Monday, August 3, 2020

Our World, My World

 Hello everyone!


 Happy August! Another month gone, July went by much too quickly.  Summer is going too fast for me. Here we are again taking another walk on the local fire road and to the lake.  Below are some Tiger Lilies, the fire road, the reservoir, Snapping Turtle and a Turkey Vulture.



Our walk and trail ends here, a nice view of the reservoir.  At this spot I could hear two Yellow-billed Cuckoos. One sounded close but I could not find it among all the trees and leaves. 


This Snapping Turtle surfaced on top of the lake, he looked huge to me.  





Some scenes from around the yard, our butterfly bushes are blooming and I am seeing the Clearwing Hummingbird Moths.



Black Swallowtail butterflies are seen at the butterfly bushes. 



Leaves are a changing already? 



Our neighbor has a pretty Mimosa Tree, we pass this tree on the way to the lake. The butterflies and hummingbirds love the Mimosa blooms. 



Back in 1990 we had this beautiful Mimosa tree in our back yard. At times it was filled with so many butterflies it looked like the branches were alive and moving.  We lost this tree, apparently they do not grow well in our area..We now have a Redbud tree growing in this same spot.



My world is quiet, we spend some time taking our walks with nature. I am trying out some new recipes,  I found found a quick way to dry herbs in the microwave.  I like the smell of sage right after it has been dried.  I hung some new curtains, I am doing the usual cleaning, blogging and reading my books.  We are doing well.  Take care and stay safe, happy and healthy.



What's happening in your corner of the world? Please check out and visit the following memes and links. I hope to see you there.


 
Thanks to Angie the host of  Mosaic Monday



Thanks to LadyFi  the host of Our World Tuesday!


Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have a happy day and a great new week!

116 comments:

  1. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos as always! Your butterflybush looks very well. They are starting blooming here right now. The mimosatree looks very pretty. I had it once as a houseplant.
    The Snapping Turtle looks very big indeed!
    Enjoy your day, and take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marit! I am seeing so many butterflies at the butterfly bush.
      Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  2. It is quiet in our world too, Eileen. Covid-19 is a dreadful enemy, but in many respects it has brought pleasant days for us. We are still free to get out and explore nature and have not been subjected to the draconian lockdowns experienced in many areas. Shopping has become easier and by taking advantage of hours set aside for seniors I am in and out of the store very quickly. There are some aspects of the pandemic that I would welcome on a permanent basis. And I live in a country that respects science, defers to the medical experts and we are not governed by a foul, bone-headed ignoramus who is reviled and mocked by the entire world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks David,
      I am glad thing are more normal there, it seems like we take a step forward and then 2 steps back.
      Directions are kind of wishy-washy, it really depends on what day you are listening. Wear a mask, keep your distance and wash you hands often. Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  3. Beautiful walk, such lovely photos. Sorry to hear that you lost the mimosa tree, must have looked amazing with the butterflies. Glad to hear you are doing well. I love the smell of sage too!

    -Soma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Soma! Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  4. Our world is just about the same as yours. When I first saw the snapping turtle without enlarging the picture I thought it was an alligator or an otter that is one huge snapping turtle

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    Replies
    1. Hello, Sandra

      We have seen some huge turtles here, they must love the lake. Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your day!

      Delete
  5. ...a beautiful part of the world.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tão lindas as fotos e adorei ver as borboletas. Tudo lindo demais! Adoro passar aqui sempre! beijos, chica

    ReplyDelete
  7. Pretty pictures and that snapping turtle does look huge!! I never thought of drying herbs in the microwave, but makes sense!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Vera! I love the smell in the house after drying the herbs in the microwave. Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  8. I bet in the fall that shot at the end of your walk is glorious. Can just imagine all the color. I love mimosa trees, but did not know butterflies loved them so. I almost think they are short-living in nature. Or else just have to be a lot farther south. Seems like the ones I see do not live real long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rose! I think you are right, the Mimosa trees do grow better further south. But, we do see some around the neighborhood, mostly young Mimosa trees. Take care and stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  9. I like having the extra time to putter around the house and get projects done that have waited! And our walks in nature help us keep a positive frame of mind. Love the butterflies and pretty Tiger Lillies and the Mimosa blooms. I remember those trees down by the river where we fished when I was a girl. Sweet memories. Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Diane! The walks do help and I enjoy all things nature related.
      Take care and stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  10. Hi Eileen! What lovely photos you shared with us today! thank you for taking us with you on this trip! I love the Mimosa tree! We call that tree powder puff tree and my friend's father made a Bonsai out of that and it was gorgeous! Happy New Week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment and visit. This Mimosa tree was my favorite, it was sad to loose it.
      Take care and stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  11. Have a great new week...I'm glad not the be swimming where that snapping turtle lives. Mimosas are apparently very soft wood, and even though they grow fast, they also fall easily with heavy winds.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Barbara! I would not swim with these turtles, lol.
      It was sad to loose this big beautiful tree.
      Take care and stay safe! Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  12. Hello Eileen,
    Nice series of photos of your walk.
    The black swallowtail butterflies on the butterfly bush are great.
    I also like photo 2 with the reflection.
    I wish you a nice new week.
    Take care of yourself and be careful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Irma!
      I am happy to see all the butterflies lately.
      Take care and stay safe!
      Enjoy your day, have a happy new week!

      Delete
  13. Hi Eileen, since we moved to Derbyshire I have become the owner of two large Buddleia bushes and they are in bloom right now with gorgeous deep purple flowers, the butterflies and bees just love them. I have been growing sage plants for the first time this year and they are thriving, I just don't know what to do with all these fragrant leaves! Any tips would be welcome, please.
    Happy MM and thanks for stopping by my blog again this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Maggie,
      I pick my sage leaves and other herbs and dry them in the microwave on a plate between paper towels. Drying in the microwave, just takes under 2 minutes. I used the dry herbs on top of my broiled fish and chicken, with some butter and lemon it is delicious. Thanks for the visit and comment. Take care and enjoy your day!

      Delete
  14. that turtle IS huge, cool that you saw it as it blends some with the water. you had some nice sightings, i have only seen the hummingbird moths twice, they are so cool!

    things here are just about the same as where you are. i stay inside most of the time, except for swimming. chuck is out because he is involved with the new building. home today, i am hoping we can go for a swim!!

    enjoy your walks and know that i am enjoying them as well!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie,
      These moths love the butterfly bushes, one day I think I counted 6 Clearwings at one time. The swim sounds nice. We could have some rain from the hurricane tomorrow. Thank you! Take care, enjoy your day!

      Delete
  15. Hi Eileen, I enjoyed this post...My Mom planted a Mimosa tree in out field the deer would eat it back every year but it kept growing and now it's old enough to bloom I do enjoy seeing it they grow slowly so it has a long way to go to become a big tree..I love drying the herbs I grow never tried the mircowave method..
    I have been very sick for 8 days not able to do much so Im happy to have blogs to read it reminds me there is life out there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Take care Sondra! I hope you feel better soon, it is good you are quarantining yourself. Sinding well wishes and prayers for your recovery!

      Delete
  16. Hi Eileen!!!...Beautiful and varied pictures.. Happy week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ana! Enjoy your day, wishing you a great new week!

      Delete
  17. Lovely mosaic of photos and wonderful shots of your photo walk ~ ^_^

    Live each moment with love,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Carol! I appreciate your visit and comment.
      Have a great week

      Delete
  18. You can take us along on your fire road any time. I never tire of the scenic views & critters!

    ReplyDelete
  19. beautiful flowers and butterflies in your mosaics. The turtle looks cool at the water surface :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica!
      Have a great evening and a wonderful week!

      Delete
  20. That turtle does look huge, Eileen! I'm thinking of heading out for a walk but hate the back & forth off the sidewalks to avoid people. It is not very relaxing at all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      It was a big turtle a couple of feet long, from head to toe..Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  21. The snapping turtle does look huge as does the moth.

    We are doing much the same and time flies by in spite of the virus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Marie!
      Times does fly, no matter what we are doing.
      Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  22. Hari OM
    The mimosa somehow lifts my spirits - so delicate, so pretty! YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello YAM,
      The Mimosa blooms are beautiful! Take care!

      Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  23. Replies
    1. Thank you! Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  24. Very pretty photos! The mimosa trees always make me think of The Lorax and the truffula trees. My youngest son used to love the mimosa tree in a neighbor's yard. Their tree is also gone, they aren't great for our area either. Redbud trees are also beautiful. Hope you have a wonderful new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jean!
      We have some baby Mimosa growing around the yard, but they do not bloom.
      Thanks for visiting. Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  25. i recall being a kid and seeing those Mimosa trees. they look so happy. have a great week. ( ;

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Beth! It is a beautiful tree, pretty blooms.
      Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  26. Another walk down the fire road. That road is a beauty with lots of nature and wildlife. Thanks for sharing it with us, Eileen.
    Have a wonderful new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Bill!
      Take care! Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

      Delete
  27. Thank you! Take care!
    Enjoy your day, have a happy week!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your comment about sage made me remember that I used to dry sage and make tea with it. Strange how we can forget things sometimes, until something jogs the old memory banks :)
    Have a great day, Mxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, M
      Sage has a wonderful scent. Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  29. I have to comment on the Mimosa tree, we have them all over NZ except they are called Silk Trees I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Amy,
      I assume they have various names, someone else called the Powder Puff Tree. I like the blooms.
      Thanks for the visit and comment. Have a great day!

      Delete
  30. That's a mimosa? I've never seen one. It is indeed beautiful! Happy week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeanie!
      Yes, it is the Mimosa tree. They are beautiful.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  31. Wow! That snapping turtle looks like an alligator. Wonderful place to walk and take enjoy critters! Happy August to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ellen,
      Happy August to you! Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  32. Beautiful pictures. I just posted some leaves changing color too!! Seems way too early!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Karen! I thought it was too early for the leaves changing colors too.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  33. Eileen - that is a MASSIVE snapping turtle. I would not want to be anywhere near its jaws when it's hungry! I don't think I am familiar with a Mimosa tree - the flowers are pretty close-up, but the shape of the tree from a distance is also spectacular! Thanks for linking up, and enjoy the rest of your week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Angie,
      I am sure this Snapping Turtle was hungry, he was a big one. Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  34. Things are slow here. However I did freeze beans yesterday and peas today. We froze strawberries yesterday so I'm keeping busy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Red,
      It is good to keep busy, but they days go by so quickly.
      Thanks for visiting. Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  35. You are always so busy. I grew up out west and I don't think we had mimosa trees. I moved to East Texas and had a big one in the back yard and everybody told me that it was a trash tree and blah, blah, blah. I kept because I liked it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Alan! The Mimosa Tree is one of my favorites.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  36. I can’t believe this month has gone by so quickly. Wonderful captures on your walk and thank you for sharing them with us. A safe, healthy and happy week to you Eileen :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Denise! The Covid times are going by fast.
      Take care and stay safe.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  37. Thanks for your post. Beautiful pics.
    Have a nice week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  38. It sounds like you're surrounding yourself with all the right things to stay happy and content.
    I think your mimosa tree is what I called a silk tree in California. There was one in our neighborhood that I just loved, especially when it was in blossom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kay! The Mimosa blossoms are beautiful, I love them.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  39. Do snapping turtles make swimming or wading dangerous in waters where they live? Or are they mostly small ponds that wouldn't be used for water activities? - Margy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Margy! Yes, the Snapping Turtles are dangerous, I would not want to swim with one.
      Have a great day and week ahead!

      Delete
  40. What wonderful shots. And I agree - July just whizzed by.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello Eileen,
    beautiful pictures that you show here. The mimosa is really great too.
    The photo of the lake with the reflection is absolutely beautiful. July is indeed over. We had our holiday in July but have not left because there is still corona. We also had really nice weather but that does not matter. This weekend it will be tropical warm here in the Netherlands, but unfortunately I will have to work in the afternoon / evening shifts.
    have a very nice week.
    Greetings, Helma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Helma! Good weather is always welcomed! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy week ahead.

      Delete
  42. Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting! Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  43. Oh my gosh I know what you mean about summer moving way to quickly, as it usually does but I think with this virus in our daily world it's really marking a faster pace then ever. Your photos always bring me out of it all though, and we can focus on nature and life around us. Thank you for this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Karen,
      The days are much too fast for me. Thanks, I always appreciate your visits and comments.
      I know you are busy! Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  44. I love mimosa trees. We had a huge one in our front yard when I was little. I would climb up in the fork and lay on the largest limb. The fuzzy little pink blossoms and the leaves...fond memories.
    Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn! I do love these pretty Mimosa blooms. Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  45. Enjoyed your photos especially the mimosa. I was looking at one when I visited the roof garden on Sunday but I didn't know its name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the comment!
      Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  46. July did seem to whizz by so quickly.
    Lovely photographs and mosaics, but the trees seem to be changing colour a little early this year!

    Enjoy your week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jan!
      It seems Autumn is coming quickly. Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  47. I thought the snapping turtle was an alligator or crocodile that had just snatched the snapping turtle, which I thought would be a small thing. And the hummingbird moth. Until today, I didn't know it exists and now I've seen photos of two! Happy trails, Eileen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Su-sieee!
      This Snapping turtle looked like it was 2 ft long, from head to toe.
      Thanks for visiting. Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  48. wow that Mimosa Tree is so beautiful. I have never seen one. I don't mind being quiet, as long as I have lovely places to walk - like you seem to have. Thank you for taking us along. Enjoy the rest of your week, stay safe, and thank you for visiting my blog this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jill! The Mimosa tree is beautiful. Thank you for the comment.
      Enjoy your day, have great week ahead.

      Delete
  49. I like the harmony of vibrant-colored Tiger lilies with the deep green. I haven’t seen a snapping turtle in person. The photo made me understand what is Mimosa tree; it is our “Nemu-no-ki” in Japanes., which bloom from late June to early July in my corner of the world. Your Redbud tree must be as beautiful as Mimosa tree. I hear it has lovely heart-shaped leaves. Be safe and enjoy summer.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Yoko, both the Mimosa and Redbud are lovely trees. I have to say I do like the Mimosa blooms.
      Thanks for the comment. Have a happy day!

      Delete
  50. Outstanding photos Eileen, lovely sights to see. Could you share how you dry your herbs in the microwave please? Happy August to you :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Denise,

      This is a link to drying the herbs in the microwave : https://www.four-h.purdue.edu/foods/Drying%20herbs%20frame1.htm

      I hope the link works. Thanks for the comment and visit. Have a great day!

      Delete
  51. Un placer ver tanta naturaleza. Me encantan las mariposas Eileen, y ese precioso reflejo en el agua.
    Gracias por compartir.
    Te deseo un buen miércoles. Y cuidaros.
    Un abrazo.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh! I like the idea of being able to dry herbs in the microwave. I will have to research how to do that. Nice pics.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Beautiful summer photos. I especially love the snapper because I am partial to turtles. That is a great catch--and he looks crocodile-long!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandy! I hope you are enjoying your summer! Have a great day!

      Delete
  54. Nice photos! I've only photographed a hummingbird moth one time.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Lovely view of the lake. My first time seeing a snapping turtle. Pretty butterfly and redbud flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello,
    the Clearwing Hummingbird Moths are awesome. There is a Hummingbird butterfly in Italy too, but not with those unique wings. Thanks for sharing. I always like to see what wonders are in your part of the world.
    I wish you a happy August too, full of captures, as usual!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment. The world is full of wonders!
      Take care, have a great day!

      Delete
  57. Oh my, but your reflective photos are incredibly beautiful! Wishing you the best of weekends!

    ReplyDelete

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.

BTW, Anonymous comments unless a name is included will not be published. Also, comments with links will be deleted.

Have a happy day, Eileen

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