Fall At Discovery Nature Sanctuary

Yes, these pictures were taken some time ago, but they show just some of the beauty of fall at the Nature Sanctuary.

It was a quiet morning when I was there. It seemed no one else was out and about and I enjoyed the peacefulness of the morning.

I found one Milkweed still in bloom.

A small patch of these bright flowers. I think they may be a form of the Mexican Hat flower.

Obviously the birds had not found these ripe cherries, but I'm sure they discovered them in time.

The creek that runs through this area was like a sheet of glass and so pretty.

As I walked along one of the paths, I saw in the distance a patch of white. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a patch of these pretty flowers. They look so delicate.

Something To Think About:

No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.

Hot Summer Sunset

This past summer has been extremely dry and for the most part very hot. Weather like this does not inspire me to go looking for photo opportunities. Yet, in the interest of getting out of the house, I spent some evenings just west of my town, watching the deer to the east of my car or the setting sun to the west.  

Yes, these are photos of the setting sun, even though they may look like a full moon.

A few stems of grass added some interest to the photo.

It is hard to make this ball of fire look fantastic, but I keep on trying. 

Here I have focused on the grass, thus putting the sun out of focus. It looks hot and as I recall, even at this moment it was still too warm for my enjoyment.

Finally the sun slips behind the trees and a few clouds. 

Shifting the camera angle slightly, I was able to capture a few wispy clouds.

Because I try to find things to be thankful for, I must say, I am thankful that this summer is over.

Now we pray and trust that God will send abundant snow to replenished the water supplies.

Summertime Treasures

Yes, these pictures are taken this past summer.

I love going out a while before sunset and perhaps find some special treasures. 

One of those treasures were the White-tailed deer that came out of the woods to feed on a field of bean plants.

Are those little guys not the cutest?

I have many more pictures of the deer and will most certainly be sharing more from time to time.

On another drive, on a very hot summer day, I was passing some old buildings when I noticed the birds.

A Western Meadowlark and a Mourning Dove were sharing the rooftop perch.

The area I was in is called Mowbray and at one time it had a school and hall, but now these old buildings, ready to fall down are all that is left. I thought the Meadowlark gave a fitting touch to this sign.

Another Meadowlark chose the top of an old chimney from which to sing.

One last look at a handsome buck. This one was walking across the meadow in front of my car. At one point I called out to him and asked him to stop and pose for me. This is what I got. Not bad, I would say.

 Closing Thought:

If you’re facing a tough day, know that you’re not alone.

God promises: “Never will I leave you or forsake you” 

Hebrews 13:5

Choosing To See Beauty

I have titled this post, Choosing To See Beauty, for a good reason.

Do you see beauty when you look at a Turkey Vulture or a Thistle? I do and that is because I choose to see it.

OK, I will agree that the face of these vultures is not the most beautiful, but when they are soaring in the sky, it is pure beauty.

In the first picture you can clearly see those silver feathers that make these birds shine in the sky.

The Turkey Vulture is part of our rural cleanup crew. They devour a lot of carrion, thus keeping our roads cleaner.

What about the Thistle? Do you think of it as a beautiful flower or a weed to be done away with?

I am aware that farmers don't like these plants, but I still think these flowers have extraordinary beauty.

The rich color of this flower is eye-catching.

Even the bud has spectacular beauty. No, I don't want to touch it, those spikes are sharp, but it looks striking.

A word of encouragement, try to find beauty in all of nature around you.

 

Evening Treasures

This past summer I found a good spot from which to watch the White-tailed Deer. I spent many an evening up there waiting for these beautiful animals to come out and feed on the fresh leaves of the beans growing in this field.

I saw as many as six bucks at once, some small ones and a few that looked really good. They were still in velvet at the time.

The does and the younger ones seemed to stay to themselves, but all were beautiful.

When the light got a little low,  I turned my attention to the setting sun. During these days we had a lot of smoke in the air and that gave some unique sunsets.

The sun changed looks as it dropped down.

I like how the sun is just kissing the tops of the trees.

The air was heavy with smoke and I'm sure it was difficult for those with breathing problems.

I make it my goal to try to see beauty in all of nature.

 How strange that nature does not knock, and yet it does not intrude. 

Threatening Yet Beautiful

As the last couple of hours of September 2021 slowly tick away, let's look forward to what October has in store for us.

Today the pictures are from this past summer. Yes, our summer storms may be past, but we can be assured that they will be back next year.

On this particular evening, the sky looked almost threatening, but it was also filled with beauty.

Looking to the west, over Lake Minniwasta, the sunset is reflected in the lake, giving a double beauty.

I turned around and noticed the clouds to the east were also lit up and looking lovely.

The evening started out looking uneventful, but turned out to result in spectacular beauty.the colors became richer and brighter as the moments ticked away.

Such display of color in the sky almost takes my breath away. each wisp of cloud is tinged in a gorgeous shade of pink.

Something To think About:

If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.

G.K.Chesterton

 

Simple Roadside Flowers

Most of the summer the roadsides have delicate beauty in them. Sometimes we need to stop and get out of the vehicle to really appreciate this beauty.

Today, as we are already in the fall season, I invite you to enjoy a few of those summer roadside treasures.

Each flower has it's own beauty, just as each person has their own special beauty.

Of course, one of my favourites is the simple Wild Rose. As I bent down to try for a closer shot, I was surprised by the added visitor. As much as I don't like grasshoppers, this baby seemed innocent.

The wild Monarda is delicate and pretty.

Later in the summer the Milkweed shows up.The true beauty off these flowers can best be seen up close.

Look at the fine details in this tiny flower. Each of those pink balls will open up to reveal such beauty.

Something To Think About, especially as we approach the winter season.

 Photos are a return ticket to moment otherwise gone.

 

Pelicans At Sunset

We are now fully into fall, but I have some summer photos to share.

In July, I came upon these White Pelicans sitting on some exposed dirt in a fairly small body of water.

We don't see White Pelicans around here all the time, although they are readily seen in some areas.

As I watched, the sun was beginning to set and the birds seemed to be getting restless.

It didn't take very long for them to slowly begin to take off,

The sun was casting a path of gold over this body of water. It was almost like these birds were taking off from an area of pure gold.

Up up and away.

As I watched and captured these images, I was so thankful that I was at the right place at the right time.

To Think About:

Lord, thank You for the detail You put into creation and for being at work even when we can’t see it.

 

Roadside Scenes

As you take a few minutes to look at these photos, captured earlier this fall, I trust they will bring you joy.

I am pairing the pictures with the words of an old hymn, Through It All.

If you click on thee link below, you can listen to Lynda Randle singing this song.

Through It All

I've had many tears and sorrows, 

I've had questions for tomorrow,

there's been times I didn't know right from wrong. 

But in every situation, God gave me blessed consolation, that my trials come to only make me strong. 

I've been to lots of places, 

I've seen a lot of faces, there's been times I felt so all alone. 

But in my lonely hours, yes, those precious lonely hours, Jesus lets me know that I was His own 

I thank God for the mountains, 

and I thank Him for the valleys, I thank Him for the storms He brought me through. 

For if I'd never had a problem, I wouldn't know God could solve them, 

I'd never know what faith in God could do.

Through it all, through it all, 

I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God. 

Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word. 

What a comfort to know that no matter what we face,Jesus is right there with us. We are never alone.

Through it all, through it all, 

I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God. 

Through it all, through it all, I've learned to depend upon His Word. 

 

Sky Views

Those who know me, know that I love watching the sky.The following were captured in June of this year. I have added a few words with each photo, so be sure to check that out.

A sunset has so much more beauty when there are at least sesame clouds in the sky.

The year 2021 has been a dry one one, but we still had some fascinating cloud scenes.

As those dark clouds roll in there is some excitement, in anticipation of rain.

I find it thrilling to be out driving the country roads and watching thee storm clouds gather.

The tracks seem to lead right into the storm.

Truth for Today:

God is our safe place during the storms of life.