Friday, October 2, 2026

Life goes on.....'Reed Bingham State Park'


 I wrote 'Life goes on'....but somehow that seems wrong. My life has gone on but like so many of you this past year, we've lost people that we loved and our lives are forever changed. 

So even though life goes on in one sense, my life is forever changed.

I'm thankful God continues to bless me in this life so I plan to write posts in October featuring camping trips I took last year and never shared.

Reed Bingham State Park

Adel, Georgia


An early morning hike to the lake features the Wood Storks.

 

Wood Storks


I took a 'few' photos!


I'll go in order of taking them.


I can't pick a fav!!


Hanging out with a Little Blue Heron


All of these were taken in June, 2025


Good memories

I don't have any plans to camp again but I hope to visit some of my favorite State Parks in months to come. I have a list that I would love to 'revisit'. But as we all know there are new paths to explore and new trails to follow.

We need strength to step out and follow our dreams.

Do you have a list of places you would like to visit in months to come? I need to add to my list!

Love, Diane 💜

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE!


45 comments:

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Lovely photos. It's not easy to lose a loved one especially a spouse and have to recreate your life. One day at a time.

Irma said...

Hello Diane,
This is a beautiful series of photos of the storks.
I’m planning to go away for another 10 days, though I’ll be staying in the Netherlands.
I wish you a wonderful weekend.
All the best, Irma

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I love to watch the wood storks! They are not exactly attractive birds, but they are interesting! When we still had water in our pond they would fly in for a visit periodically. I hope the pond will fill up before winter so they will come back again. I don't have any list of places to visit. We don't do much traveling anymore, which is sad. I really want to go back to Maine/NH sometime and take our son and his wife, as she has never been there. But if we wait too much longer, I know hubby won't want to go...he doesn't enjoy traveling anymore and that makes it difficult. However, as long as he doesn't have to drive, he is more willing to go places. We shall see what develops. It's a big trip and we need to plan well in advance. I am happy that you are continuing your hikes and day trips to beautiful places. I know how much you enjoy that. Thank you for sharing it all with us! Have a blessed October!!

Terri D said...

My youngest sister lives near Adel. The park looks so nice!! Yes, life goes on, even though we are changed forever!! It's so good to visit with you here!! xo

Marcia said...

Your last camping trip. Wow! Will you sell the camper?

Connie said...

I've been trying to muster up the courage to travel and get out and do things alone. It's just not as much fun, but life does go on and we can't just give up because the ones we want to share it with have gone on to be with the Lord. They wouldn't want that and we shouldn't allow it, although I can't say that I haven't allowed that sadness to stop me. Praying for strength to start living life a little more adventurous and finding Joy in those simple little outings. We can do it!

BeachGypsy said...

Very pretty pictures, Diane!--- love seeing all your nature photography---- you shine at this!! 📷 🐦 🌳 🌴 🌳 🐝 🦋 🦋 🌞 ☀️ 🌈 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 ☁️ 🌤 📷. Can you believe it's October already? I love sweater weather and hope it arrives SOON. MERRY FALL, my friend! Hugs

Tom said...

Yes, life goes on until it doesn't Spread your wings and make the most of every day you have, they are counted!

Sandy said...

I am just ready to simply be outside more. Summer got so hot that it limited my time outdoors. When the rain stops this week, I aim to be out and about locally. Things do change and it isn't always easy. I do my best to focus on my blessings. It helps, but we all have our moments.

Barbara said...

As you know, identifying the many birds here in Florida is not my hobby nor am I much good at it. I had to chuckle a couple of years ago when somebody told me a bird at one of the lakes in here in our +55 community was a stork. I joked that he was obviously lost. We're too old here to have storks dropping in!!

HappyK said...

Always a joy to see your photos from your walks. Beautiful scenes.

Martha Jane Orlando said...

I love seeing photos of the great outdoors and the splendid creatures nurtured there, Diane. Looking forward to any and all experiences you have to share with us here. Yes, it does takes strength and resolve to step out and follow our dreams. May God give us that confidence. Blessings!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those are terrific photos and yes, life does go on, with challenges.

Ann said...

There are lots of places that I would like to visit but I doubt I will ever get there.

Billie Jo said...

Hello, my friend. I enjoyed your post tonight. I was just commenting on another post how my sweet mamma used to say that the one thing she knew about life was that it goes on. I try to remember that when I miss her and my Daddy. It is difficult, as I know you know. Your photos are always amazing and I am glad you are finding ways to bring some joy into you life. Have a cozy weekend and Happy October!

Alexandra said...

I enjoyed seeing your Wood Stork photos! For various reasons, it can take much energy to go on in life! Many things change which causes our interests to change or our capabilities become more limited. Life will go on in a very different way yet can still be rewarding and fulfilling. Your visits to your favourite State Parks, even though you will not be camping there, can open new doors for you to see these Parks in a whole new light! Sending you wishes for making new wonderful discoveries!

Jeanie said...

I can see why you shared all of these because every single one is beautiful and I couldn't pick a favorite. Yes, for most of us, life goes on. And we have choices in how we handle that one big beautiful life we have.

Red Rose Alley said...

Those wood storks are funny birds, and you took some great pictures of them. I don't know how they stand with those long legs hehehe. So nice that you still want to visit some of the state parks. There will be lots of interesting things for you to see and take pictures of. My son recently went to Lassen National State Park. You may be familiar with it. Your pictures of nature are always such a joy to see. Have a sweet month of October, Diane. : )

carol l mck said...

Lovely photography Diane ~ always enjoy seeing the blue heron ~ Life changes and even more so when we lose significant people ~ the major challenge of life ~ the other big factor is one's health ~ sigh ~ Lots of healing energy hugs for you dear friend ^_^

Red Rose Alley said...

Ooops, it's called Lassen Volcanic National Park. I guess I was typing too fast. ; )

eileeninmd said...

Hello Diane,
Beautiful photos of the Wood Storks and I like the Little Blue Heron too. I wish I could join you on some of your park hikes. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Villrose said...

It must be challenging to go on when life provides such large changes.
Lovely bird shots! Hugs!
/Irene

Penelope Notes said...

New paths sound intriguing! Lovely photos. Anywhere that the birds are seems like a good place to visit. :)

RedPat said...

I love the shots of the storks. On to new adventures this year, Diane. Hugs.

The Rev. Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

All those Wood Stork shots you took are fabulous, so I can see why you couldn't pick a fav. That Little Blue Heron is so cute too. I agree, life goes on, but it definitely changes with every event in our lives. That's why I always keep Psalm 23 in mind, "even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Peace, my friend!

John's Island said...

Hi Diane, I enjoyed seeing all your photos. And then, I enjoyed reading the comments before mine. Add me to all those who commend you for carrying on after difficult times. Yes, thank goodness you are carrying on … there are so many of us out here that love your blog. Hugs to you and a happy week ahead! John

Lorrie said...

Thank you for sharing your feelings and thoughts with us. I can only imagine how difficult it is to carry on without your life partner. I'm glad to see those wood storks and hope that you will continue to move forward with the new things that God brings your way.

Basil and The B Team ~ BionicBasil ® said...

Life goes on... you are so right that it seems wrong, as you said it does go on but in a different way... all we have is the moments that pass, the meaningful memories, the fragments of what once was... and the hard thing is taking those pieces into the future with us and reconciling what we feel... adore your post today, the photos are epic, it's like a breath of fresh air! Happy Sunday Diane, hope your day is blessed! Purrs from BBHQ😻🐾😻🐾😻

Marit said...

Yes, your life has certainly changed a lot compared to before. I think you’re handling it very well. The wood stork is beautiful, and you’ve taken some great photos!
Hugs!

Shiju Sugunan said...

​Beautifully written, Diane. Those birds are gorgeous, and I love how you find such meaningful connections in nature. Thinking of you!

EricaSta said...

Understood very well... I lost my father in February, an aunt and a good friend this year. Life chance, that's right. We have the rememberings...
Greetings by Heidrun ❤️

Iris Flavia said...

You are a very, very strong person.
Keep on traveling and exploring.
So easy said, so hard to do.
I wish you lots of joy.

Linda said...

I understand.....and I love, admire and pray for you as you travel a different path.

Lowcarb team member said...

I did enjoy seeing your photographs.
It's not easy to lose a loved one. I have found 'take it one day at a time' helps. You do need to find a different path to follow, to get used to this feeling of being on your own. I found with wonderful support from family and friends I have been able to do this ... is it easy? No, but I know it's the best thing to do and our loved ones looking down at us would want us to do this.
Sending you {{{hugs}}} keep going you will find the right path.

All the best Jan

handmade by amalia said...

Love the Wood Storks. Will they be migrating or spending the winter at yours?
Amalia
xo

Sharon Wagner said...

My husband is a big points and miles planner, so he has all of our Florida road trips planned for the winter. I can't wait.

DeniseinVA said...

A wonderful series of photos Diane. That wood stork is an extraordinary bird. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I admire you greatly and wonder how I would do in your shoes. Wishing you many happy new trails to seek out and follow.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Hi Diane -- thinking of you often and sending hugs. ....If you come to Oregon, I have a nice list and you would be welcome! (But our rainy season is on the way, so you are much better off staying in Florida where (I hope) it is about over!! keep an eye on beautiful outdoor Florida until we get there -- not sure when yet. Big changes at our resort park, so it will be an interesting season.

Soma @ InkTorrents.com said...

I am glad that you are visiting your favorite places with your camera. It is hard to do when life changes like that. Wonderful photos. The first one is so peaceful.

-Soma

Daniela said...

Diane Dear,
I know you're living such a hard period, and I admire your strenght: you have to deal with an empty space both inside your home and your heart. After many years of marriage, our husband, with whom we have shared every single day, enjoyed spare time, adventures, joys and tears, becomes our best friend too . . .
I go on praying for you, may your new path bring serenity to your days to come, your love and sensitvity for Nature will be a great help for sure.
XO Daniela @ ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)

Teresa said...

Me alegra que sigas adelante. Tu reportaje es precioso me gustó mucho. Un abrazo y feliz octubre.

Delisa said...

Hi Diane, what a beautiful blog you have! I am a new follower and I just can't get over how wonderful your pictures are. We live on 5 acres of rural Georgia too. We moved here in 2005 from the Los Angeles area and fell in love. I recently began blogging again after some time away and I am enjoying it very much. I look forward to seeing more of your posts in the future. Have a wonderful day! :)

Veronica Lee said...

Your words are very touching, Diane. Losing someone changes everything, but your photos show that there’s still so much beauty around us. The storks and heron are wonderful -- I’m glad you shared them. Going back to your favorite parks sounds like a gentle way to keep moving forward. Wishing you many peaceful walks and happy moments ahead. 💜

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love visiitng state and National Parks! Beautiful nature heals the soul When I see wilderness I have hope for the world.

morfeas said...

Hi Diane, thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind words! I am thrilled to join in. Your latest post is beautiful; the reflection of the sunset and the birds are gorgeous. To answer your question, I (used to love camping too) growing up, but reading your memories makes me want to pack a bag right now! So glad to connect with you