Small daily adventures

A couple of days ago, I saw my very first live snake whilst walking around the lake.

I was spying on this Great Blue Heron as he was fishing for his breakfast when I encountered this oak snake that I was later told is harmless.

I was hiding behind a tree in order to get closer to the bird and that's when I noticed the snake in the grass (no pun intended.)

 (my friend Sandi looking at the snake)

I always keep my distance with wild (and unfamiliar) animals...unless they're incredibly cute like this little green tree frog that was clinging to my Ginger Lily out on the front porch this afternoon.

After the first flash of my camera, he quickly retreated inside the leaves and was sleepily peeking up at me. You can't tell from looking at it here, but this little fella was only about an inch or so big.... clearly a baby!

I wanted to reach for him and hold him, but I knew it would only scare him away.

My Ginger Lily is blooming again (for the third or second time this year) and the fragrant blossoms have a scent similar to Gardenias. 

I cut one blossom off today (for the first time) and put it in a vase inside my apartment. It's sitting on my computer desk so that I can enjoy its aroma whilst typing.

Today, the little kindergartners had their annual autumn walk around the lake, so Gizzy and I stayed and watched all the little ones walk by, carrying their plastic baggies full of collectibles, i.e. leaves, sticks, etc. 

One of my friend's grand daughter and her mommy were there too. Haley is such an adorable little four-year old girl.

She kind of reminds me of a young Drew Barrymore....look at that adorable cookie dough commercial:



Here's another precious face belonging to one of Haley's little friends:

I enjoyed watching the little ones march by waving hello to me and Gizzy. "Hello, doggy!" they would say and I just answered back in Gizzy's behalf.

My neighbor Terri came walking to the lake with Patches and Gizzy had to sniff hello.

Patches is a young Jack Russell Terrier mix that belongs to another elderly neighbor. 

Here's Gizzy and his friends Tuffy and Sophie, the two Shih-Tzus that belong to my friend Sandi.

Our morning walks are leisurely and unhurried. We love to let the dogs explore and get their fill while we look at everything and often stop and rest for a while to soak up nature and offer the dogs some refreshments (i.e. water, snacks)  Not a  high-energy type of activity, but most enjoyable and a great way for us to start the day. Oftentimes that's the only socializing we do with other people as I and Sandi pretty much stay to ourselves for the rest of the day.

Yesterday I spied a White Egret perched in one of the swamp cypress trees and I actually managed to get a close up. They normally fly away just before I get a chance to come any closer.

The trees used to be full of those white, majestic looking birds, but now I only see one or two flying around. It really is an impressive sight to see a tree full of those big, white birds ... as if it snowed Egrets.

The cats are getting fat and sassy, seeking me out if I'm running a wee bit late for their morning and evening feedings. I have two spaces reserved for our upcoming spay/neuter day next Tuesday. I have two traps and hope and pray that I get at least one.

Here are a few random photos of our "resident" strays:

Here's Papa Leggs, a handsome and fearless warrior tomcat responsible for all the kittens around here. I'm afraid he's too smart than to be trapped by me.

I love to watch the young ones run. They're such goof balls. I can't help but smile watching them in action.

They all run when they see me at feeding times and almost fall all over themselves. I so wish I could pet them and despite myself, I end up loving them as if they were my own.

I think he's so handsome, but he's seen some very bloodied battles - poor thing!

I have a soft spot for this little black one. He (or she) has a habit of wrapping his (or her) tail around things like a little monkey.

I miss you Mr. Bloomers, my blue prince!

He loved doing the roly-poly. He felt like spun silk and was so special to me.

Lastly, a couple more pictures of my silly boy around the house:

I call this his "gator impression" 

Here's your cigar (ahem) Pup-Peroni, Gizzy!

I want to wish you all a most wonderful First Day of Autumn.... a day I've been yearning for all summer long. Here's a little poem that I read on my friend Ginny's blog of Let Your Light Shine I want to pass it on simply because I enjoy the poetry of Dr. Seuss:


How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn!
How did it get so late so soon?
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

Happy weekend - happy Autumn!