A Wonderful day of...

...discovering. I have a passion for photography. The last few weeks it seems as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning, I am off and running. But, today I had most of the day to myself. There is nothing I enjoy more than to just take my camera and go looking for whatever, is waiting to be "discovered" and photographed.
First I "discovered" that the Jacks are back. Both the green and brown. I like to turn up the flaplike spathe and photograph "Jack" the club like spadix.
Next among the Euphorbia esula, Leafy Spurge I found several Red Ants, Formica exsectoides. They are rusty red on the head and thorax and blackish brown on the legs and abdomen. Worker often stay near aphids or transport them to collect their "honeydew". Honeydew is a saplike liquid which the aphids secrete.
Next I found Morel mushrooms in several places, where I have not found them before. They are edible and if I find enough, I will pick them and cook them. A local grocery store sells Morels at $99.00 a pound. They are a very valuable "discovery". The question is do I like photographing them or eating them? Both!!!

The month of May...

...is my very favorite month. I want to be outside every possible minute. The sounds, sights and smells are all so fresh and wonderful. Baltimore orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and Warblers have all returned. The meadow and wood are a cacophony of bird melodies. The gardens seem to be growing so quickly that, the growth can be heard. The sweet smells of flowering trees, woodland treasures and gardens fill each breathe I take.
Discovery everywhere...each morning some new leaf or bud...eggs in the nest in the blue bird house...peepers and other frogs, a chorus nightly...insects...bee buzzing in and around each garden, shrub and tree...butterflies, dragonflies, moths.
I recall the words in a song from the Musical Carousel. "April cried and stepped aside and along came pretty little May. May was full of promises but, she didn't keep them quick enough for some". Well, she keeps them quick enough for me. And she always keeps her promises.

I'm back...

...and couldn't believe that so many days had just disappeared, since I last posted. The gardens have been taking up a lot of time. I don't do as much work in the Autumn putting them to bed, because I generally leave as much as possible, seed etc. for the birds and small mammals to feed on. But, that means a lot of clean up in the Spring. I also leave a lot of leaves for mulch. The leaves need to be raked and deposited into compost bins, and I try to have it done before the black flies emerge. For some reason Black Flies find me a "banquet". My husband is seldom bothered by them and a dear friend who helps me garden isn't bothered by them either. I wear a "bug shirt" and straw hat and gloves but, occasionally they find a spot and chew.
The Rose Breasted Grosbeak male and female have returned and also the male Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. Still haven't seen the Baltimore orioles, but they should be here soon. They always appear when the Ornamental Crab Apple blooms.
I was going to post last night but, we got a major storm and loss power for 11 hours. No power, No computer. Thank you for your caring comments.