Happy Memorial Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Happy Memorial Day! I hope your extended weekend was enjoyable. I did what I loved to do this weekend. I took nature photos and spent time with family and friends. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life. Of course, I worked a little too. My mother and I went to the cemetery earlier in the week to put flowers on the grave sites. Remember those who are no longer with us, reminds me how short and precious life can be at times.

I joined a volunteer organization years ago, called Soldiers’ Angels. I have met some amazing people through this group. I took to social media to thank all the men and women who have served over the years. As well as a moment to remember those who are no longer with us. My father served in the Army. I have the utmost respect for all who have served or currently serving.

The weekend has been filled with little moments. I was standing at my kitchen sink when I viewed a Bald Eagle flying low over the field. Of course, he was too quick for me to grab a camera. But the view was spectacular.

I was out photographing a Barn Swallow. The bird sat on my weathervane; he was at the top right in the middle. When I went out to photograph him (or her), I realized the Barn Swallow was coaching the babies to fly out of the nearby bird houses. I know only a true nature nut would like the idea of standing in the yard while little birds fly around her head. I just loved how the adult Barn Swallow was so vocal to the little ones.

c2

Today, I was able to spend time photographing baby geese. There’s just something fun and heartwarming watching the little goslings swim around the river. The mother kept gathering them together. She would nudge them to the safety of the lily pads if she thought they were in danger. There are a lot of vehicles that travel on the road; louder ones would cause her to scurry them to safety.

And of course, I have no words to describe the the sunset this evening.

Memorial Day Sunset
Memorial Day Sunset

Until next time…peace.

 

 

 

Happy World Turtle Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, May 23, 2015 is World Turtle Day. I love the fact that an entire day is dedicated to turtles and tortoises. Turtle Day was established in 2000 in association with American Tortoise Rescue. The purpose of Turtle Day is to bring awareness to turtles and tortoises.

Turtle Facts

I thought I would share some turtle and tortoises facts:

  • Turtles have actually roamed the Earth for the last 200 million years.
  • Believe it or not, some of the first turtles had teeth.
  • Turtles can be found on every continent around the globe except the Antarctica.
  • Turtles can be as small as 4 inches to as large as 1500 pounds.

My Turtle Story

Since today is about celebrating turtles, I thought I would share the story of Herman (well, the little Painted Turtle could be a Jane). I honestly do not know how to tell. Anyways, Herman fell down into a ditch that was being tiled for farm use. I figured Herman was coming out of the field or wooded area to find a water source. Of course, we could not allow the little one to be buried.

I took the little Painted Turtle down to the pond. I could swear when I let little Herman go, he turned around stared at me. I know he was just swimming away. But I still like the idea that I was able to let the little one go.

The little turtle swimming away from me.
The little turtle swimming away from me.

How to Help Turtles

I think one of the most important things to help turtles is to decrease their demand. Turtles belong in the wild. If people continue to buy turtles or tortoises from a pet store, there will always be a demand. Learning to admire turtles in their natural habitat should be a priority.

Learn to advocate for turtles natural habitat. Get involved in environmental issues that may have a negative impact on turtles or tortoises. When habitats are threatened or reduced, a decline in turtle population would occur. I think the loss of turtles and tortoises would be a disgrace.

Until next time…peace

Dryad’s Saddle Part 2

Posted on by Rebecca C.

On May 5th, I wrote a blog about Dryad’s Saddle. The spores had just started to sprout. Well, I went and searched from them today. I was really surprised to see how much they have grown.

I am extremely fascinated with these fungus. I cannot believe how many are currently grown in the woods right now. I also cannot believe how many mosquitoes are out in the woods. I was hoping the frost would slow them down. But trust me, they are alive and well.

Until next time…peace

Flowers…

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Even though today is my mother’s birthday, she brought me flowers. The Irises in her flower bed became too heavy with the last night’s heavy dew and light frost; the flowers were on their sides. So, she picked some for me to photograph.

The timing was perfect. I had just purchased a new lens. The flowers gave me a chance to try it out. I am not sure if I like the lens yet or not. I guess, after some practice I might feel differently.

Oh, don’t worry my mother got her birthday present. I got her the necklace; she has been admiring for the last month. I also baked a small chocolate cake for her. Since she knows how much I dislike baking, she really appreciated the cake.

Until next time…peace.

May Ray Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, May 19th is considered to be May Ray Day. I had to research this “unofficial” holiday. I had never heard of May Ray Day. The purpose of celebrating the day is to get people outdoors and enjoy the sun rays. I love the idea of having an excuse just to go outdoors. For those who know me, I am advocate for unplugging and spending a little time outside each day.

Here in Michigan, the weather is not “May Ray” Day friendly. Yesterday, was warm and in the mid-eighties. Today is 20 degrees colder, cloudy, windy, and threatening rain. The weather outdoors is just gloomy all over.

At least, the upcoming Memorial weekend looks to be better which is good. Holiday weekends bring a lot of tourist travel to the entire state boosting the economy. I like the idea of families spending time together, getting outdoors and having fun.

Until next time….peace

Dandelion: Weed or Flower?

Posted on by Rebecca C.

when you look at a dandelion, what do you see? A pretty little yellow flower? Or a pesky weed? Obviously, I see a pretty little flower. I cannot help but see the beauty in the small little yellow flowers. When I finally see them growing out in my yard, I can safely say that the Michigan winter is official behind me. And Spring has finally been issued in.

When I was young, I would play outdoors for hours at a time. I would make crowns out of dandelions for myself, my dolls, and if my cat was being cooperative, he would get one too. Trust me, he did not always get one. Poor old “Sambo”, he was dressed up in numerous doll clothes over his life span.

Now that I am older (notice I did not say maturer), I love seeing the little yellow flower. In my grandfather’s belongings, I came across an old handwritten recipe for dandelion wine. My mother informed me that “under no circumstances do I try that old fool’s recipe” (Yes that is her father).  Of course the warning just make me want to try the recipe that much more. I did some research, dandelions have been used in all types of recipes including wine, jelly, and in salads.

Depending on the location, the dandelion’s flower head can vary in color from bright yellow to a deep orange. The dandelion flowering head is made up of hundreds of little smaller florets almost in a rosette formation.

When the dandelion finishes shining brightly, the flower head dries out showing the seeds for new life. The seeds are dispersed by a gently breeze.  Or when you blow on the flower to a make a wish.

So, next time you see a dandelion that has gone to seed; make a good magical wish.

Until next time…peace

 

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

A special shout out to all:

the mothers, grandmothers, foster moms, stand in moms, and fathers doing double duty.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you!

You are all doing a wonderful job.

My mother was over earlier. My parents live right next to me. I am able to see them both on a daily basis. Finding the right gift for my mom is difficult, she pretty much has everything she wants. But I did get her a garden ornament for her flower bed.

When I was younger, my mother made sure my siblings and I had fun times especially on summer vacation. We may not have had a lot of extra spending money but she would encourage us to be outdoors. (I think it was just so she could have peace and quiet in the house).

We (along with my cousins) would go to local play parks or head to up to go swimming in the man-made lake in our local community. Spending every day in motion filled our time off from school. Swimming, bike riding, skate boarding, or just playing on the farm filled our days. Hide and seek filled our late summer evenings. Mom knew where we all were; there was always extra kids around. Actually, there still is extras around their house on weekends.

She would build blanket tents on the clothes line. I would spend hours inside the tent.  On other occasions, she would create a treasure map for me to follow around the farm. Being outdoors fueled my imagination and gave me my start for the love of nature.

The smallest gestures have a long, lasting impact.

So for my mother, Happy Mother’s Day!

Until next time…peace.

Beautiful Evening

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Tonight’s sun set was beautiful. I just wished the mosquitoes had not come out so quickly. Ugh!  Oh well… I hope everyone had a great day.  The next few days here in Michigan are suppose to be warm but a chance of rain.

At least, there’s no snow in the forecast. I always find rainy days to be inspiring.

Until next time…peace.

Dryad’s Saddle: A Fascinating Fungus

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Spending time in the woods is my way of relaxing. One of my favorite aspects in nature to photograph is fungus. I love to photograph mushrooms; they just amaze me. Walking through the woods the other day I came across the beginning sprouts of a Dryad’s Saddle.

The Dryad’s Saddle is a fungus. The correct terminology for the Dryad’s Saddle is a Polyporus squamosus. The fungus has also been referred to as the Pheasant’s Back mushroom due to the appearance resembling a pheasant. (Personally, I do not see the comparison).

The word Dryad actually has a root in Greek mythology. As the myth goes, the Dryads could actually ride the mushroom. The shy, legendary Dryad is a female tree nymph or tree spirit; the supernatural being is tied to their tree homes. As a writer, I love when fungus or other aspects of nature has a connection with old myths or folklores. My imagination can run wild with these types of descriptions.

The Dryad’s Saddle mushroom will grow in dead logs or tree stumps. The fungus usually is connected at the base or inside an indentation in the tree. However, others have been spotted right on the ground. The ones on the ground are usually a single mushroom. The Dryad’s Saddle is a common sight throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia.  I am amazed that this fungus is known throughout the world, not just here in Michigan. The first description of the Dryad’s Saddle was by William Hudson who was a British botanist dates back to 1778,

The body of the Dryad’s Saddle when fully grown can bracket outward into almost tiers. The tiers are close together and start out as thick, short tubes. The tiers have squamules which are like scales on the top layer of the mushroom. Depending on the area, the colors can vary from white, cream or yellowish.

Dryad's Saddle

(Fully grown Dryad’s Saddle from last summer).

As the Dryad’s Saddle continue to grow the upper body can expand out to approximately 20 inches. The Dryad’s Saddle is an edible mushroom. I have not tried to eat this type of mushroom. I tend not to cook anything unless I know exactly what I am doing. Yes, I fear food poisoning.

So the next time, you are wandering through the woods look around for a Dryad’s Saddle. The beautiful mushroom may actually be ridden in on a tree nymph.

Until next time…peace.