Can you guess where we were?  Recognize anything?  Fast flowing water, rocks, little blue bridge?

 

We were at the Ocoee, TVA dam #3.  Sunday was a gorgeous day for a Jeep ride, so we rode down to the Ocoee, just 30 miles.  We parked at the first Information Center on the left and walked the one mile trail around the rafting rapids.  It was so fun to see the rafters up close.  Way better than trying to look and drive at the same time, or parking on the side of the road.  This way we got to see them up close, and get in a little walk too.  It is a fee area, so take along $3 to put in one of those little envelopes.  Then you can stay all day, go inside the interpretive center, and enjoy the shade and walking areas.  
 

I couldn't help taking this picture of Mullein growing out of the rocks.  How do plants do that?  They are truly amazing.

 

I'll tell you about Mullein some other day.  I just wanted you to learn about the Ocoee, cause it's a fun thing to do on a hot summer day.  

 

HAPPY ALMOST SUMMER!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Our flock is growing!!!  We noticed 4 new flamingos have joined our little group.  

 

It is becoming a Flamboyance of Flamingos!!!!  Love it!!!

 

THANK YOU!!!!

 

 

 

Since World War I, the red poppy has been a symbol of remembrance and a way of honoring those who served and lost their lives in war.

 

I read in Wikipedia:   Memorial Day (previously called Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

 

There are other interesting articles on the subject:  Check out Red Poppies and In Flanders Fields   to learn more about the history of these symbols of Memorial Day.

 

Let's take time this weekend to remember those veterans who served their country to the end, and honor them and their families for their sacrifice.

 

 

THANK YOU !!!

 

 

 

HEHEHEE!!!  I've been thinking about this since Valentine's Day.  Finally got to do it.

 

Patty and I had fun on Thursday.  We repainted the haybale.  Had to fight off a few hornets who were thinking about setting up a nest in it.  But we won that battle.  

 

We started by painting white over the daisy, then put in the light pink heart shape.  Then I got to paint this adorable flamingo.  That was really fun!!!  I painted a small jar lid black for the eyeball and screwed it into the hay.  

 

Jon noticed that there was a bit of grass growing on top of the haybale, and thought about putting two of the little flamingos up there like they are eating the grass.  

 

We tickle ourselves.  We hope you get a tickle out of it too.  

 

HAPPY DAYS AHEAD!!!

 

OK.  Here's our chance to use technology for a good thing.  Click on the link and go find out about St. Patrick's Day.  Way more there than I need to copy and paste.  

 

 

Have fun!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!   

 

Signing my cards:  Gerry O'Trout

photo: compliments of The Farmers Almanac

 

 

Today is the Autumnal equinox, when day and night hours are nearly equal.  Astronomically, it is when the Sun is directly above the equator.  Astrologically, it is when the Sun enters the sign of Libra.  In the Northern hemisphere, we will begin to see more hours of darkness than light, until the Winter Solstice in December.  

 

According to the Farmers Almanac, Autumn officially begins at 9:31 a.m. EDT, September 22, 2020.

 

 

Wow, this picture looks huge.  Actually this mushroom is about 12 inches in diameter, and grows right on the ground.  But you couldn't miss seeing it;  it sure grabbed our attention.  It is commonly known as Berkeley's Polypore.  Its scientific name is Bondarzewia berkeleyi.  

 

From Wikipedia:  Polypores and the related corticioid fungi are the most important agents of wood decay, playing a very significant role in nutrient cycling and carbon dioxide production of forest ecosystems.  Huge responsibility there.

 

My National Audubon Society field guide says it is edible when young, but as it matures it becomes tough and intensely bitter with a rank odor.  Yeah, No thanks.  It also says that they often attain a span of 3 feet and weigh more than 50 pounds.  That's a lot of decomposition!!!  

 

We had so much rain in August, the mushrooms have been popping out all over.  And we have had the privilege to see some in the wild.  

 

 

HAPPY HUNTING!!!

 

 

 

Here is a good reason to take your walk early in the morning, while it's still foggy.  

 

We were approaching the top of Five Forks Drive, the last big climb on our loop walk, when we saw this.  Love it!!!  Got our picture, took a breather, and continued on.  Home by 9 o'clock.  

 

What a beautiful way to start the day.  

 

HAPPY HIKING!!!

 

We went for a hike up Blood Mountain on Thursday.  It was a gorgeous day:  70-something degrees, a bit overcast, nice breeze.  

 

This picture shows the beginning of the trail.  7/10 of a mile later, we connect to the Appalachian Trail.  This section is about 30 miles from the terminus at Springer Mountain, in Georgia.  So, we see lots of through hikers in March, but mostly day hikers this time of year.  It's always interesting to stop and chat a bit.  "Where are you from?" elicits many, many answers.  We've met people from all over the world on this trail!!

 

We've done this hike lots of times, and it's always fun.  We do a 4.4 mile round trip, up and back;  that's about 13,000 steps, if you're interested in that sort of thing. It usually takes us about 2 hours, but this time, it took us over 3 hours!!!  There were so many wildflowers in bloom, I couldn't keep up the pace.  I had to stop and explore each one.  Some, I had to use my Seek app to identify.  Others, I just had to take pictures.  It made this walk one of the most special for both of us.   

 

I'll be sharing wildflower pix the next few days, cause I know you'll love seeing some of the things we saw.

 

HAPPY HIKING!!!

 

 

 

Have you seen the new pavilion at Meeks Park?  It was built last year, and I understand it is available for reservations.  When we were there last Tuesday, we noticed this new artwork.  We were walking on the trail, and saw it attached to the building.  So we walked up to get a better look.  

 

It is a group of painted metal sculptures, created and signed by the artist, Al Garnto, and dated 7-27-20.  Each sunflower is about 6 feet tall, and 2 feet wide.    

 

It is SO cheerful!!!!  Go see it, for a smile.  
 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!