Some of my Favorite Things........

FLOWERS, BIRDS and BUTTERFLIES!
This morning it was 65 degrees!  Yesterday's rain and wind dropped our temperature ten degrees in a short time.  When I saw how cool it was, I decided to get out there and walk a mile before it got hot.  Five round trips down our long driveway to the highway and back equals one mile.  Later today, we plan to go to the gym and workout for an hour. 

When we finished breakfast, I took the camera outside to see what I could find.  I like the color of this deep rose Zinnia.

A Red Spotted Purple Butterfly posed on the back porch for a few shots.  I have yet to catch him on a flower.  He likes the concrete and the driveway instead.

All the butterflies like the butterfly bush!

I like the details and colors of the American Painted Lady on the Lantana.

The heavenly scent of the summer phlox filled the cool morning air.  It makes me want to draw in a very deep breath and savor that sweet smell.

While I was photographing the butterflies, I heard a couple of Mockingbirds behind me making a fuss.  They were intent on eating the black seed pods that form on the Lantana.

I was within ten feet of this bird and he didn't seen to mind me at all.  After this, Jeep saw him taking a bath in the water I put out for them.  Sorry, but we missed getting a picture of this.  All of this happened before 9:00 A.M.   Wonder what the rest of the day will be like!!!.

Hope you are finding little bits of JOY where you live!

Skies over Mississippi

I've always been fascinated with the ever changing skies!  Growing up in the country, we used to lie on a quilt spread on the soft grass and watch the clouds.  We would imagine that they looked like various animals, etc. 

This is the pasture next to our house.  That's Desperado grazing out there.  The front of our neighbor's underground house is in the background.  Babe is usually out there, and always comes over for a pat.

These multicolored clouds were straight overhead.  This is the current wallpaper on my computer.

 The sun is still peeking through the trees as it paints another unique sunset for us to enjoy.

I like all the delicate shades of purple, pink and blue in this sunset.

  This is just a small piece of what was a glorious sunset that covered half the sky.

Today, I'm thankful for our ever changing skies!

This Morning...

 

Green on green ~ Green Dragonfly on Ginger leaf.

 

Common Buckeye Butterfly

 

Bumblebee on Zinnia

 

Swallowtail on Lantana

 

Just a few of today's blessings!

Half way to my Goal!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Eighteen pounds are gone for good! When I lose 18 more I will be at my goal weight! I began my weight loss journey January 13, 2011 with the intention of reaching my goal by my birthday. I may not reach my goal by my birthday 11 weeks from now, as I had planned, but at least, I can try. If I do not reach it by then, maybe I will by Christmas.

I have already lost more than I expected. My thinking was that at my age, the extra pounds were probably on there to stay. Losing 18 pounds has not been all that hard. I just decided to do this for ME, and to set my mind to do it. A few lifestyle changes here and there really add up. Some helpful changed I have adopted are:

1. Using a salad plate instead of a dinner plate

2. Drinking more water, at least 8 glasses a day

3. Eating more veggies and fruit, I aim for 5 or more

4. Exercising three times a week at the gym, plus walking at home

5. Measuring and Portion control. This was an eye opener!

The help, support and encouragement of others here at Spark People have been a great help! Even though my Dear Hubby thought I was perfect (smile) before I started this program, he has been most supportive and has gone to the gym and worked out with me every time! He also continued to go alone when I was sick and unable to go. That made me so proud of him and let me know that he was serious about getting in shape, too.

Before the first of the year, I hope to write another blog post that says, “I’ve Reached My Goal!”

 If you have a few pounds (or a hundred pounds) you want to lose, I encourage you to check out the FREE and very helpful web site at www.sparkpeople.com

Peace

"PEACE. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all of those things and still be calm in your heart." ~ unknown

My grandson, Jesse, who was a freshman at Mississippi State University this past school year, made the pictures I'm posting today.  He plays percussion instruments is in the  'Famous Maroon Band'.  Sixty of the band members chose to go on a ten day trip to Germany and Austria in May.

I think these pictures look so peaceful and serene.  I'm not sure about the name of this mountain.
In my mind, I can just imagine standing on this high mountain and hearing nothing except the sound of the wind blowing!

I know one thing for sure, though.  It's very high!  Do you suppose there is "Peace in the Valley"?

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  American King James Version

Peace in the Valley video by Tennessee Ernie Ford

(beautiful scenes)

Color at the Feeders

The Goldfinches and House Finches are very colorful now.

The House Finches are more colorful now than I can ever remember.

Look at how this Goldfinch is holding onto the House Finch's tail!

  Jeep made these pictures this morning with my camera.

Hope you are having a colorful day!

Birdies

Jeep made this one a few minutes ago. We don't have many Goldfinch, like we did in the Winter, but the few that we have are a dazzling yellow!

This poor, hot Bluebird seemed to be having trouble deciding whether to drink or dive in for a bath.

It's even too hot for the Hummers to be out as usual, but we have a few stopping by.

How are you today? I went back to the doctor for my one week checkup after my hospital stay. I got a B12 shot because the doctor thought it would help me have a little more energy. He also questioned the spot on top of my wrist where all my trouble started. I thought I had a bite of some kind there. I scratched it and it became infected. It was diagnosed s Cellulitis. An infection caused by my scratching it. The Cellulitis is gone but a red lump had formed under the skin and he decided that it would be prudent to surgically remove it and have it checked. Now the little itchy lump is gone and in its place I have three neat little sutures.


He said there is nothing more that can be done to get over the C-Diff (which occurred because of the strong antibiotic I took for Cellulitis) and will just take time to get back to normal.

Meanwhile, the world continues to turn and I rest, do what has to be done, and wait, somewhat impatiently, to return to normal.

Today is our 4th Anniversary

Remembering the happy event that took place 4 years ago today.

Gulf Fritillary

Hi Friends!  I've missed you the past week!  I've been a little 'indisposed', 'under the weather' or whatever you want to call a little session in the hospital.  I'm back home now and back to my old habit of chasing butterflies!  I hope to catch up with visiting your blogs soon.