Female Ruby Throated Hummingbird perched in our Yoshino Cherry tree.

The ruby throated hummingbird is a wonder of migration. Every winter it makes an amazing journey. Some have been known to make a journey of 2500 miles or more, from Alaska to Central America. Because of it, the hummingbird is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. It will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.
- Ted Andrews
Pablo Neruda (1904 – 1973)

This is one of my favorites! I took this shot on the TV setting so the wings aren't as blurred.

From scarlet to powdered gold,
to blazing yellow,
to the rare
ashen emerald,
to the orange and black velvet
of your shimmering corselet,
out to the tip
that like
an amber thorn
begins you,
small, superlative being,
you are a miracle,
and you blaze

From “Ode to the Hummingbird”

“Jewelled coryphee With quivering wings like shielding gauze outspread.”
Ednah Proctor Clarke (Hayes) Quotes

Source: Humming-Bird

Tree Toppers

We had our Leyland Cyprus trees topped today. We had them topped several years ago. I couldn't believe how much they had grown back.

We're happy to get our view back, but still have some privacy from the cemetery.

Sadly we had to have our Yoshino Cherry tree cut down because it was dying. I hated to see it go, but we plan on planting two more in our back yard. We planted this tree 13 years ago in memory of my dad. It was so beautiful when it was in full bloom. It looked like a pink cloud when lit up at night. I'm glad I have several pictures of it in it's glory days.

Our resident Hummingbird perched on my wind chimes this morning.

Yesterday afternoon we had four hummers flying around our feeder and I didn't have my camera. Ugh! Why is it you never have your camera handy when a great shot presents itself?

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life! ~ Albert Einstein

My incredible family got together yesterday at a small park near our home for annual Labor Day get together. Because of bad weather on Labor Day weekend we had to reschedule. The weather was perfect and the food was most excellent! Love my peeps!

Family photo outtake.

After we came back up to the house we enjoyed an epic bonfire that my hubby built earlier in the day. The kids tried to roast marshmallows, but you needed an asbestos suit to get close to that inferno :0)

Night time in the Neighborhood

I took this shot in our side yard at 9pm on Sept. 8th, 2012. These night shots look so surreal. I love this kind of photography!

Stars and clouds.

Willow tree, stars and clouds. Sept. 8, 2012. 8:24pm. I took all these shots with my wide angle lens. Camera shutter open for 30 secs.

Night Sky

The Big Dipper over our house, Sept. 8, 2012.

Milky Way. Sept. 8th, 2012.

"You know what a "diet" is, don't you? It's "die" with a "t," that's what it is!" ~ Garfield the cat

Our 1 year old cat, Bullet, is now on a diet. I took him to the vet on Thursday for his shots and checkup. He weighs 11 pounds. No, that isn't a misprint, he weighs 11 pounds. I knew he was heavy, but had no idea he was that heavy! No more canned food in the morning and only dry cat food during the day. Treats are limited too. Our vet said that neutered males are more likely to gain extra weight. So far, he seems to be adjusting to his new diet :0)

I haven't felt worth a flip today! Stupid ragweed! In the meantime, here's a picture of our beautiful American flag. Here's hoping everyone had a great Sunday.

The Last Flowers of Summer

Sunrise Sept. 13, 2012

My hubby, Terry, got these gorgeous shots of this morning's sunrise.

The hummingbirds are getting ready to migrate. This little guy visits our feeder frequently, fattening up for the long journey. Sometimes he chases other hummingbirds away so he can have the feeder all to himself.

My Babies!

Jessica is 16 years old

Libby is 10

Bullet is 1

Cats know how we feel. They don't care, but they know.

Garden Spider

Sunset Sept. 8th, 2012

Destin, FL Aug. 2012

View toward the beach in Destin from "My Margaritaville" the beach house we rented in May of 2008.

Ft. Walton Beach, FL sunset August 23, 2012

One of my favorite shots!

Palmetto and crescent moon. Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. August 23, 2012

Clouds and Palmetto trees. Ft Walton Beach, Florida. August 23, 2012