Garberia, Fall Wildflowers

 The woods and preserves have been covered in Swamp Sunflowers for a couple of months and we are still seeing quite a few but now the Garberia is in full bloom.

"Garberia is unlike most species in the Asteraceae family in that its growth habit is woody and shrubby rather than herbaceous. Garberia is endemic to Florida’s north and central peninsula, and occurs naturally in scrub and xeric hammocks. It typically flowers in late fall but has been known to flower sparsely throughout the year. It is a state-listed threatened species." Quote taken from the website HERE.

Most of the blooms are a pretty lavender color and they look beautiful out in the woods with the pine trees.

The butterflies love Garberia!

We've hiked a lot of different trails lately and seen so many things. But one day, we headed off in a different direction in the woods, staying off the paved trail. And when we were finishing our hike and intersecting with the paved Florida Trails, I saw the blower coming. 

(this is a photo from the past)

Volunteers drive this ATV on the paved trails, blowing the leaves and pine needles off. And over the years I have talked to the couple that does this job. They always stop to let you pass, so that they don't blow leaves all over you and it's been a chance to chat. We would swap sightings and stories and they even gave me maps of the trails. So when I saw them coming I waited. But it was two women. And when they stopped the lady I knew told me her husband had passed away. That was very sad and I felt so blessed to have a chance to talk to her. She was planning to move away so I probably won't see her again. And she told me they had a bench dedicated to her husband near the 49th Ave trailhead.

It took us 2 hikes to find it but we did! We won't ever forget Kenny and his sweet wife. They have made such a difference in our lives.

 Always clearing the path for everyone with a wave and a smile! 

(a photo from the past)

Enjoy your week!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too! 

Just for fun!

 The cloud formations have been beautiful this week.

What do you see? 

I'll leave my scary banner up one more day to explain how it is really a collage, or mosaic!

"You are in Bear Country"

It started with a sign at the 49th Ave Trailhead, that cautions hikers of the bear activity in the area. And yes, several people have stopped to tell us they saw a bear. But we haven't seen one....yet! 

I took that sign and put a cropped photo of a tree on each side to create a collage. And then put the 'BOO' on it. Were you scared? Just a little? Tell the truth now! Which would scare you most, a bear or an alligator? We see alligators pretty often so I think a bear sighting would scare me more!

And I got some new Wet cloths this week. They have a good sale going on and they even sent me a free one. The link is HERE.

It looks like a little mosaic, doesn't it?

I also ordered some beautiful cards with original art from an Etsy shop HERE.

And I decided to cut some paper and sew it into one of them to create a journal.

 This is my favorite so I'll just have the bunny I made a long time ago, hold it for me!

 Do you love Etsy shopping too? 

Do you have some favorites this week to share?

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Fun experiences in NC!

 

It's always so nice when you get treated in a special way when you are on a trip.

I try to be kind in the way I live my life, but I also appreciate kindnesses shown to me.

It makes me very thankful.

So here are a few kindnesses along the way!

I had a few nice 'antique' items I was ready to get rid of so I drove over to The Garage to ask the owner if she would want them. (a couple of big bowls, old cookbooks and a small child's chair) She was very happy. And I told her I didn't want to sell them, I wanted to donate them. 

She looked around the store and said for me to pick out a Garage T shirt!

 I liked the blue color, don't you? What a nice surprise!

Maybe next time we'll eat next door!

We drove down the hill to the Library so I took a few photos there too. 

I can't go to NC without visiting my favorite library.

Another day, a neighbor gave me some ripe local peaches that she had bought from a farm stand.

Thanks to everyone that made our trip even more special!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

Also I like Thursdays HERE.   

Remember me? We've been traveling!

 

It sure felt great to load the Jeep and travel to the mountains of North Carolina.

And we had lots of fun on the way!

A trip through Georgia deserves a stop at the Piggly Wiggly!

It's a Southern thing! Taking a detour because of a train on the tracks is common too! 

And we saw fields of sunflowers in full bloom.

Doesn't hurt to stop for a few photos, does it?

It was nice to have the cooler temps in the mountains and lower humidity!

And then there are the Blue Ridge Mountains!

We never get tired of seeing those!

Lots of photos to share and I can't wait to start visitin' again! Can you believe I didn't even take my computer on this trip? (I took an IPAD but didn't spend much time on it!)

What have I missed? What's new with you? Tell me in the comments what's happening where you live! I'm anxious to hear from all of my blog buddies!

Enjoy your day! I love the mountains but I'm also thankful to be back in Florida!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

A Drive to Florida's Nature Coast

 We drove over to the Gulf Coast a few days ago and it felt great to take a little day trip.

We had an errand to run in that direction so we drove a little farther to “The Ozello Trail” as it twists and turns through St. Martin’s Aquatic Preserve, a 23,000-acre wildlife preserve. 

It was a beautiful day but the two lane road was not busy at all so we enjoyed the sights along the way.

My hubby was driving 55 mph and I rolled my window down to take pics.

I just kept taking them hoping something would come out. 

Hoping they would not all just be a big blur!

But guess what! 

(this was one of my FAVS!)

They all turned out good so I've had a time trying to figure out which ones to share.

We're going over the bridge now so stay tuned!

I'll show some of the birds we saw in my next post!

I'm thankful to live in such a beautiful place!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Another year flew by.....

 

And I survived!

I even managed to have lots of adventures in the great outdoors despite the pandemic.

So here's to another year to DISCOVER the beauty that surrounds me....

in the 'wilds of Florida!

I'm thankful to be having a special day and plan to stay outside and PLAY all day, or at least until it's time to come inside for a cup of coffee and a cookie!

Enjoy your day!

Let's CELEBRATE!!!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!