A lovely, old Magnolia tree stands next to our coach when we are parked at our favorite “RV resort”. I am not sure how long this Magnolia tree has stood here, but in a way it symbolizes the roots of a family, my family, living on this land and in this area for many years.
My brother and sister-in-law enjoy this land and call it home; their very soul is rooted in every tree and shrub planted here. My love of this country, open spaces, wildlife and all things in nature, I believe, can be traced back to those who settled here.
Our visits are a gift; we will treasure each and every memory.
Look at those claws!
During our last visit, sitting outside near this old magnolia tree, we heard a loud racket. My brother, having heard this sound many times, knew exactly what it was.
This beautiful, female, Pileated Woodpecker flew in the Magnolia tree and immediately began to hunt for a snack. We were amused by its endeavor and I was delighted to have captured a few photos.
Look at those tail feathersGrabbed it – A red seed filled cone.
We sadly leave family and friends in Mississippi and Louisiana….until next time our hearts remain with each of you.
Two weeks ago we visited our family in Purvis, Mississippi. We had a wonderful time and it was truly sad leaving them. They spoil us rotten while we are there.
We stay at my brother and sister-in-law’s farm. While there we also get to see my younger sister and many nieces, nephews, greats and great-greats! Love you guys and thanks for making us feel loved and welcome!
A few Mississippi photos:
Annie She loves to chase cows and run off critters at nightJapanese Magnolia (my brother loves to plant trees and blooming scrubs)Another variety of Japanese MagnoliaSing Baby Sing I saw twenty-three species, of bird this visit
Big Red, Hot Rod, Lace and Fat Mama/Lena before she foaled. All across the Front PondFront Pond, Howard and Leland going to see if the Wood Ducks were in the bog. We saw 14!
A pair of Blue-winged Teals visiting the Back PondRed Missippippi Mud -back pondTracks, probably TurkeyAnother view of the back pond
Goodbye Mississippi, we’ll be back!
After our visit in Mississippi we drove to Madisonville, Louisiana and again stayed at Fairview Riverside State Park. We stay there, because it is close to friends, who also spoil us rotten! We had a great time and hope to see yawl soon. Love you guys!
I have been posting a few photos from Fairview Riverside State Park and I have a few more to share, including my new bird sightings!
A beautiful Cypress Tree
One evening we had dinner with Howard’s brother and our sister-in-law, who drove from Hobe Sound, Florida to visit with SIL’s family in Metairie. Remember we spent time visiting with them and family in Hobe Sound. We will see all of you very soon, with all our love!
We all met at a restaurant in Covington, Louisiana. Howard and Bob’s childhood friend and his family jointed us for dinner and we had a very enjoyable time visiting.
One morning we drove the 22 mile causeway over Lake Pontchartrain traveling, as they say, from the north shore to the south shore to the city of Metairie, which is near New Orleans. We went to visit with our 82 year old cousin. Joy is her name and she is a joy to be around.
As you can see we had a busy time and again our visit has come to an end. This morning we pulled out of Fairview Riverside State Park and pointed our nose west!!!
Goodbye Madisonville, Louisiana, we’ll be back!
We are slowly making our way home to Colorado, stopping along the way where ever we want, to enjoy birding, hiking, sightseeing and some more good eats!
We are staying a few days in Duson, Louisiana (can you say the cajun pronunciation of Duson). While here we will visit a state park in Abbeville, Louisiana to see if we would like to stop there on future trips through this area. We really love the State Parks!
Tomorrow night we plan to eat dinner at a restaurant near Lafayette, while a cajun band plays their unique style of music!
We have not decided on a specific route home.
We don’t have any firm plans beyond this point, except to visit some of the national wildlife areas near Beaumont, Texas, hoping to see some migrating birds.
We are currently in rainy and cold southern Mississippi and while sitting here inside the coach, wishing for sun and warmer temperatures, I looked back to see what photos I had taken around this time last year. We were already in Hobe Sound, Florida. Here are a few:
SailingFishing (photo was stylized)Kite SurfingDaydreaming (photo stylized)We were waiting to be taken on a Loxahatchee River tour!Trailing Fishing LinesLittle Yellow FlowersCoral Cove (a favorite place)
The Pack and I have been enjoying ourselves visiting with family here in Mississippi; however the weather hasn’t been good. We haven’t been able to be outside much and it certainly isn’t good photo taking weather! Hopefully, before we leave on our way to southern Florida, we will have at least a few good weather days. I need to take a few cow, horse and yard dog photos! We have enjoyed wonderful conversations, great southern food and a few big city shopping excursions,
Singing their nightly lullaby of rich, deep notes,
Listen closely, green tree frogs,
Revealing stories of the day, expectations of the night,
Who attends your story time?
~
Dusk begins to blanket the woods,
Inviting shadows out to dance,
They present a choreographed musical of enchantment,
For whom are you performing?
~
A walk in the woods.
Expectations fulfilled.
~
Tyler, Texas is known for growing Roses. Notice the red rose in the water. Someone left several Roses here in memory of a loved one. Touching.Canoe Guide
The gang watching the Sunset
Sunset in Tyler State Park
Who lives here?
Beautiful Fall Colors
Want a canoe ride?
Vibrant Colors
Crossing a bridge, beauty below.
Tree Man
Our site at Tyler State Park
Winding Creek
Mushrooms?
Out for a stroll
Nursery Tree
My creek again
Pretty colors
Pretty leaves
Those pretty purple berries again.
All photos taken at Tyler State Park, near Tyler, Texas. We spent two nights there this past Saturday and Sunday. We experienced fall all over again!
After leaving Ray Roberts State Park, we headed to MCD Innovations in McKinney, Texas, for seven nights, where we had our coach blinds installed. I promise a write up on the installation and process. I can truly say, we love the new MCD blinds.
Leaving McKinney, we traveled to Tyler State Park, where all of these photos were taken. Then to Lake Bistineau State Park in Louisiana for a night, finally leaving Texas! I have some photos of Lake Bistineau that I will post. We wish we would have had more time to stay a few more days there, but just ran out of time.
This afternoon we arrived at Natchez State Park, near Natchez, MS and will leave in the morning for Fairview River State Park in Madisonville, Louisiana for eleven nights. We are looking forward to being in one place for a little while. Hopefully, I can get caught up on my blog, answering comments and visiting your blogs!
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