@CarolDustinsMom in April 2022

Promethea Moth found in the garden. Spring is approaching and I am starting to see a few signs. I identified this huge brown moth as a Promethea. Amazing to see these in the yard and garden. I have seen other colors of the same moth in years past. Spring is full of excitement. Every day there is something new to discover. #AlwaysOriginal

Rose leaves are appearing every day in Dustin's backyard garden. Soon there will be roses. Exciting to watch the process. Before I had my own rose bush I had no idea the leaves would appear like this, before the buds. More things to learn in nature. A happy time of the year. #AlwaysOriginal

Sunset trees at the park. So many trees with a glimmer of sun behind them. Looks very mysterious to me. This scene got my attention at the local state park. Reminded of just how mysterious life can be at times. "Life is a mystery that unfolds its story to each of us in a different way at the right time." ~Hermann Steinherr #AlwaysOriginal

Pink and red blooms in my neighbor's yard. While out walking I noticed these pretty blooms. My neighbor was not home so I am not sure what they are called. Anyone have any idea I wonder. Either way, I always enjoy seeing nature all around to bring smiles. More little things. #AlwaysOriginal #RainbowColorsChallenge #pinksunday

Northern Mockingbird in my backyard. This bird stays around year round. He never leaves. And is very noisy. He mimics sounds of other birds, car alarms, cell phone rings, anything he hears. This is where his name comes from. Very smart bird actually. Snapped this photo from my deck as he perched in the backyard this morning. #AlwaysOriginal

Sunset and trees in the neighborhood. Another ride brought new views of the sunset. Love these massive trees around the area. And the sunset seems to create a silhouette with the trees. The leaves are slowly starting to appear. Little things enjoyed once again. #AlwaysOriginal

Rabbit in my backyard. Looks like a baby perhaps. Last year there were baby bunnies in my yard. Haven't seen any yet this year. Until today. I saw this one and it looks like a baby. Maybe they are nesting in another yard this year. Such a cutie, in time for Easter soon. #AlwaysOriginal

Cardinal taking a bath in my backyard. We had sunshine yesterday and a beautiful day. Many birds visited the bird bath. I was on the deck and happened to see this bright red male Cardinal bathing. I love these birds. They always remind me of my Dad. He called them redbirds. Missing his phone calls lately. Enjoying the little things even when the rain is falling today. #AlwaysOriginal

Tulips are blooming in my garden. Rain all day today. Went out in between showers and snapped this photo. You can see the raindrops as well. Happy to see the bright orange tulips on this rainy day. #AlwaysOriginal

Ruby Spider Lily foliage covered in raindrops. More rain today. Went out in between showers and snapped a few photos. The ruby spider lilies will bloom later in the season. But the foliage is nice and green already. Lots of raindrops left behind. Nature is amazing especially this time of year. #AlwaysOriginal

Mules in town last weekend for Mule Day. An interesting event that happens every year, since 1840. I have never gone but many come from far away to participate. They have parades, events, prizes, music and food. This wagon of mules were seen in town, along with three others. They came six hours to be involved in Mule Day. Amazing. If you look at the photo you can see he has a car seat for comfort. And a grill on the back. I cannot imagine traveling that far in this wagon.…

Sunset yesterday after most of the clouds were gone. A quick ride around the block was enjoyed right at sunset. Snapped this one from my car. Loved the oranges and trees in this sunset/ Have a good day everyone. #AlwaysOriginal

Tulip in full bloom in my garden. Lots of sunshine today. Was out walking around and noticed the tulips are glowing in the sun. Had to take more photos. Enjoying these little things today. I wish the same for each of you. #AlwaysOriginal

Rain all day today. But this nice sunshine day photo was taken last week. on a ride. Hoping for better spring weather eventually. Winter does not want to leave this year it seems. #RainbowColorsChallenge #bluefriday

Special Bluebird memory popped up in my photos today, from ten years ago. This little female bluebird was visiting the deck. Managed to get a quick photo of her. She later went on to build a nest and raise five babies in my backyard. Hoping it happens again soon. #AlwaysOriginal @CarolDM

One of my cats, the Dude, is laying in the mint container in the screen room. Too funny, I grow wild mint for the cats and I try to have some for my hot tea as well. He decided to take a nap in the container. Protecting his stash I said. Happy #Caturday from my two cats. #AlwaysOriginal

Beautiful Saturday afternoon here. Walked out on my deck and just looked up. Gorgeous blue skies and white clouds. Rain will be here in a few days. I plan to enjoy the weather while I can. Hope your weekend is going well. #AlwaysOriginal

Sunset blues is what I call this one. A few scattered clouds at sunset. Today is full of sunshine. Hoping for more sunsets soon. Enjoying the nice weather. Life can knock us down but I keep getting up and moving forward. I don't like the alternative. Peace to all. #AlwaysOriginal

Rose bud in Dustin's garden last year. I cannot wait for them to start blooming this year. Soon they will be here. More little things to enjoy and look forward to. #AlwaysOriginal

Raindrops falling on this Monday morning. Snapped this photo as the rain fell from the clouds. I enjoy the rain without any storms of course. The flowers should bloom soon after two days of rain. Something refreshing about a nice spring rain. Washes everything away and we can begin again. #AlwaysOriginal

Horse barn up the road. Was out running errands and snapped this photo while riding in the car. Lots of huge horse farms in this area. And tons of horses of course. Even with the rain, it has been a nice day. #AlwaysOriginal

Tulip after the rain and thunderstorms this morning. Raindrops on the flowers are so cool to see. I have three tulips so far, and one bud ready to bloom. Every day I see something new in the yard. Spring is here finally. #AlwaysOriginal

The sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds. Maybe it will in time for a sunset later. Still lots of clouds in the sky. But the rain has stopped, at least for now. Amazing to sky watch, you never know what the views will bring. I left the tree in the photo because I just love trees. #AlwaysOriginal

Massive tree at the local state park. Took a ride through the park yesterday afternoon. This is on of my favorite trees there. As a child I would have climbed this one, no doubt. #AlwaysOriginal

Lilac bush in my backyard. Spring is still showing itself every day. Storms later tonight, hoping not too bad. In the meantime, I have these little things to enjoy. The Lilac bish has the most fragrant blooms, you can smell this one all over the yard. Soon they will be here. #AlwaysOriginal

My cat, the Dude is chilling. He has life figured out. Enjoying the sunshine in the screen room. Many storms and tornado warnings overnight. All is safe now and a beautiful sunshine day to be enjoyed. The Dude is taking advantage for sure. His face shows true contentment. #AlwaysOriginal

Another sunset from my deck. With the storms last night, no sunset to be seen. Maybe today I can catch another one. The sun has been shining nice all day. We will see. Also, leaves are attracting to appear on the trees finally. Spring is gradually arriving. #AlwaysOriginal

Baby Rabbit in my backyard. I would say he is a few weeks old. That time of the year. I should see more soon. They freeze when they see me coming, sort of posing for their photo. Enjoy your day everyone. Happy Easter to those who celebrate. #AlwaysOriginal

Tulips almost gone in the garden. Looks like the others will not bloom this year. I have other colors planted but they did not appear this year. I am enjoying this deep orange color, almost red. They will be gone soon for the season. Looking for other blooms to appear in the garden soon. #AlwaysOriginal

Brendel was relaxing in the screen room in between rain showers. This is one of her favorite spots. Used to be mine, but now I share with her. Keeping her comfy. I caught her off guard with the camera. She is not a big fan of posing for the camera. She is sleeping again now of course. Happy #Caturday from my two cats. #AlwaysOriginal

Male Robin in my backyard poplar tree. We call these Robin red breast. Such a bright orange belly. I was looking at the new leaves on this poplar tree and then I spotted the robin sitting there keeping a close eye on his "woman". lol The birds are starting to pair off and make nests. Spring is in the air. I saw the female robin flying with nesting material in her mouth earlier. Now I just need to be sneaky and try to find the nests. Let the fun begin. Hoping for lots of bird…

Japanese Honeysuckle bloom in my garden. The sweet fragrant blooms are starting to open up for spring. They will attract butterflies and hummingbirds soon. This variety grows wild in my area. It has taken up a large portion of my fence and I am very happy with it, although it is considered invasive. #AlwaysOriginal

Enjoyed the massive trees at the local park for a few minutes today. A slight chill to the wind was nice too. Earlier the park was full of families and Easter celebrations. I waited until most were gone and went for a short ride. The park is always so peaceful and you are surrounded with trees, birds and a few squirrels. It never fails to take me to another level. One of my favorite trees here. Enjoy your day and/or evening. #AlwaysOriginal

Beautiful baby cows (calves) on my ride today. There are many Holstein (black and white cows) farmers around my area. On my way to an appointment earlier I saw this field of babies. Definitely spring time here. These are my favorite cows. Such a joy and brings so much happiness to see the animal babies. There is an electric fence there to protect them of course. But I will keep trying to get closer to these babies next time. #AlwaysOriginal

American Robin in Dustin's garden. Visiting the angel and keeping an eye on this CBL (crazy bird lady). I know she has a nest and it is well protected. Even when I just stand inside at the patio door looking out, she watches me. I went out a few times to look for the nest and it is in my holly bush beside the deck. But I cannot find it. Not yet, but I hope to soon. This bird is in my yard year round. They do not migrate. And there are a few pair I am watching to hopefully…

Rosebud in Dustin's garden. First one for 2022. The roses will be here very soon. So very special to see these bloom year after year. Of course I am alway reminded of my sweet son with each bloom. He is sending me his love. That is what I believe to get through each day. This tiny bud represents hope and so much more. #AlwaysOriginal

Crimson Hibiscus on my deck. Finally found a replacement for the one I lost last year. I adore the crimson color on these plants. It will attract butterflies and hummingbirds soon. In the winter I will bring it indoors and it should keep blooming. My other one bloomed year round. The bloom gets as big as my hand, just stunning. Made me day to find this one today. Litle things enjoyed once again. #AlwaysOriginal

Bluebird visiting my backyard bluebird house in Dustin's garden today. I have a short story to share. Last week I was watching a female and male bluebird visiting the bluebird house. They started a nest. And I was very excited. This would be the first nest in two years. Swallows took over the house last year. I went out to check the box and the male bluebird was dead. Just took his last breath when I saw him. A SPARROW attacked him inside the box. This is why I can sparrows…

Robin egg found on the ground in my garden today. Often times a female bird knows when the eggs are not fertile and will either cover them up in the nest, or knock them out onto the ground. Also, other birds can invade the nest and build their own, destroying the eggs. I am hoping for the first scenario. Maybe there are more eggs in the nest, and this one was knocked out on purpose. Robins have beautiful blue eggs. You can see why many love the "robin egg blue" color.…

Yellow Evening Primrose identified in my yard yesterday. I have never seen this before. I read about them, and if I am correct it the identification, these open in the evening, and close in the mornings. You can see the nectar, which means butterflies and birds will be attracted to this one. It is considered a wildflower, usually grown by seeds. Sometimes birds will drop a seed from one yard to another. I think that happened here. I may transplant some to other part of my…

Sunset snapped from my backyard yesterday. A few clouds sprinkled here and there made for a peaceful sunset to enjoy a few minutes. Something so special about being outside at sunset. On these spring and summer days, the sun sets much later and the outside is enjoyed longer. Makes me happy to be able to get lost in nature. Takes me away from the drama in life. #AlwaysOriginal

Brendel is snoozing in the screen room on this beautiful spring day. Both cats enjoy the warm weather and will spend hours out there. Happy to see Brendel comfortably sleeping. She seems much better these days. Happy #Caturday from my cats to you. #AlwaysOriginal

Splish-splash in my backyard bird bath. Caught this male Cardinal having a good time in the water yesterday. Another exciting day to share. I saw many pairs of birds, including this Cardinal. He waited in line to get his turn in the water. After he got out, his lady (female) cardinal took her bath. They flew into the forest. Not really a forest but I have two rows of cypress trees that many birds use to raise their families this time of the year. Spring has arrived.…

Female Bluebird continues to build her nest in my backyard bluebird house. You can see her mouth is full of pine straw collected from my trees in the yard. The nest seems almost done. I can peek in the house and see the progress. I am getting very excited. Hoping for tiny blue eggs soon. These will be the first bluebirds since 2020. I hope the other predators stay away and allow for a safe nest of babies! That is my rose bush growing in front of the house. It is getting…

Took a stroll in my yard earlier this morning. You can see a few shadows from the sun in this one. Snapped a few photos of the Japanese Honeysuckle blooms on the fence. I also noticed a few birds in the holly bushes moving around. We will see what happens soon. Still looking for bird nests. #AlwaysOriginal

Hummingbird at my deck feeder. First one for 2022. So excited to see this tiny jewel. I love these so much. This one is a male Ruby Throated Hummingbird. Very common in my area. The male has a red throat. Easy to see as he zooms past the deck. A challenge to photography. You have to spend lots of time waiting for the right moment before he flies. But so worth the wait. I hope to see more as the seasons progresses. #AlwaysOriginal

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker woodpecker is a cute bird. Snapped this photo last winter as one sat enjoying the peanuts in the snow. However, in the second photo, the holes you see in the Sugar Maple tree in my yard seems to be his favorite to drill holes. He can drink the sap from the tree once he drills deep enough. I hope the tree will not be destroyed. I love all kinds of birds. But I love the trees too. #AlwaysOriginal

Noise error today. I took a screenshot of what I am seeing today. I am checking my notifications. I click a reply to one of my posts, try to respond, and get this blank screen with jumbled letters on the "$" section of the notification. Anybody else see this error? Hopefully it will disappear as fast as it appeared.

Sunshine after the rain. Snapped this photo yesterday in my yard. Tulip Poplar trees are growing each year. I have two and they are doing well. The leaves are appearing more each day as spring has finally arrived. I caught the sun shining through just in time for the photo. Enjoying the little things in my yard once again. #AlwaysOriginal

My neighbor keeps his late wife's garden growing each year. Her flowers were always so beautiful. Her sunflowers were no exception. Such a day brightener. He calls me over when he finds a new bloom. So glad he did for this one. I should grow these one year, the birds would love the seeds. #AlwaysOriginal

Today has been very busy. Things to be taken care of. Thank goodness for the beautiful weather. It has been so nice outside. I looked up and snapped this photo. Nothing but blue skies everywhere. A great time to be outside. I hope you are enjoying your day as well. #AlwaysOriginal

Farmers have fields of cows here. I love cows. There are many farms in my area. I always enjoy seeing them graze on the fresh green grass. The babies (calves) are a joy to see as well. Spring is finally starting to turn the grass and trees green. Snapped this photo while out and about today. These are called Black Angus. #AlwaysOriginal

Another day outside was enjoyed. Left early to get business taken care of. Snapped a few photos along the way from inside my car. Cannot get enough of the green trees and blue skies. Also, these bright yellow weeds are popping up all over again. I hope to find out what they are eventually. The cows seem to enjoy them in the fields. Loving this spring wether. So good for the mind to get out and enjoy a change in environment as well. Taking the back roads are always the way to…

Crepe Myrtle tree buds were seen today in my yard. I have the crimson crepes. They come in many varieties. Some have bushes, others are trees. I like mine to grow tall, like the trees. And I chose the red crimson color. It is striking when in full bloom. This bud is the starting of another season for my trees. #AlwaysOriginal

Rose buds are opening towards the blue sky. An early walk in my yard this morning to see what surprises were out there. And surprise! The roses are almost here. I can see pink through the green buds. Such a joy to see the rose bush full of buds. And now they are just starting to open. A happy day in Dustin's garden. #AlwaysOriginal

Azalea buds in my garden will be blooming soon. Another happy surprise found today. Azaleas bloom for only a week or two at the most. But when they do bloom, they are so pretty. We always had these in the yard, planted in rows, in my childhood. Mine are a soft pink color. You can also get the darker pink color. Only one bush of these in my front garden. I say each year I need to add more. Maybe I can soon. #AlwaysOriginal

Momma Kitty lived 24 years. She was my son, Dustin's cat. And she lived after I lost him. She was my baby after he died. And then I lost her. She lived a good healthy life. Lots of happy memories. Funny how she seemed to be hiding from the camera here. Now I have two cats, Brendel and the Dude. But neither will ever take her place. Happy #Caturday. #AlwaysOriginal

Another nice find in my yard yesterday. Magnolia buds. The shiny green leaves on this tree are huge. And it is evergreen. I enjoy the leaves year round. And this time of the year, the blooms will appear. They have the sweetest scent. The birds also enjoy the blooms. Soon I will see them, I noticed this tiny bud yesterday. My yard is full of many surprises. I will enjoy each one. #AlwaysOriginal