Quick Pose

So.  Ever since I realized there was a Mink in the Parkway, I make it a point to stop and wait to see if Mama and baby will come scurrying by in the slough where turtles, ducks and dragonflies linger.   I usually stand for an hour or two.  Most of the time, the Mink do not show up.  Today, was a good day to photo Mama.  I want to believe that she has seen me so often standing by the slough that she knows I am trustworthy and mean her no harm.  I say this because she got closer than she has in the past.   Enjoy the cuteness!

From Caterpillar To....

It is hard to believe that this spiky caterpillar will turn into the beautiful Gulf Fritillary Butterfly below.

Birds in Murky Water

It is amazing how birds don't seem to mind ponds/sloughs that are somewhat discolored.  They adapt so well to their surroundings and can even see through the green algae to find food!  Amazing.  Egrets at a pond I call the Tribute Road Pond and Wood Ducks in a slough right near the bike trail:

Big, Handsome and Very Healthy

I had just visited an area of the Parkway that burned (over 170 acres) and was feeling quite sad.  On the way back home, I was riding very slowly and came across this beautiful Coyote.  Made. My. Day!

This Wonderful Family!

For the past three weeks, I have not seen the two fawns I had previously posted pics of on this blog.  I thought they both had perished.  To my delight, I was able to see them with their mama yesterday!  The fawns have grown and look really good!  Yippee!

Never. Ever. Forget.

I rode over to the 911 Memorial at Cal Expo today.  As most of you know, this is the 15th Anniversary of the attacks.  I felt it was important to go to Cal Expo today to remember the hero's of that day.  There were many people doing the same.  I took some photos to try to capture the significance of this day. 

All the flags were flying half staff.

This is one of the beams from the Twin Towers.  

The Memorial Bells were playing while I was there.  It was absolutely beautiful.

The Heroes.

Be Encouraged and Think Positively

I was on a stretch of the American River that is somewhat dicey to ride or walk because of a lot of (Campers on the River...)  One never knows who is going to come out to 'greet' you.  I do find this part to also have the most abundant wildlife and aquatic life.  I guess the Campers and Wildlife live in harmony with one another. 

I walked upon this site and had to take a picture as it spoke so much wisdom and encouragement to me.  In the midst of dark times, negative news headlines, thoughtless and harsh comments etc, know that you are not alone.  This wild Sunflower is thriving amidst dried up brush and does not receive any water, but yet it grew right there.   If the Sunflower can flourish in it's current environment, so can we.  Oh, and it is even giving back to Nature as the Butterflies and Bees were enjoying it's nectar. 

Love My Pollinators

My veggie garden was in very good care because of all the pollinators that came by.  I love sharing my veggies with the neighborhood.  Pollinators make this possible.  From obtaining nectar from a purple Long Bean Flower to a still blooming Blackberry plant to a flowering bush, pollinators are key to a successful garden.