"Life is a Gift"

 Isn't this a beautiful quote?

It's very simple and we've heard it all our lives but it still 'packs a punch'!

I am always excited when January rolls around. It's all about a new year and new beginnings (and most of you know that I just had a birthday).

We are taking advantage of the beautiful winter weather in Florida to make familiar hikes AND find some new trails.

I always like to see signs and stickers on vehicles. (I haven't been brave enough to put one on the Jeep but I will this year!)

The above mosaic is a sign with a Mockingbird on top, and honey bees on the flowers!

Doesn't it look like a tall gnome could live in this tall tree?

Eastern Bluebird, Flycatcher, Warbler

Let's look up close at the honey bee!

I hope you've seen something that made you smile this week!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

One more linky party HERE! 

Herons and Caterpillars and Alligators oh my!

 

We've had some fun hikes this past week! The weather has been just right some days to a 'bit hot' other days. We will be planning a few early morning hikes in the near future if this keeps up.

But the trail at Blue Run Park is always shady and we see more birds there than anywhere else.

He's been fishin'! 

This week the herons have returned!

Black-crowned Night-Herons.

And Green Herons. We saw 2 of each!

And isn't this juvenile Little Blue Heron eye catching? 

He's still wearing 'white' but streaks of blue are showing up and his bill is bright blue!

But whatever you do, don't stand under these trees for very long!

I think it's a Tussock Moth caterpillar. When I searched online I came across a post done by a blog buddy a few years ago HERE. Another website said that if you touch one, you'll feel like you've handled fiberglass!

And isn't this Alligator kind of neat framed in vegetation....and a long ways away? heehee! I zooooomed!!!

Some sights in the parking lot at Blue Run Park.

 Enjoy your weekend!

Get outside with your camera and see what you can find!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Horses in Florida

We live in a city that has the distinction of being 'The Horse Capitol of the World'. An article online HERE. 

And whenever we are out and about we see big horse farms and lots of beautiful horses.

I don't ride horses but I'm glad the horse trails have opened for those around here that do.

This was painted on the side of a horse trailer.

And I know they are happy to have places to park their horse trailers and unload the horses.

When we hike the Florida State Parks and forests, the horses have designated trails so that makes it nice for the hikers too. At the Shangri-La trailhead hikers, bikes and horses all have separate trails. 

(horse trail)

(hiking trail)

I thought this Jeep looked neat at the trailhead.

  

My youngest son knows how much I love the stickers and signs on vehicles so he took this photo for me! 

Do you ride horses? I wish I had learned when I was younger but I don't think I could manage it now. 

It may be hard to tell in this photo but this was the widest horse I've ever seen! 

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

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

Wildflowers in Spring

Life sure has changed in these last few weeks. I still get outside and take photos of the beauty that surrounds me, but there's always the worry and tension that you just can't ignore. I pray as soon as I wake in the morning and then many times throughout the day. And even though I read in the evenings, my thoughts still go back to the state of the world when I climb into bed. It's sobering to say the least. I hope and pray all of you are in good health. 

I'll share some pretty wildflowers that are blooming right now here in Florida.

It's very dry here so the wildflowers are sparse this year.

But they are still very beautiful.

It sure is nice to have Mosaic Monday to share our photos and our friendship. Thank you to Angie and to all of my blog buddies!

(a few cute bumper stickers seen in the parking lot)

Please let me know in the comments how you are doing?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

Did you ever try to 'get ahead'?

I'd be satisfied right now with 'keeping up'! heehee! I didn't get on the computer much over the weekend but it was for good reasons! It's hiking weather in Florida!

Scrub Lupine

It was 70 degrees yesterday when we hiked. My hubby is determined to get into better shape and he's trying to 'drag' me along! lol He wants to hike more often, at a faster pace and longer distances. I'm always ready to GO though and we are having a great time getting out on the trails.

These are just a few fun bumper stickers and signs we see in the parking lot on cars.

These were on the trail.

And what do you think about this JEEP?

Look at the door handles! They are lavender!  

I drive a nice car but it's not new. (and it can go very fast but of course it usually doesn't) 

Jeeps are very popular here in Florida! Sometimes I think I 'need' one but I haven't even ridden in one yet. My little car gets me where I want to go so I guess I'll keep it for another 10 years! lol

Do you walk fast...or drive fast? Inquiring minds want to know!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE .