This flower is a native that makes a great landscape substitute for the invasive Mexican petunia.
This coming weekend I am going to concentrate on the flowers – I’ve decided to “focus” on that for a while. Although I will have great difficulty heading out to the berm with my macro lens – instead of telephoto.
“There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” ― Alexander the Great
Something about water lilies says peace and calm.
Quote found at http://dailyinspirationblog.com/alexander-the-great-quotes/
I’m as much intrigued by the branches as the young hawk. I wonder if anyone has done a study about how much of a hawks day is spent watching!
“None of Nature’s landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild.” – John Muir
Nothing ugly about a swamp – just a thoughtful quote. Okefenokee swamp is the largest swamp in North America. The Seminoles called it the land of trembling earth. Very impressive, although the small bit I was able to see was completely altered by man through canal digging and wood harvesting.
quote found http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/favorite_quotations.aspxat
The bluebird is either a juvenile or female – the males are completely blue.
The European Starling was first brought to the US in the early 19th century by Shakespeare enthusiasts. Now among the most numerous song birds in the country. Wonderful coloring.
We will be leaving Tennessee after this. Next couple of posts will be from the Okefenokee Swamp on the Georgia – Florida border.
“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be in” – Martha Washington
It was certainly easy to be happy sitting on the lawn of the Martha hotel and listening to bluegrass music. ETSU is East Tennessee State University, they have a fabulous ethno musicology program – among other great studies.
Quote found at http://www.great-quotes.com/quotes/author/Martha/Washington
Here are a couple of flowers seen growing in front of the Martha hotel in Abingdon, VA. The Martha is the site of a former women’s college – Martha Washington College. Now has been added to my list of historic places to stay. We had a lovely brunch there.
Can’t say enough about the Seven Islands State Bird Park – if you are ever in eastern Tennessee / Knoxville area – this is a must see. In addition to hiking there are facilities to launch a kayak or canoe.
“High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water.”- Mark Twain
The setting for this winery was idyllic. It was somewhat off the beaten path and they had space for picnics. Oh and the wine was quite good.
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/wine?page=1
Successful birding trip to Tennessee. ID’ed many new species. Lots of history from the late 1700s and early 1800s as this area opened up to exploration by westerners. Saw some working coal mines, which are odd, because there are 50 or so cars in a parking lot and one small building underneath a coal elevator. At first I was curious where the people were – it was far too remote for a park and ride.
Finally music wise I got to go to the Ralph Stanley museum in Clintwood, Va, something I’ve wanted to do for years.
Picture This by Frank 