Early this morning...just after dawn...
something bright...caught my eye...
~
A lone Northern Cardinal...looking like three...
That brought to mind what I had seen
at dusk last night
which I will show you later...
but for now...
I will show you what attacked me in the field...
yesterday!
I had gone out to photograph low growing
white flowers in the field...
and the white fluffy seed heads of the Ironweed...
when something landed on my head...
and almost turned it white!
Can you see the camouflaged culprit?
I didn't!
~enlarges~
"Large Praying Mantis!"
After that incident...I went over to the
Goldenrod and it's gold...
which then led me closer to the trees...
...with their
gold, brown, russet, and burgundy leaves.
I passed small versions of two favorite trees...
a yellowing Redbud and a gracefully draped Beech!
Reaching the edge of the cleared yard area...
I went into the woods...
under the low growing canopy of a young
Maple tree...
following a deer path deeper into the
woods...over to the tree with a large hole at
it's base...
~enlarges~
~enlarges~
From just above the hole at it's base looking up...
this is the view...
This view from behind shows you it's height...
that ends in a topping of green!
This stump had a nice topping too!
A small walk further...overlooking the creek...
another green giant of a tree...
I stood here awhile to look and listen...
The moss colored trunk was as green as it's leaves!
Then I noticed this "Question Mark Tree"...
Meanwhile, I needed help with the problem...
While waiting for Herhusband...
Herhusband came with tools...
We left them there...and when checking
~
As I walked through the arbor...
Looking up...
gathering and flying among the Pin Oak trees.
~enlarges~
Autumn is definitely here!
I stood here awhile to look and listen...
The moss colored trunk was as green as it's leaves!
Then I noticed this "Question Mark Tree"...
and near it...
I discovered a questionable situation...
I discovered a questionable situation...
a mystery of sorts...
what appeared at first as a lone turtle...
turned out to be two...another is under the
leaves on the right...they have a problem.
~enlarges~
~enlarges~
Then I saw...
a third turtle just a few feet away...
a third turtle just a few feet away...
Meanwhile, I needed help with the problem...
so with cellphone...I called Herhusband...
The problem was...
The problem was...
the smaller hidden from view turtle
had clamped it's shell tight on the
larger turtle's hind leg...
and was lying perfectly still upside down...
The larger turtle seemed very weak...
possibly from trying to free itself...
and I thought the smaller one dead.
While waiting for Herhusband...
I even found a 4th turtle right there too!
Were they all family...or did they just respond
to another in need?
Herhusband came with tools...
and finally,
we separated them...and it "was not" easy!
The turtle at one point whimpered a little,
but just once...and the small one was alive.
We left them there...and when checking
a few hours later...they were no where in sight!
Operation Success...
Operation Success...
so...
I walked out of the woods and went home
under a fallen tree,
but that's another problem...
for Herhusband...not me...
~
But,
I will help...if needed!
As I walked through the arbor...
I heard a high pitched
bussing and hissing like sound...
Looking up...
I saw a group of Cedar Waxwings...
there must have been at least 50 of them...
~enlarges~
~enlarges~
gathering and flying among the Pin Oak trees.
~enlarges~
They were still there at dusk...
but not at dawn...
Autumn is definitely here!
53 comments:
Wanda - that stroll with you was just delightful. Your photography makes me feel as if I'm right there with you.
That was quite a grasshopper (I think that's what it was!) - I wouldn't want it landing on my head.
You and your husband certainly did your good deed for the day. You must have felt good to find all four had been able to go their way.
Love the leaf covered paths in your wooded area.
I wish it had been a grasshopper Bonnie...it was an 8 inch Praying Mantis...a little too big for comfort!
A Praying Mantis landed on your head! I think that's good luck, Wanda! I'm going to look it up but I'm sure I read that somewhere! They usually snub everyone, I wonder what attracted him (her?) to you.
I loved this walk with you! I loved the stroll through your yard, and the woods, and I loved how you helped the little camp full of turtles! How sweet they all banded together! And look how God put you at the right place at the right time for them! I love that story!
And just because I always weirdly notice things like this, I have to ask, are those leaded glass windows on your house? Whatever they are, they are beautiful!
I think if I had that view out my window, I would be sitting and staring out it all the time!
Another beautiful post, Wanda!
Love,
Eileen
Beautiful walk Wanda!
My favorites are the sweet sounds of the woods video and the question mark tree! What fun that photo was for me! That would make a great greeting card or poster!
Hope you're having a wonderful week and thank you for the sweet "first week of autumn" walk ~Maria
I had tears in my eyes when I was reading about the turtles but found myself smiling as you and herhusband helped them and sat them free....it goes without question you would help herhusband or anyone for that matter.
Oh I loved our walk, the flowers, trees, birds and turtles but I could do without that praying mantis, were your frightened?
Take care my friend, loved the post love you......:-) Hugs
Thank you Eileen...Since I failed to see him while taking photos, I guess I just got in his space...The glass in the door is just beveled at each pane.
Thanks for taking the walk Maria...there are some strange shapes in the woods.
Thanks Bernie...Not frightened for long...but it did for a bit...not knowing what it was...they are just so big with their wings open...I would like to know why the turtles were that way...and I do think it had been for some time...normally they are very shy and will pull themseves in...the large didn't seem to have the strength.
I feel like I need to sit down and have a glass of tea....that was a lovely stroll, Wanda.
I enlarged the ironweed. That is an incredible photograph, Wanda...The ironweed looks soft and almost touchable. I like the hole in the tree....and especially like the question mark tree. Those are 'handy' landmarks, I'm sure. I would get lost in your wonderland...but I wouldn't suffer...the beauty would sustain me, I'm sure.
I was rooting for the poor little upside down turtle. Thank you and your husband for rescuing the family...a great deed...God's creatures are precious...and you are so kind...so very kind.
I enlarged the photo and found the praying mantis. Another example of beauty in nature...camouflaged perfectly in the ironweed. I know that must have given you a 'start'...but I am still in awe at how well it 'hides' itself. Great job in taking that photo, too.
Thank you for the love and care you give....not only to your home and gardens...but to your blogging friends. You are a sweet friend, Wanda.
Hi Wanda -
I loved our early morning walk about your lovely nature-land. I was SO happy you were able to get help to 'free' the turtles. phew. And yes, Autumn is arriving. :-)
Love to you
Gail
peace......
Thank you so much Jackie...I'll have tea ready for you next time! Very well hidden...I know I didn't notice it...while taking the photo...it was only afterward, while trying to get a closeup of the seeds that I bugged him!
I guess I was replying to Jackie while you were here Gail...me too...that little turtle was locked shut...You wouldn't think they could be that strong...Even in doing it, we could just barely pry enough to loosen the other's leg.
Well Wanda you had me laughing ( praying Mantis) screaming (praying mantis) oohing and awwing (turtles) relaxing (pretty trees ) laughing again (husband work on trees), so I think you might be close to making your own movie! I for one would definitely pay the ticket price!
Love Di
What a great walk Wanda..I so enjoy them with you..glad you and herhusband got the turtles free..love the question mark tree.the woods are so pleasant to walk through..I feel like I'm there..and the cardinal is my favorite....
I just love your walks. So many interesting things and beautiful scenery. I love the question mark tree.
Sunny :)
This was wonderful! You take beautiful photos and your countryside is really alive - breathtaking! I have never seen a praying mantis quite that big, but I think they are lovely!!
It so nice that you could rescue those turtles. I had no idea you could find turtles in woods.
What a lovely walk you had. The turtles were a real surprise. I'll be back to visit again and catch up on some of your back posts. Thanks for visiting and following my blog.
I knew I heard that Praying Mantis were good luck for you if they appear! But the luck turns bad if it's harmed (you'd never have that problem!). If it lands on your arm you are going to meet an important person. If it lands on your head you are about to receive honor and recognition.
If you see it in it's kneeling position Angels are near.
Greeks thought they were divine. Africans thought they were gods or spirits. And the French thought if you were lost, they would point the way home.
Now, isn't worth having me for a friend just to get this bounty of information on the Praying Mantis?
Love you,
Eileen
Wonderful post, Wanda! Love it all: your morning light, your eye for the the Cardinal "triplets," the camomantis (good luck, indeed!), your gorgeous trees, and oh, my! it's a good thing you came along when you did for your turtles!
Thank you Diana...I would certainly let you write the dialogue for the movie!
Thank you Andora...visiting with your son makes everything nicer I imagine
Thank you Sunny...and I love the sights of the New England countryside as well!
Thank you Stregata...I really appreciate your creative talent!
Hi Loree...I imagine you are more use to seeing sea turtles in Malta!
You are welcome Elaine...and I will be doing the same at yours!
Eileen...I value your friendship even without this interesting information...thank you so much...I should hope for more landings on me I guess!
Thank you Jain...I have had a "Turtle Summer"...coming across them many different times this year!
What a beautiful post!
My daughter would want to give you a big hug for "saving" the turtles (she is a turtle fanatic!).
As usual I relished my walk with you through the woods...how I do love the woods and wish I could be beside you walking along. There were woods nearby our home in Columbus, Ga. and I used to go there even by myself.
Since you go so far and so deep sometimes, do you ever get lost or disoriented?
I loved your question mark tree. and that gorgeous fungi that you have...ours is so plain.
Of course you touched my heart by helping the poor pitiful turtles. Did you try to get them apart by yourself and then call your hubby or did you realize it was mission impossible right away? God surely sent you to help them and how sweet that they were all probably trying to figure out how to help the two trapped ones!
The 'triple' cardinal was so beautiful...those beveled windows are wonderful.
blessings and hugs,
marcy
Magnificent post. I saw some Paw Paw trees in the one picture -- the understory trees with the banana like fruit.
I turtle was a good deed indeed.
Thanks for helping me to make history.
Pick a Peck of Pixels
Since I cannot walk it was wonderful to do a "virtual reality walk" and listen to the sounds of nature. And watch you help the turtles and escape a praying mantis.... a full day all in one morn.
Thank you T...she would love my woods then...the turtles apparently do!
Hi Marcy...The house is situated at the top of the begining of three large ravines and hills, to go home I just walk up a hill...each one brings me out at a different place. I tried prying it myself...but even with 2 sets of pliers and a chisel it was difficult for us...it had such a strong suction like grip.
Thank You A.L. for visiting and leaving a comment I value!
Hi Claudia...counting myself...you are the 4th blogger to have a serious ankle problem and unable to walk! Hope it heals soon!
Hi Wanda,
After a day of teaching, This was such a peaceful place to be. I loved walking with you. Thank you. If those turtles could have said thank you I am sure they would have. They are certainly beautiful.
Take care.
Oh, how lucky to see a praying mantis! I haven't seen one in years, and I have always loved them. Pretty sure I wouldn't want one landing on my head, though!
Nice, nice pictures...and I'm so happy that you helped the turtles. I do wonder why they gathered in that spot. I wonder if there was some kind of alarm call that had gone out. And do turtles actually whimper? I had no idea they ever made any sound!
Last comment....loved the video and admire you for not getting dizzy and falling down while you were recording it!
Thank you Anne...How is baby Less doing?
Hi June...when trying to pull his leg free...while Herhusband pryed at the shell...he actually whimpered like a small animal would...I have heard them hiss in the past.
An absolutely lovely walk, I love your praying mantis story, just as well you were not its mate!
Glad you rescued the turtles, I really envy you seeing them around and the walk through is just lovely. Thank you.
Wanda, what a wonderful walk today. That forest really talks to you I can tell. You listened and once again came to the rescue of the turtle family! I know they are probably thanking their lucky stars you came out on your walk this day! The ? tree was wonderful! miles of smiles...
I really liked the warm glow of the lamp :-) I also liked the Goldenrod trees. I have never seen them before and they indeed look like they bear gold :) But the best that I liked was the colors of autum and the leaves in gold, brown and green colors! An All time favorite scene :) I also loved the sunlight foltering through the leaves! So many beautiful pictures Wanda :)
It was so kind of you to help those turtles out. To them you and your husband must be like angels from God :)
WHAT beautiful pictures of autumn Wanda! I can never get enough of the pictures you click :)
What an interesting story. I felt lilke I was readying a good mystery novel. I wonder if the turtles were mating. Did you notice the different patterns on their shells? You can track them and their movements with your camera. Each one is unique.
Loved the praying mantis photo. I think I would have jumped out of my shorts if it had landed on my head.
Thank you Penny...I have run into many turtles this summer but only one praying mantis so far!
Thank you Linda...sometimes I wonder myself...because it was off my usual deer path.
Stillness...you always leave me such kind comments...Thank you for enjoying the photos!
Hi Cheryl...I have been recording the turtles and their patterns, so far there's definitely 9 different ones, but I haven't checked these last for closel or the one I came across today!
Wonderment! Thank-you for taking us on this journey with you.
Good evening Wanda, I popped over from Eileen's. You have a beautiful blog here. Your pictures are just stunning. It's very nice to meet you. 'Morning Has Broken' is one of my favorite songs ♥
What beautiful pictures...I loved the one looking up into the big tree! I am so happy that you were able to help those sweet turtles!!
I agree with Eileen..I would sit and look out those windows at that view and never get anything done :)
Hugs!! Jerelene
So it is early fall in Ohio, Wanda! Today, animals: the three red cardinals in a perfectly centered wrought iron railing, the tree decorated with cedar waxwings, a camouflaged praying mantis, and box turtles in a dilemma which you resolved. And trees: with holes and moss, turning autumn leaves, and one with the graceful arm of a ballet dancer. You have a great eye for the beautiful, the mysterious, and the unusual! xx
Mark...Thank you for visiting.
Charli & Me...Thank you and it's nice to meet a friend of Eileen's.
Thank you Jerelene...I love big trees myself...
Thank you so much Margaret...and you are an especially creative person!
I did catch the mantis in the first pic. We have them here and I consider them a friend of mine. I often catch them and hold them or place them on my arm. wonderful photos. I enjoyed the walk. *s*
The arbor - not sure I've seen it before.....It looks so serene.
The "question mark tree" - This is a stunning punctuation to the sky. Represents a LOT of the mystery of our Creator. In spite of all He has revealed about Himself, there is still so much to explore...
The turtles - how unusual. Wonder how it came to be? Thankful that you could assist.
Hi Wanda,
It has been awhile since I have had time to come and take a stroll with you. It was so relaxing, and I am so glad the praying mantis, landed on your head and not mine, I would have screamed and ran and scared all the wildlife away for miles around!
It was also so kind of you and your husband to free the turtles. Herhusband is very patient and kind too, no wonder God put you where you are. I don't think many people would have noticed their dilemma. God Bless You. Oh, and Wanda, those Geese are not flying here, they all leave and go south for the winter. They must be headed to see Jackie! LOL! I see them leaving in droves, and so wish I could go with them, however I hear we are going to have a very mild winter this year. (WE WILL SEE) : )
((((HUGS))))) T
Thank you Garnet...I think I could hold one too...it just startled me while I was busy looking through the camera!
Thank you Rebecca...the arbor is to the side of the houseby the front steps.
Hi Teresa...I know the geese are leaving...but some silly groups here are flying over the house directly north...maybe they have a big gathering place just a little north from here...then head off together for warmer grounds down south. Hope Maloree is doing good.
Hello Wanda
I missed the Autumn walk when you posted but that's OK because I have so much enjoyed it now at a leisurely pace, through the colours, insects, birds and turtles...the shapes and foliage of the forest...
I think that you and your husband are now the patron saints of turtles...
Happy days
Wonderful post! I really enjoyed it.
That praying Mantis was looking at the camera! So cool! Good job on rescuing the turtles! I am sure they would thank you if they could.
Hi Delwyn...I know I have seen my share of turtles this year...15 to 20 instantes will have to check photos to tell how many were repeats.
Thank you Sweetapple.
Thank you Amber, when I looked at the photos, I then noticed his stare.
I photographed a great looking praying mantis last week that I had on my blog. He stared right at me and posed... they have tons of personality, but not sure I would want one to jump on me.
Love the four turtles picture. You are a good doo bee to upright the one in distress. You will go to heaven for certain... LOL
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Even the turtles are happy to have you, and save them! I love how you include sound in your posts. I listen to the sound of the wood and I'm really there!! Thanks for taking me along Wanda!!
Hi Wanda,
Apparently Maloree is doing much better, however, I have not heard about her seeing a specialist yet. I do hope they take care of that. I sure wish the geese would stay, that would mean we are having a really warm winter...who knows? Strange things do happen. I went to church and to the study, and it was good, I was also invited to join a ladies group on Tuesday morning, they are doing a study called "Captivating" about women and their childhood dreams. I might be able to swing that, since I am able to set my own time at work. Thanks for your well wishes and prayers (((((HUGS))))) T
Today I came looking for you and I was rewarded with such a good story! You have such a great eye for detail! Only you could have understood the problem. It seemed such an easy thing to fix until you described it. I enlarged several of your photos as I reviewed the situation! Thanks again for these wonderful moments!
Smee again...I love to come back to your blog and enlarge your photos again and again....and I did...and noticed something in the first one that I really love...it's simple...but pretty:
the key with the tassel.
Is there a story there?
Hello Wanda,
I'm just catching up with you. I was hoping I didn't miss your fall there in OH! What bird was talking to you at the giant tree? Thank goodness Herhusband is so handy with (surgical?) tools! I'm sure the turtle "family" will be forever grateful. It does make you wonder if they communicate with each other. By the way, the Mantis is my favorite bug. They are an omen of Good Luck, you know!
PS I loved the moss and the fungus.
Thank you for your kind note about Bokka, Wanda.
I was desperate and bought a can of soup at work last week. Blech. I didn't realize a) how much I want soup when summer winds down, and b) how much better homemade soup is from that grocery store stuff.
Hugs,
Jain
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