A recent day-trip took us through the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest (now that's a name you've got to love!). Mostly we saw blue skies and Nature's beautiful shades of green -- not a lot of wildlife or birds on that particular day, but it was warm and peaceful and we enjoyed the drive.
All the green was punctuated by occasional bursts of yellow from this magnolia-like plant growing along the road. I have no idea what it is (and I hope it is meant to be out there and isn't an accidental or invasive.)
The busy bees loved it!
We are as happy as the bees to see greens and blues and blooming flowers in January!
Linking to the blogging communities a TODAY'S FLOWERS, hosted by Denice and MOSAIC MONDAY, by Mary. Many thanks!
four big prominent petals. pretty!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | January 19, 2013 at 05:00 PM
It is wonderful to have something blooming all year long. We sure had a beautiful day! Happy weekend!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | January 19, 2013 at 05:03 PM
This is a lovely yellow bloom, reminds me of sunshine. Great photos with the little bee visitor and I thank you so much for sharing them with Today's Flowers :)
Posted by: Denise | January 19, 2013 at 05:22 PM
Such a bright and cheerful yellow!
Posted by: SandyCarlson | January 19, 2013 at 05:37 PM
What a pretty flower, so bright and cheery! Just what I needed to see on a dull grey January day.
Posted by: Karen | January 19, 2013 at 05:56 PM
Move over Bees I love sunny yellow flowers too!
Cheers Sallie, thanks for sharing the beauty so beautifully ~:)
Posted by: Pam ;) | January 19, 2013 at 06:46 PM
Very beautiful pictures !
Posted by: Gattina | January 19, 2013 at 10:56 PM
i have seen this flower around here but i don't know the name.:p bright and beautiful.
Posted by: Luna Miranda | January 20, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Quite a coincidence! Your yellow bloom and yellow seems to be the order of the day here at the Australian Open (Tennis), most players have yellow shoes, yellow shorts or dresses and yellow tops, some even with yellow caps!
Colin (Brisbane. Australia)
Weather: At last some areas are getting good rainfalls.
Plenty more is needed all over the country to knock out the fires.
Posted by: Colin Huggins | January 20, 2013 at 12:03 AM
ça nous donne de la couleur à notre journée
Posted by: l'Angevine | January 20, 2013 at 12:54 AM
A vibrant and lovely splash of sun!
Posted by: ladyfi | January 20, 2013 at 02:09 AM
Quite a mouthful on that forest name! Yay for color, for that means spring will be here soon. I wish I could ID that flower; it certainly is beautiful. :)
Posted by: Gail | January 20, 2013 at 02:21 AM
Amazing to see flowers in January, and even the colour yellow is very rare in this season. We have a lot of snow at this moment, but I like iit ! Have a great day!
Posted by: Reader Wil | January 20, 2013 at 03:26 AM
it's nice to see the sunny blooms...when so many people are dealing with the freezing temp's and snow!!
Posted by: laura k | January 20, 2013 at 03:54 AM
Lucky you, to see blooms in January! Love the flower and the photos. Happy Sunday!
Posted by: Eileen | January 20, 2013 at 04:44 AM
super bee shot.
Posted by: diane | January 20, 2013 at 04:51 AM
Such a cheery sight!
Posted by: Sally in WA | January 20, 2013 at 05:01 AM
Thank you for bringing color into my northern grey winter days.
Posted by: Mary Pellerito | January 20, 2013 at 06:09 AM
Lovely flowers and such a sweet Bee...!
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | January 20, 2013 at 08:15 AM
Gorgeous blossom! I have never seen one that shape before, with the sepals so close to the petals!! But I love the colour!!
Posted by: Judy | January 20, 2013 at 08:46 AM
Wonderful mosaic and I love the bee feeding on the yellow flower.
Posted by: Carver | January 20, 2013 at 10:58 AM
I'm basking in your yellow! Keep posting these vivid blooms - just what I need right now.
Posted by: Barb | January 20, 2013 at 01:17 PM
Yellow is such a happy colour. Lovely mosaic.
Posted by: A Garden of Threads | January 20, 2013 at 03:51 PM
Beautiful photography ~ Wow!
(A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: Carol and artmusedog ^_^ | January 20, 2013 at 04:23 PM
So pretty! Lovely to see bright yellow and a sweet bee in the middle of January!
Visiting from MM,
Blessings,
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | January 20, 2013 at 04:51 PM
Lovely to see your yellow in winter! Cheery! Have a good week.
Posted by: dotsie | January 20, 2013 at 04:55 PM
Bees and colorful flowers in January is a wonderful thing! We need the brightness up here where grey dominates.
Posted by: Lorrie | January 20, 2013 at 04:56 PM
Love the sunny yellow flower. Valerie
Posted by: Valerie | January 20, 2013 at 04:58 PM
I love our National Parks but the State Parks have a lot more charm and character. Great pics.
Posted by: Yogi | January 20, 2013 at 05:23 PM
Beautiful shots from the nature.
Posted by: Rajesh | January 20, 2013 at 05:25 PM
Ah, blue skies and a pretty flower. Thank you for this during our bleak and snowy winter.
Posted by: Lavender Cottage | January 20, 2013 at 05:37 PM
What beautiful, bright yellows you've captured here, and I love the bee (as long as it's not too close to me).
Posted by: Al | January 20, 2013 at 06:21 PM
That is lovely and bright thank you
Posted by: gerald | January 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Hi there - I do love the name - but I'm not sure how you pronounce it!!
Bees do love yellow.
Glad you came back to the "long blog" - I'm in the early stages of investigating publishing options!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | January 21, 2013 at 12:40 AM
don´t think I have seen this one before. Love the shape and 2 shades of yellow. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | January 21, 2013 at 02:37 AM
That bright spot of color sure got my morning off to a good start! Lovely!
Posted by: Snap | January 21, 2013 at 04:16 AM
I'd pay a reasonable amount right about now to see a yellow bloom and a bee. Even the pods where the petals have fallen off are interesting looking. I sure do love your photography. Oh....we're expecting a high of about 5 degrees today.
Posted by: donna | January 21, 2013 at 04:17 AM
So beautiful!
Posted by: Chris | January 21, 2013 at 06:16 AM