I checked out my images in Lightroom, I had some fantastic photos of the Barred Owl. He had a sleepy look on his face as he sat motionless lazily sunning himself. His perch was the perfect spot for me to capture quite a few pics of him. I doubt he knew he was the star of my show!

Hopefully, you've enjoyed this hike around Radnor Lake. It's a beautiful park and very flat surfaces to walk on with half of the lake trail paved. I want to go back soon to see if I can capture the Barred Owlettes. Word is they fledged, but perhaps they will come back to the nest. The nest was on the opposite side of the lake from where I hiked, so I didn't make it there on this visit. Have a wonderful weekend all. ENJOY!

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

THE TRUE MEANING OF THANKSGIVING

The true meaning of Thanksgiving focuses upon relationship. Thanksgiving is a relationship between God and man. Upon their arrival at New Plymouth, the Pilgrims composed The Mayflower Compact, which honored God.

Thanksgiving begins with acknowledging God as faithful, earnestly giving Him thanks, in advance, for His abundant blessings. “. . . In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that reinforces an intimate relationship with God.

I found this meaning online and wanted to share this with you all. I sometimes feel we, as Americans, have forgotten the path that brought us here to this great United States. Perhaps we have forgotten God, faith, friendships, relationships. To embrace those in need and less fortunate. To know that every person, no matter the color or nationality, is welcome here in this great land we call America. So for this one day, I wish for you a bountiful feast with friends and family and more in an effort to thank God for all the riches he has bestowed upon you and yours. Be safe, be happy and God Bless you in your journey no matter where the road takes you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

In the Gardens, Bernheim Arboretum

On the back side of a business trip to Louisville this week, as I made my way home to Tennessee yesterday, I stopped at Bernheim Arboretum, my favorite green space on the planet. It's right off I-65 as you leave Louisville. As I passed the Day Lily Gardens, I knew I would be driving the parameter road a second time to capture some pics of the gorgeous blooms.

You know when I caught sight of this deep maroon Day Lily with its bright yellow center, I couldn't resist taking a couple of different perspectives. I love this particular hue. So rich looking. You will never guess it's name. It's Morning Eye Candy. Well, now isn't that just so totally appropriate. It definitely is that and even looks good enough to eat if one could eat a Day Lily.

Oh, how I miss photographing more often at Bernheim, but it's a tad far for a photo session from Hendersonville. This heat wave we are in the throws of in the middle states of the United States is very serious. So everyone be very, very careful when you venture out. I'll write another post featuring more Day Lily images I captured at Bernheim soon. Have a fabulous weekend. The 4th is coming! ENJOY!

Among the Magnolias II: Kentucky Woman Series

Come along as we continue my Kentucky Woman Series. I want to share more of my time at Bernheim with you. I consider Bernheim sacred. I have spent many seasons visiting here. I have captured thousands of images of bees and birds and trees and flowers. I have photographed the colorful pink and yellow Japanese Magnolia blooms in Spring. I have hiked leaf strewn forest paths in Autumn. I have even driven the heavily laden snow covered road next to the arboretum in the dead of Winter. Every season at Bernheim has a story to tell and I have visited in every season to see that story told.

In Spring, the Canadian Geese and tiny Goslings swim around Lake Nevin. In Summer, the Yellow and Black Swallowtail Butterflies flit in and out of the Butterfly bushes. The Autumns, oh, the Autumns are especially gorgeous. The entire forest drive is a sea of yellow and orange with dots of red thrown in here and there. There are more gifts here given us by Mother Nature than any one person can count.

Today, I share images of the beautiful yellow Japanese Magnolias in bloom from past visits. It takes a tremendous amount of patience to wait as Winter's grip lets go and Spring begins to open up with its Daffodils and Crocus and Magnolia blooms. The reward is worth the wait. I captured these beautiful blooms on especially warm Spring days in the arboretum. The aroma from the Magnolia blossoms filled the air as I walked around the trees. It enveloped my senses and left me virtually intoxicated.

I especially love to peruse my archives after a visit in search of the best image to crop closely revealing the intricate details hidden in the center of the blossom. The Magnolia species has approximately 210 genus. These ancient flowers are said to have existed long before bees even evolved. Beetles are the main forager of these trees. Perhaps that is why their stamens and pistols are so tough. They need to be hardy to withstand the damage beetles can do. What's that old saying, beauty isn't everything.

When you walk among the Magnolias at Bernheim, you can't help but notice their craggy branches. They appear as ancient as the species itself. There are various species of yellow and pink Magnolias throughout the arboretum, in various sizes and shapes of blooms as well. I've witnessed each and every one. Thing is, I believe the largest and hardiest blooms open later than their far daintier counterparts.

I have a love affair with Mother Nature. I admit it. Bernheim only makes my love affair even more worth the while. This place is near and dear to my heart, and for long as I'm walking the face of this Earth, I will return here as often as time and distance allows.

I hope you will allow me to share a true story. I remember visiting Bernheim for the very first time on a field trip in elementary school. I sat at the picnic table and ate my lunch with all the other kids. Then afterwards we were allowed to wonder around the woods. Low and behold, I climbed high up on the hill above the picnic area, and became so enthralled with the woods that I nearly got left behind. Until a head count revealed someone was missing from the bus. I remember being up in the woods when I heard a voice from down below calling my name. I climbed back down the hill, and sure enough, I was the last passenger to get on the bus. This really happened. I kid you not. Could it be that even at an early age I knew this place was special.

I will forever be a Kentucky Woman in every sense of the word. And every time I write another post in this series, I am reminded of that. I thought this might be the last of my series, but I feel another installment could be in order. Stay tuned. ENJOY!

Linking to Stonegable The Scoop

Beauty of Winter

A beautiful red Cardinal sits perched on a tree in Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in the dead of Winter. I had paid a visit many years ago to the refuge. Earlier that day I had visited Ewing Bottoms to photograph the Sandhill Cranes. Afterwards, before heading home to Louisville, I drove the route around Mustatatuck once. The only images I captured on that drive were several photographs of this beautiful red Cardinal perched high up in a tree. I had never posted it until now. I can't think why, as he is such a beauty. ENJOY!

Fall Forest Colors

We have had very little Fall weather here in Tennessee. It seemed we only had a few days of real Fall feeling weather and then it turned cold and has been that way since. Many areas of the States have significant snowfall on the ground. I heard on the news there are more snowstorms coming for the northern states. I wanted to offer a bit of Fall inspiration today. I love the yellows and oranges and even reds in this image. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? Even more inconceivable is that I have been planning when to put up Christmas decorations. Are you ready for the hustle and bustle of the Holidays? ENJOY!

Blue Smoke Across the Mountains

As I looked out across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last week a sense of nostalgia overtook me. I saw the unmistakable blue smoke that is the trademark of the Smokies. That mist lingers above the mountain range from the rain forest. It still seems odd to me, even now, to think of the Smokies as a rain forest, but in fact, it is.

Most of the color has gone from the trees, but I like the spark of yellow from the one tree that seems to be holding on. I had a darker image planned, but lightened the shadows to bring out the trees. I like the detail. Fall has come late to Tennessee and parts South. Did you hear this was the hottest Summer on record for the United States. With all of the wildfires and drought we have had over the past 18 months throughout all of the United States, I can see why. Back soon. ENJOY!

Red Maple Watercolor

I captured this image of beautiful red Maple leaves several years ago in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As I was strolling through my images from Fall's past, I noticed it and wondered just what it would look like with a little watercolor effect. I think it's even more beautiful. I can hardly wait for the reds and yellows and oranges of Fall here in the South. The weekend is approaching. We've had no rain for nearly two weeks. We will finally be getting some from a tropical depression which will be making landfall as Hurricane Nate this weekend. Everyone stay safe and dry. I also wanted to mention just how sad and disparaging all the news of the Las Vegas shooting has been this week. I can't even imagine the lives that have been torn apart by this senseless act of a mad man. Dear God can't they do something about gun control. GOD BLESS!

Happy Thanksgiving America

Fall is quickly giving way to the cold temperatures and snowy days of Winter. Before Fall is a distant memory, I want to share an image I captured at Radnor Lake about a month ago when Fall's color was in full swing. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies and warm temperatures. As I walked along the trail that hugged the lake shore, I stopped to snap this image of a beautiful yellow Maple tree in the bright sunshine.

And here again is another image I captured at Radnor Lake on a very, very warm day back in mid January of this year. On this outing, I walked the entire three miles around the lake. On the north side of the lake, a gaggle of Wild Turkeys meandered across the trail in front of me. They were not the least bit shy about the visitors on the trail. It was a treat to photograph them up close. They didn't linger long and all the while pecked at the forest floor. I figured it couldn't be a more appropriate time to share this pic than on Thanksgiving Eve. Before I leave you, I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you share a joyous day with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving! ENJOY!

Scenic Bald Cypress Trees

Such a beautiful view of the Bald Cypress Trees and Fall colors of the surrounding forest at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Duck River Unit, on my visit recently. Hope you are having a wonderful week. ENJOY!

Reflections at Radnor Lake

The leaves crunch under foot as I walk the trail.

Squirrels and Chipmunks frantically scurry up tree trunks.

Birds chirp and sing as they fly from branch to branch and tree to tree.

Warm breezes wisp past me as though in a hurry.

Visitors walk and chat among themselves.

In the heart of the city, I find solitude at lakeside.

Hope you are having a fabulous week. ENJOY!

Hello September!

Hello September! May you herald in cooler temps, dryer afternoons, blue skies, balmy breezes and the slightly hint of Fall. Photo taken in Cade's Cove, Great Smoky Mountains, in June after a bit of rain a rainbow came out. Back soon. ENJOY!

Blue Smokies

Even on the 'not so perfect' Fall day in the Smokies when the sun has eluded the mountains, the colors of Fall and the blue smoke of the mountains still reign supreme. ENJOY!

Fall's Leftovers

Is it a coincidence that beautiful Fall colors are followed by Winter's dull and dreary days followed by Spring's brightly colored bulbs. I think not. I think there surely is a reason why Winter was tucked in between two radiant colorful seasons with reds and oranges and yellows and blues and purples and pinks. Special Note: Set your turkey out to thaw. ENJOY!

Ravishing Fall Color

The natural beauty of Fall is quickly coming to an end. I relish every single moment of Fall with its reds, yellows, oranges and even its greens. There are times when one snaps an image only to realize later that it needs no words as it speaks for itself. This is one of those times. ENJOY!

Mountainscape

Such a gorgeous few days in the mountains regardless of the wet weather. The clouds moved over quickly at times and at other times they seemed to move at a snail's pace.

As I drove through the mountains on Newfound Gap Road, this scene greeted me at one turn. It is so nice that there are so many pull offs in this national park for visitors to stop and snap images. ENJOY!

PRAYERS: My prayers to all French citizens, and to all of those whose lives were impacted today, because of yet again more terror attacks. What more can one say in an era where terrorism is almost a daily occurrence even when you don't live in the Middle East.

Fall Leaves, Rushing Water on Oconaluftee River

Every now and then one finds a reward in his or her travels. On this Tuesday afternoon, as I had made my way across Newfound Gap and down the mountain to Cherokee, my quest was to find Elk. It wasn't in the cards that day which I fully was aware could happen. Before I made it to the visitor center on the East side of the park, I stopped when I saw a bridge that traversed the Oconaluftee River. My reward was in plain sight.

The perfect place right off the road ten steps from my car. The scene was a gorgeous mountain stream resplendent with rushing water and beautiful Fall leaves hanging over the river. Fall leaves were strewn across the boulders. The sound of the rushing water was like music to my ears. I gathered my tripod and set to work snapping images. Normally, finding a spot to photograph water requires scrapping through brush with your equipment catching on twigs and branches, only to discover you just don't have the best vantage point. Yet, you stay in spite of that and snap a few images in hopes of a few keepers. Today was easy, convenient and the perfect setting. Don't you just love when that happens. ENJOY!

Winding Mountain Road

What an unusual perspective I captured here of this winding road working its way around the mountain side.

Can you see the tiny car on the left side. I like the way you can see that car and the road in the middle of the frame. Those orange Fall leaves just added the right punch of color too. The Smoky Mountains is such an amazing place to photograph no matter the season, but Fall definitely is my favorite. ENJOY!

Fall Colorscape

If I had to choose an image that I love most from my trip to the mountains of eastern Tennessee, it might be this one. I hope you will leave me a note and let me know your thoughts. Have a fabulous Sunday all. ENJOY!