land of wonders ~ july 2/2

Generous amounts of rain continued to fall through the end of July, along with unbearable high heat. My thin head net felt stifling, but used daily. I came back from shorter wooded dog walks completely drenched with sweat, and depleted.

As far as I am concerned, Fall can arrive any time!! 

I thought perhaps natures discoveries would slow down after the first half of July. They did not. At least the things that caught my eye kept me entertained between the swattin' & sweatin'. Some finds were unique, others not as much.

Orange Coral in our woods lasted almost an entire month!
July 16

still celebrating Christmas in July

As soon as my white/pink Amarylis blooms faded, the red one opened up. Silly bulbs.

delicate paper parasols

red top ribbed mushrooms popped up everywhere

these can be found where pine trunks meet the earth

rock climbing grips appeared, for those who can't fly

layers of delicate "paper" appeared for one day only

what determination looks like

this bright yellow caught my eye

it was covered with tiny red pin dot tips



view from the other side



it turned into a duckling that had buried it's head


No, I did not add the leaf. My discovery shots are all as found.



over several days the bright yellow morphed into this



nearby I found more interesting white growths

looked like white coated pine cones (or poop lol) and lasted for several days

this fun-guy was very tall!

it was gone in one day. guessing the critters ate it

Tankeee always waiting for me :) 

who knew there were dinosaurs in our woods

no more room in the inn

Jameson & Tank, walk it like it's hot

tiny salted golden mushrooms started regrowing

a different yellow fungi


remember the white phallic mushroom from July 11th?

it aged (July 28)

At the house one evening, our son pointed out at least seven hummer's suddenly fighting over the window feeder! We usually have two. One waits on the deck wires while the other one feeds. The multi hummers have stuck around. They are begrudgingly learning to share between the many flowers, this feeder and a hanging one. They are so funny to watch!

aerial show

In conclusion, most of our July days were either high heat with humid or buggy and smoky. Many days we had all conditions. Less time was enjoyed outside. We did not ride our bikes or kayak. Two of our favorite Summer activities.

We learn to adjust as our world changes. 

Smokey Red Sunset

July 30