Crown Of Thorns Plant

I LOVE going to thrift stores and garage sales.  Last summer I bought a succulent called "Crown of Thorns" for just a few dollars.  After a little research from Wikipedia, I learned that my plant is native to Madagascar and is in the family Euphorbiaciae.  It is believed by many to be the plant worn by Jesus Christ at His crucifixion.  The plant is also referred to as Christ Plant and Christ Thorn.  During this time of Lent, it is a good reminder to me of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation.

Euphorbia milii

NOTE:  If you purchase this plant for yourself, please be aware that the sap is "moderately poisonous" although I have not noticed any sap on mine.  You should also use caution when handling as the thorns are quite pronounced. 

Yellow Lady's-Slipper, Orchid Family

I LOVE flowers so when I spotted these beauties while camping "up north" in June, I snapped a few quick photos to pass along and share.  

A Blast Of Blessings

The calendar says it's Spring, but the weather says something different.  We awoke once again to more low temps and another blast of snow!   It made me wonder if winter will ever depart and allow spring flowers and green grass to take their rightful place.  After shoveling the driveway and sidewalk one more time, I took a moment to clear my head.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the air was crisp and clear.  I realized it was a morning to be grateful, a morning of immeasurable beauty. 




A LOVELY April Gift

 

 

 

 

Sulfur Shelf Mushroom

While camping last summer in a state park I came upon an unusually large mushroom that was growing upon a tree stump.  My brother-in-law identified it as a sulfur shelf mushroom.  I LOVE nature's beauty and "this beauty" is worth sharing.  It's form and shades of yellow are so striking!

 

Robin Babies

While taking a walk yesterday I paused in awe!  Dozens and dozens of robins filled the trees and neighboring yards.  It was truly an amazing sight!  I LOVE Spring and can't wait to experience all the new life it brings.  What a wonderful reminder of God's many blessings!




So Cozy!

Immature Great Horned Owl

Few people have had an opportunity to observe the reclusive Great Horned Owl in the wild, so when a pair chose our yard for its nesting site we had good reason to get excited.  We invited neighbors and friends to stop by often throughout the summer and experience this rare event for themselves.  In spite of the noisy crows that relentlessly antagonized these great birds daily (and us too), it was so worth it!  When the pair of fledglings finally left the nest and ventured out into neighboring yards, I was able to get some great shots.  I LOVED getting "up close" to these young birds.



Backed In A Corner

A Post Worth Posting!

Perched On A Roof  & Hiding In Some Hops

                                                               Standing His Ground