These days it seems as if I only remember I have a camera about once a week.
Honeysuckle
Last week, once again, it was the day we went out to the country. While Bill worked on a project, I walked around the perimeter of the five acres. The front-yard fence has climbing honeysuckle just beginning to come into bloom. The scent is wonderful -- and I'm surprised none of my pictures caught the multitude of bees who think so too.
The background of this mosaic is the very back of their property -- where the mowed grass was waiting to be picked up, the field reminded me of walking a maze or labyrinth.
A hint of blue sky. It was a perfect June day.
I took a lot of pictures of Parker, the Big Dog. But it should have been a video to catch the splashing. He was having a very good time playing in his pool. I think he's outgrowing it though.
I saw this interesting Moth Dragonfly on a blackberry bush branch.
(Correcting my error --- Thank you to all who commented; I appreciate learning! Here's a link that Wally provided: Common White-tail Dragonfly
When we got to their property, Cyndi and Jeff were busy with their girls (they are foster-parents) and, as for all parents of school-aged children, these days that involves more hours of hands-on care (and home-schooling) every day. Because of this, we usually try to time our visits well for a visit, but on this day Bill wanted to work in the barn/shop, so I just went along for the ride (and the walk in the country). It feels like home out there, in that we don't have to be invited formally to visit. We're grateful for that.
But after a while, (as the girls held what I think was a pogo-stick tournament in the side yard), Cyndi came outside to sit and chat ... and not too much later, she and Jeff had a surprise visitor ....
(L) Our granddaughter and daughter who is holding our great-grandson. (R) Baby and his grandmother (our daughter)
Our granddaughter and her youngest dropped in for a visit. I hope they were as happy as I was that we (the great-grands) were there too! It wasn't hard to maintain safe social distancing because (nobody will be surprised to know), this active boy wasn't very interested in sitting and chatting with the grownups.
As soon as he spent two and a half minutes in his grandmother's lap, he was off running -- with her following closely behind! This is the first time we've actually seen E since he started walking, so that was fun. What a busy boy.
Some nature bloggers join a "Watch a Tree" group (they post the same tree once a month or so to show how it changes over the seasons). I've always enjoyed those posts, but have never been able to even think about doing it since we don't spend a whole year in one place these days. But since we got home earlier this year, I have been able to keep an eye on C&J's black walnut tree since its Spring bloom. So this year, I too am watching a tree.
Linking our day in the country with the following sharing opportunities. Thank you to the hosts.
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; THROUGH MY LENS; OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; ; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; and SATURDAY CRITTERS;
i think honeysuckle is one of my favorite wild flowers, it is all over our bike path and the scent is intoxicating!! parker looks like a happy pup...and june sure is a beautiful month, we have had wonderful weather!!
Posted by: Debbie | June 16, 2020 at 05:55 PM
That's an amazing looking dragonfly.
Posted by: Adam Jones | June 13, 2020 at 01:07 PM
Hello Sallie,
Love the sweet dog Parker and the dragonfly. The flowers are lovely. Spending time with your family is the best. Great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog.
Posted by: EileeninMD | June 13, 2020 at 02:55 AM
Hello. Lovely post. Wonderful photos. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Anu | June 13, 2020 at 12:14 AM
PArker certainly loves the water and I love all the flowers you saw on your walk. Stay safe and have a lovely weekend.
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | June 13, 2020 at 12:03 AM
Great shots! I enjoy seeing Parker having fun. Have a good weekend.
Posted by: Linda | June 12, 2020 at 10:32 PM
Enjoyed all your photos, as I always do. I wish we still had our honeysuckle, used to love its scent. I must plant more. I can see how much Parker enjoys playing in his pool. I haven’t been out near any water lately to see any dragonflies. I miss them. Nice to be able to drop in, and lovely pics of your daughter, granddaughter and great grandchild. That’s a magnficent tree also, sounds like an interesting meme. Thanks for the fun post Sallie, and enjoy the rest of your weekend :)
Posted by: DeniseinVA | June 12, 2020 at 04:06 PM
Beautiful photo of the honeysuckle. Big smile seeing Parker playing in the water, and the family photos!
Posted by: Peter B. | June 12, 2020 at 10:18 AM
wonderful photos from this post!
Posted by: Elke | June 12, 2020 at 01:05 AM
Oh what a beautiful pictures of Country Summers, Just loving it. I Would say that You should take out your camera more often. You Have a Nice and Beautiful Day. . . :)
Posted by: Manav Singhi | June 12, 2020 at 12:09 AM
Hi Sallie,
Your photos show summer life at its best. So wonderful you could meet grandson and what fun Parker had! Honeysuckle is a fabulous climber, but unfortunately it gets easily mildew here... Enjoy your June!
Posted by: riitta k | June 11, 2020 at 11:38 PM
What a great shot from the Honeysuckle - I asked the translation becauce I don't know this name. I Germany is it a "Geißblatt" - I have a red in my Garden.
Greetings
Kirsi
Posted by: Kirsi | June 11, 2020 at 11:27 PM
Great shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | June 11, 2020 at 08:29 PM
Honeysuckle smells so good! It always brings back childhood memories for me. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Coloring Outside the Lines | June 11, 2020 at 06:33 PM
Watching a tree sounds awesome. I have to give that a try. We have a sugar maple that would be interesting to observe through the seasons. We also have a honeysuckle bank that smells heavenly right now!
Posted by: Laurie | June 11, 2020 at 02:18 PM
Best of all worlds...family and nature..I am missing hugs these days..
Posted by: Michelle Nature Notes | June 11, 2020 at 12:57 PM
What beautiful shots, Sallie. It's always good to spend time with family members. The flowers and nature are gorgeous in your area. My daughter keeps me updated on Oregon and the virus. Hope everything is going well for you and you are staying safe. Have a wonderful day.
Posted by: bill burke | June 11, 2020 at 12:12 PM
What a glorious place to see your family.
Your little guy is so sweet and what a busy beaver too.
Love the dog in the pool. He's as big as it is...
Beautiful flowers and the white dragonfly is really pretty too. I thought it was more in the moth family.
You have much to be thankful for.
Sue
Posted by: Suzan Batz | June 11, 2020 at 10:44 AM
The countryside is always a joy for nature lovers. The honeysuckle looks pretty. Nature has blessed us with variety of flowers each one unique and beautiful.
Your great grandson sounds like an explorer......
Have a happy week ahead Cathy.
Posted by: Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe | June 11, 2020 at 09:09 AM
I shhould be a great grandma too ! but boys are always later ! If I would have had a daughter I would have a grown up grandson too. Never mind, I don't see them very often anyway only on whatsapp. Last time was on Christmas I guess, because then in March the lockdown started !
Posted by: Gattina | June 11, 2020 at 08:16 AM
It is wonderful to be outside enjoying the flowers and beauty of nature. Wonderful pictures!
Posted by: Judy F Biggerstaff | June 11, 2020 at 08:15 AM
I absolutely love the smell of honeysuckle and wish for a scratch and sniff screen. Parker looks to be having fun even in a pool to small for him. What a treat to see family in such a beautiful place.
Posted by: Gaelyn | June 11, 2020 at 08:05 AM
You had a great day, Sallie, time spent in the country, flowers, fresh air, family. During Covid-19 times that's about as good as it gets. Maybe one day, in a time far, far away, you will be able to hug again!
Posted by: David Gascoigne | June 11, 2020 at 04:28 AM
Hello,
It is a lovely property, beautiful flowers. The honeysuckle smells so sweet. It was great you were able to meet up with your family, the great-grand is a cutie. The tree watch is cool activity, easy to follow with our cameras. Parker looks cute playing in his pool. Have a great day!
Posted by: EileeninMD | June 11, 2020 at 02:58 AM
What a fortunate coincidence.
There doesn't seem to be honeysuckle anywhere near where I now live. I miss it.
I am glad you have chosen a tree to watch. I think others who have done the same have found it very rewarding.
Posted by: Lucy Corrander | June 10, 2020 at 12:15 PM
I wonder if yours is native or introduced (and invasive) honeysuckle. It's pretty either way.
Taking photos of trees seems irresistible. The earliest pioneer photographer in England, Henry Fox Talbot, took a tree photo at the very dawn of photography in the 1840s. Every Wednesday thousands or millions of similar photos appear for Wordless Wednesday on blogs these days!
be well...mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Posted by: mae | June 10, 2020 at 11:35 AM
Hi, Sallie! What a wonderful day you had. Time outdoors in the country, a bee serenade, family, and a baby boy walking and exploring. On Sunday we visited with friends for a short while. It felt great. Our county is about to enter Phase 3, but we're still going to take it slow. I tell the Husband that he's lucky I can cook. lol
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | June 10, 2020 at 09:30 AM
Gorgeous nature shots and wonderful family photos ~ you are blessed ~
Be Safe, Be Well,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | June 10, 2020 at 07:53 AM
Beautiful walk and visits! The idea with the tree is interesting, too!
Posted by: Iris Flavia | June 10, 2020 at 02:41 AM
lol, I see you too meet in the garden. I drive to see my daughter on days when we can expect fine weather and sit in the garden or take a walk.
That dragonfly is a sturdy one. Quite unusual I think.
I love Honeysuckle. When I was young it was the only perfume I used :)
Take care, stay safe.
Posted by: NatureFootstep | June 10, 2020 at 12:35 AM
I think we all go through cycles of picture-taking with real life taking center stage.
You still managed to get some wonderful images and I know the surprise visitors made your day!
I am excited to see your corner at 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking up.
Posted by: betty - NZ | June 09, 2020 at 05:19 PM
mmmm honeysuckle smells great, bet the doggy was pleased with his pool.
Posted by: Amy Franks | June 09, 2020 at 02:00 PM
Beautiful honeysuckle!
Your big dog in a too small "swimming"pool made me really smile!
Posted by: Calendula | June 09, 2020 at 12:33 PM
You have a beautiful yard with amazing plants. The moth may actually be a dragon fly. Lovely photo series.
Posted by: Taken For Granted | June 09, 2020 at 09:31 AM
Nice tromp through your five acres.
I love hearing about little kids who are love doing stuff outdoors and exploring.
Posted by: Alan Bates | June 09, 2020 at 08:54 AM
I think it's a dragonfly not a moth!
Parker seems to be really enjoying himself!
So many lovely flowers too and always nice to spend time with family, even if you do need to keep your distance
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | June 09, 2020 at 07:35 AM
It's great to have great granddaughter around, oh, lovely.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | June 09, 2020 at 04:48 AM
Wonderful collection of photos - family, furry family members and flowers
Posted by: Carol | June 09, 2020 at 03:28 AM
Lovely photos as always, Sallie! Looks like a perfect June day!
Posted by: Veronica Lee | June 08, 2020 at 11:38 PM
Such sweet shots - and fragrant too!
Posted by: Lady Fi | June 08, 2020 at 11:26 PM
That is one beautiful backyard! Parker looks very happy!
Posted by: Lisa | Handmade in Israel | June 08, 2020 at 10:25 PM
hope u r well this week, i gotta say sometimes i fall behind on comments, and i thank you for yours. so sweet. we got home from a camping trip. it was just plain odd. we get together in a rally so like this one had about 25 or so ... a lot less than normal. and when we got together for like a pot luck ... lots of distancing between us. it was fun but just odd or different. i feel like the news makes u think that every thing has come to a stop but the roads are not empty. we went to Illinois, from Virginia. so that was fun to see a new spot. meet new people. get out into nature for a change and just relax. sure hope things will change soon. i am tried of the weirdness but so many folks think it will last a lot longer??! have a super great week. ( ;
Posted by: Beth | June 08, 2020 at 06:07 PM
Sallie - you are surrounded by lovely countryside - I love the natural look of those flower gardens with all the daisies. And the gift of family - how special. As I type this, I am in Ohio visiting my Mom and other family - what a joy to see them! Thanks for linking up to Mosaic Monday with spring's delights!
Posted by: Angie | June 08, 2020 at 03:33 PM
Lovely set of photos. That moth though looks like a dragonfly to me! Keep well and safe, Diane
Posted by: Diane | June 08, 2020 at 11:49 AM
Hi,
I love Honeysuckle...smells so good. Mine doesn't bloom until late in the summer. Your Walnut tree looks huge, but be really old. Have a great day!
Posted by: Sherrie | June 08, 2020 at 11:30 AM
It's nice to have a place where family can gather and be themselves, that's what I have here it's our family homestead so to speak...great flowers!!
Posted by: Sondra | June 08, 2020 at 09:57 AM
I thought that was some sort of dragonfly but you said moth. Love the clear wings with the black on them. Different.
I do love the smell of honeysuckle, reminds me of home.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade
Posted by: Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade | June 08, 2020 at 08:41 AM
Super super cute Doggy!!! Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful tree dear Sallie! It gives me so much coolness in this very hot weather here!
Posted by: Stevenson Que | June 08, 2020 at 08:39 AM
How sweet to spend time with children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson! The fields full of flowers look so beautiful and a photographer's delight. I loved your close up of the honeysuckle and the moth.
Posted by: Pat | June 08, 2020 at 08:28 AM
I can smell that honeysuckle from here.
Gorgeous photographs, Sallie! What a terrific place to walk.
Any post with grandkids is a winner. We need to get to Texas soon to see ours. They grow up way too fast.
I believe your moth is a beautiful female Common Whitetail dragonfly. (https://bugguide.net/node/view/56308)
Florida is just as humid as you think it is!!
Posted by: Wally Jones | June 08, 2020 at 07:39 AM
I like the idea of watching a tree! I have a tree I call the flutterby tree that I photograph in all the seasons. Love seeing everyone outside enjoying the sunshine! Summertime...oh how I love it! Hugs! (do you think that might be a dragonfly? the wings look like one)
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | June 08, 2020 at 07:11 AM
It's lovely to see the grands, isn't it?!
Posted by: Jennifer Jilks | June 08, 2020 at 05:12 AM
It's wonderful to have such a wonderful family, a blooming garden... it sounds perfect.
Despite the mouthguard, we have to wear, we can have some small funny moments, isn't. I enjoyed reading - especially Parker make me smiling. I remembering on our Chow-Chow...
...Stay healthy and well, dear blogfriend.
Happy MosaicMonday
Posted by: // Heidrun | June 08, 2020 at 01:26 AM
Love the honeysuckle photo. I am waiting for mine to bloom. Parker the big dog looks like he had fun. A nice surprise visit from your great grandie. Have a good week.
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | June 07, 2020 at 09:41 PM
I sort of did that by accident going back through my photos of the cottonwood trees here behind the condo. I was lucky to find one for each season. You have lots of beautiful flowers. Does it take a lot of work to keep up five acres? I have trouble keeping a small condo in order with no outside chores. We went back to Marina Park today. It was busier on a Sunday but still plenty of room. There's no direct access to the ocean so it is people walking dogs, sitting at picnic tables for a quick lunch or just sitting in the sun. A perfect spot for us with an ocean view and nice cool breeze. - Margy
Posted by: Margy | June 07, 2020 at 08:23 PM
Sallie, Nice property with wide open spaces! Great nature shots. Thanks for sharing and have a great week.
Posted by: Sylvia D. | June 07, 2020 at 07:39 PM
Well that was a beautiful acreage to walk about. How nice to see your great grand running about. Boy it takes a lot of energy to chase after those little ones. Great shot of that moth! Happy new week to you!
Posted by: ellen b. | June 07, 2020 at 06:45 PM
Haha, I’ve heard of tree huggers but it’s pretty cool to be a tree watcher. Five-acres is a lot of land and such a great opportunity for kids, pets and grandparents to enjoy nature.
Posted by: Penelope Notes | June 07, 2020 at 06:43 PM
Great blog with lovely pictures. The flowers and the back of the acreage is great. Nice to visit even unexpectedly.
Enjoy!
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | June 07, 2020 at 05:54 PM
What a feast Sally. Your family around you, and these beautiful honeysuckle's! That moth is unusually beautiful too! Yeah, I remember watch a tree vaguely from last year. Great you can visit whenever you feel like! Many thanks for sharing the happiness in your family, and have a beautiful week, Jesh
Posted by: Junieper/Jesh | June 07, 2020 at 05:30 PM
The photo of the honeysuckle was just wonderful and breathtaking!!! The moth is beautiful too!! Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Cathy Keller | June 07, 2020 at 04:01 PM