An Earthstar Sighting!

Have you sighted an Earthstar this week? 

I sighted more than one! 

Astraeus hygrometricus commonly known as the Earthstar. 

I found a good article about them HERE.

I spotted these little jewels along the Florida Trails right after they had mowed along the sides of the trails. I don't know if that uncovered them but they caught my eye.

I went back the very next day to hike and take a few more pics.

I needed enough for a mosaic! lol

I was pulling away some blades of grass for a better photo so you can see how small they are by the size of my finger. 

And I picked this one up. A blade of grass was growing through it so I was able to pick it up without handling it. I don't touch things in the forest but I have learned now these mushrooms are not harmful. The info said they are inedible because they are bitter. 

It was fun to see something so unusual on my hikes this week.

They are very beautiful and unique.

Have you ever seen an Earthstar before?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!

It's Uphill all the Way!

We live in Florida on a golf course and we love it! 

And so does a variety of wildlife. This week a lone wild Turkey walked through the backyard.

He didn't bother getting on the cart path! 

He took the short cut! heehee!

I've been able to hike 3 times this week by getting out a little earlier and putting up with the heat. There's been a nice breeze so that makes all the difference. But we've had quite a lot to see right here at home. We have babies at the feeders again.

 Bluebird babies and Cardinal babies. I would love to get a video of the Cardinals. Those babies flutter for all they are worth! I don't even have photos of them yet and you know how quickly they grow up!

This was the sign at the entrance to our neighborhood all decorated for the 4th of July.

And here are a couple of photos of our 'new house'! 

Well, it's a new roof and it feels like a new house now. (and yes...it is indeed lavender gray!)

One evening I walked to the pond and saw a big bird in the Cypress trees.

It turned out to be a Great Blue Heron.

And doesn't this Moorhen look like he's looking at all the clover in bloom and smiling? (you really have to use your imagination to see the smile....but come on.....you can do it!) 😀

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Good Books (updated at the end)

Sometimes I go for awhile reading the first 50 pages of books I can't finish! But lately I've read some amazing books that I think you would all enjoy!

I'll start with a book I checked out from the library (info at the end of this post) and gave 5 Stars on Goodreads! The Hired Girl. If you love Anne of Green Gables, you'll love this book. The main character will win your heart just like Anne girl did and you will NOT want the book to end. It's delightful...what more can I say!

The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz

And for a book that you can enjoy over and over again,

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

It is a work of art with a beautiful story that can inspire us all during these difficult times.

"What do you think success is? asked the boy. To love, said the mole."

Thanks Terra for reviewing it on your blog, Terra Garden! I'm so glad you did! Terra is a blog friend and an author as well!

And another book to inspire and uplift us by another favorite blogger is

 Through Love's Eyes by Marilyn Moseley. 

Marilyn blogs at Mountain Top Spice. Don't you love the name of her blog! The words of her book are as beautiful as the photos she's used. She really created something special and it's a perfect time to surround ourselves with books that inspire. 

Thanks Marilyn for sending me a copy of your book. I will cherish it. 

Books....a lot to be thankful for today!

 

Have you read a book lately that you think I would enjoy?

PS I check books out from the library as ebooks and read them on my IPAD. 

Easy peasy! I love it! 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

"The Buttonbush"

I hiked in the heat! I just couldn't help myself! I'm in withdrawal! lol

I drove over to Halpata Tastanaki and took a one hour hike to see what was new.

This was pretty easy to identify when I got home.

It's very unique, don't you think?

It's a buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis.

It was a big healthy bush and even though some of the info says it grows in wet or damp soil, this one was high and dry.

I'm still learning to make mosaics with Photoscape and trying to do some different techniques. 

There were lots of deer tracks in the sandy part of the trail (and other tracks...maybe even a bobcat track).

Have you had good weather this week? Did you have a fun weekend? Ours was quiet. We can stand in our driveway and see fireworks in every direction but this year there weren't as many. I guess we're all still trying to stay safe and take it a day at a time. It's a blessing to live here. 

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!

"Happy 4th of July"

I'm wishing everyone a beautiful holiday weekend!

I looked around at my photos and found a 

Red Cardinal, Great White Egret and a Blue Grosbeak 

to celebrate Independence Day!

 🎆 God Bless America 🎆

(looking at my glass front door, come on IN!)

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

If we can just make it to the bridge!

We hiked at Blue Run Park in Dunnellon this week! But oh my it was hot and humid. AND buggy! We usually have wind or at least a nice breeze here during the summer months but on this particular morning it was still. So you had to keep moving!

There are lots of beautiful birds and wildlife along the way. (we spotted 3 alligators in the river) But let's keep moving. Once you reach the bridge it opens up and you can feel a nice breeze.

And of course it's beautiful!

Lots of people out taking advantage of the nice day!

Lots of water sports!

Fishing boats are my favorite!

I couldn't decide which mosaic I liked best!

So I'm sharing them both!

AND had an added surprise that day!

A Super Hero!

To Save the Day!!!

It's always fun to get outside! Have you seen anything interesting this week? Any Super Heroes to save your day? I have to say the men that are putting on our new roof are  Super Heroes! 

Thanks guys!!!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!