Familiarity Breeds Content
(Click on images to enlarge, click again to zoom.)
This year has been a bit different than others.
“Getting old“, my bride says, “is not for sissies.” Indeed. Hindsight indicates we should have purchased one of those extended service warranties for our bodies. Our appointment calendar sure has been filled with visits to all sorts of medical practioners, laboratories, imaging services and we are now on a first-name basis with the local pharmacist.
This hectic attempt to maintain some semblance of reasonable health has severely crimped our exploration life-style. Long trips have been few and far between. We therefore have been relegated to visiting mostly nearby venues repeatedly. That has not been a bad thing.
Repeat visits have allowed us to find previously undiscovered (by us) spots and to watch the same areas change as the seasons progress. Yes, we record the same species of flora and fauna much of the time. Somehow, we have yet to grow tired of doing so.
We have passed a group of sunflowers before, photographed several of the blooms before, enjoyed their bright sunshine-yellow color before – but, today, we found a Leafcutter Bee in the center of a big sunflower. That is something we have NOT seen before.
At this time of year, sighting a Gulf Fritillary butterfly is very common. But, today, we found a larva which had nearly formed a chrysalis of that butterfly for the first time at this place. We saw more than a dozen flower species today, all of which we have encountered previously here. But, today, we found a type of orchid we have never seen here.
Our lifestyle may be changing as are we, but our lives continue to be on a journey which offers marvels for us to behold. Familiar or new, we plan to absorb it all!
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Carpenter-mimic Leafcutter Bee (Megachile xylocopoides). This bee carries pollen on hairs on the abdomen instead of baskets on their legs like other bees.
We came across a larva about to be a chrysalis for the Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae) butterfly. Adults were plentiful this morning.
Spiny thistle-like leaves of the Mexican Pricklypoppy (Argemone mexicana) protect the large lovely flowers. It can be found in most states of the eastern U.S.
An abundance of blooms attracts an abundance of insects. That is quite satisfactory for the Bar-winged Skimmer (Libellula axilena). This large dragonfly happens to enjoy a bug buffet.
Nothing like a bit of bright red to offer some highlights to the edge of the forest. Today, Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) seemed especially abundant.
Something new for us here was finding several Spring Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes vernalis). These are terrestrial orchids and can sometimes grow to 24 inches in height.
The lovely butter-colored blossoms of Four-petal St. Johnswort (Hypericum tetrapetalum) are a welcome sight in the pine forest. Blue-green oval leaves which clasp the woody stems add to the unique nature of this plant which only occurs in Florida and southern Georgia.
Its unique appearance belies the fact that Blackroot (Pterocaulon pycnostachyum) is a member of the Aster family, although, it is the only member of its genus within Florida. No, I have not dug one up to verify the roots are black. (And don’t recommend anyone else should, either.)
With flowers seldom wider than about one-quarter inch, Annual Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium rosulatum) could easily be overlooked. That would be a mistake. The white and often yellow blossoms are exceedingly beautiful. (In my not-so-humble opinion.)
We came across a flower which, although common, we don’t recall seeing before. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is abundant across the country and throughout most of the world. It is not native to North America and may have originated in the Mediterranean. The species name, intybus, is derived from the Egyptian word for January.
From the real thing to a pretender. Not chicory. Not exclusively from Carolina. Not a desert plant. Other than that, the Carolina Desert-Chicory (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus), also known as a Texas Dandelion, is one of my favorite flowers.
Due to necessity, we have been exploring many nearby places over and over again. Each trip offers us something new as well as much which has become quite familiar. We are content.
Enjoy your search for a natural place and come back for a visit!
Our Natural Places 
First off, best wishes for you and Gini on the health front. Life is tough enough and having to deal with the side effects of aging is just an additional burden none of us need. Take care of yourselves, do what the doctor says (take that with a grain of salt as I rarely do ha) and enjoy what the days have to offer! I can absolutely relate to going back to places and discovering new elements, new aspects and as we have little control of their whereabouts…new wildlife. I’ve ran the same long stretch of Illinois River bluff more than three times a week for the last three months solid and every single time I find something new – Turkey chicks, Fawns, Coyotes a new plant there, a interesting tree there. Unfortunately not able to bring back the memories as the wonderful shots above, but mental images for sure. Enjoyed your walk!
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Thanks again for the nice thoughts. Gini is recovering well, but antsy to get out into the woods.
Whether we have pictures or not, as you say, the mental images are what’s valuable.
Take good care on those trails. Evil roots are everywhere.
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I love your positive attitude, Wally. Your posts always prove how much there is to discover and enjoy not far from home, as well as the benefits of getting to know a place so well so that a new plant or the presence of an insect on a familiar flower piques your interest and enhances your enjoyment of said place.
Keep exploring enjoying your beautiful natural places, and keep your wonderful photos coming. Please!
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Good Morning, Tanja!
It’s a beautiful day which has been made better by your kind remarks.
We’ll keep exploring and sharing as long as we’re able. The world is too beautiful to keep all to ourselves.
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Amen to that last statement.
Enjoy your weekend.
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You captured some beauties here. Sometimes it seems to me the closer you can get your camera to the flower, the prettier it is!
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Thank you, Peter.
Sort of like when I get closer to the mirror – no, wait – very bad example.
I enjoyed your july 4th post.
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Prayers for the appointments to go completey in your favour. Wishing you abundant good health and well being always.
Visiting the same place over and over again can also be a revelation. You know the spots by the back of your hands and there is still something new to always explore, as the landscape keeps evolving as does the fauna.
Apart from our rainforest adventures, we haven’t been out locally here in a while. Since the weather has now turned for the better, hopefully we’ll manage to get out more often. As long as it doesn’t rain too much. That never deters us, but the unruly traffic does. 🙂
Gorgeous images. The carpenter bee stands out amidst the glorious glow of the sunflower.
The blooms are so pretty. My favourite is the Annual Blue-eyed Grass. Stunning!
The St. Johnswort reminds me of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea). Though they are diametrically different, yet both are of great medicinal value.
Have a good, wholesome month ahead!
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Thank you for such nice comments, Natasha. We really appreciate you taking the time to be so thoughtful.
I totally understand about unruly traffic! We have found many “alternate” routes to avoid too many cars and we usually travel away from urban centers toward remote forests and swamps.
We are truly blessed to have so many flowers to enjoy, especially at this time of year.
We hope your July will be as joyful as ours.
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Nice photos. Our summer seems to have stalled somewhat, here in the UK and I find myself wearing long-sleeved tee-shirts once again!! Hopefully we will get better weather soon and everything can move through its lifecycle.
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Thank you very much, Paul. Welcome to our little world.
We shall endeavor to wave our hands frantically in an effort to whoosh some of our hot, humid air and plentiful sunshine your way.
On our arrival, several hundred years ago, in central Texas, we were advised that if we didn’t care for the weather, simply wait a bit and it would change. It did. Often.
Fingers crossed yours gets back on track.
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Love your images of the Mexican Pricklypoppy. Its spines seem very well organized, unlike our wild and crazy prickly poppy, less likely to reach out and poke you! I was especially pleased that you captured the old seed capsule, such a pleasing architectural shape.
I read your comment over on Shoreacres about Gini’s upcoming procedure – hope all goes as planned, and improved energy ensues. Sending mental images of Speedwell her way, just because I like the name and the colors.
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Love all aspects of that pricklypoppy, even the name.
Thank you so much for the well-wishes. Speedwell – perfect.
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Nice floral and macro work Wally.
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Thanks, Brad.
Still learning.
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We missed you too/two. I almost missed the creepy-crawlies but still admire your patience in capturing their tiny forms. I am amazed that you both manage to see health professionals, more so they able to diagnose and help. Our usual Medic is Dr Google – very cheap but not entirely accurate. If I too had cash I would treat you both to a month in Skiathos to soothe away your worries.
Such fun. We have an election to choose a new Government. Cheeks of the same arse and we have already sent postal votes for Nigels team. I watched with bemusement Trumpy and Dozy Joe “debate”. LOL. Good luck with that!
Do pass on best wishes and hugs to Gini . She will be up and running soon as.
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Firstly, thanks for the best wishes and hugs. They helped. Gini is home resting with a shiny tiny new computer thingie helping her wonderful heart maintain a steady pace.
Our political situation is so weird even WE sent Nigels team our votes.
We’ll be resting as comfortably as possible for awhile until a couple of our many medical experts advise it’s safe for Gini to chase alligators once more.
All the best from the land of humidity.
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Good girl Gina. Now make the most of it and demand breakfast in bed for several days.
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Stupid phone – Gini.
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She knew who you meant.
Hey, we use the same brand of phone!
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Chinese Moto. Crap but cheap.
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I was so happy to see your photo of the annual blue-eyed grass in this mix: and such a fine photo! With the two fruits on either side of the flower, the image brought to mind a nautical binnacle. I’ve often found the flower in places like cemeteries, but this year it was everywhere in the lawns at my apartment complex. I suppose that’s why it sometimes shows up on the websites of weed eradication companies.
Another association involved the blackroot. It’s bloom reminded me of the golden club (Orontium aquaticum) that I found in east Texas.
As for repetitive visits to more local haunts, there often are unexpected benefits, like your leaf-cutter bee. I’m reminded of the wisdom of Heraclitus’s contention that “no man steps in the same river twice. It’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man.” After all, Annie Dillard’s repetitive visits to Tinker Creek paid off!
Just now, I’m in the same situation, although it’s my car that’s in poor health, with both the air conditioner and catalytic converter needing replacement. Taking on an extra job to keep those payments off the credit card means two or three weeks of nothing but work, with any excursions necessarily brief and close to home. The good news is that a very local nature center only two or three miles from home has recently re-opened, and I’ll have a chance to reaquaint myself with that spot.
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I really like the balance those two buds provided for the annual blue-eyed grass. The small flower is easily overlooked and its larger cousin, S. angustifolium, seems to have a better press agent.
That’s a really interesting history about the binnacle.
The image of the Blackroot reminded me of some mythical dragon-bird poised to strike a curious photographer.
We’re sorry to hear about car troubles. We take stuff for granted until it doesn’t work right. Fingers crossed for swift repairs.
Serendipity to the rescue as that local nature center re-opens just in time.
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When you mentioned mudpies, gardenias, and childhood fun, this came to mind. The combination of the music and video made me think of you and Gini. Here’s to more such fun in the future!
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LOL, so true about getting old not being for sissies. You don’t realize how true until you actually get old! And I too could have greatly benefitted from an extended service warranty. Anyway, as always, I’m loving your nature photography. Keep it coming, whether near or far.
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Thank you, Peter.
Beginning to appreciate the dual design of that photography tool – tripod and cane.
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Beautiful! Just keep getting out, even if it’s close to home. And keep sharing what you find.
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Thanks, Dina.
We’ll definitely keep getting out. Some day, getting back may become an issue. 🙂
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Great images Wally. Mexican Prickly Poppy was really abundant when I was in Miami.
Wally, there’s a blog about Florida’s Native Wildflowers. Here’s the link:
http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/?m=1
It’s run by Hawthorn Bill.
I get updates from the blog on my Jetpack app, but the blog doesn’t accept “likes” nor comments. Just thought I’d let you know.
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Ok, I found out it does accept comments, but no “Like”
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Thank you, Maria, for the information.
I’ve been using that blog for several years as it is a great resource. The owner, Craig N. Huegel, PhD, is extremely knowledgeable and very willing to help with i.d.’s.
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I receive the new posts through Jetpack. I also have been following it. Some of the images are really good too.
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Magic. And much, much better than visits to the medicos and/or their offsiders.
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We keep hoping the Natural approach will cure what ails us before the doctors can find out what it is.
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Nature is everyday different, so there is always a lot to behold…
Have a good time!
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How true!
If we aren’t having a good time, we’re doing something wrong.
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I wish I’d come up with your title.
“Common” sunflowers are doing their thing here now, too, and have been for over a month. It’s hard to beat that cheery yellow against a pretty blue sky. The St. Johnswort flower also has a rich yellow, as does the Mexican prickly poppy.
I looked up Pterocaulon pycnostachyum to see what follows the stage in your picture. The flowers seem not to be large or showy.
Sorry the medical side of life has taken up more than its desirable share recently.
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Thank you, Steve, for the nice remarks.
The poor Blackroot “blooms” pretty much get ugly and then seem to deteriorate. We enjoy it while it lasts.
Bright yellows definitely brighten our mood and nature seems to offer plenty of “mood enhancers” in the spring.
Visiting with the doctors now may allow us to extend our ability to keep exploring for a few year longer than if we don’t visit with them.
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Two sayings come to mind: “A stitch in time saves nine” and “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here’s to longevity in your nature quest.
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First, I hope that all your doctor appointments are getting positive results. Love the first and second pictures. What an opportune moment to catch that caterpillar!
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So far, so good with the sawbones.
It was neat watching that caterpillar as it was in the process of forming a chrysalis. Nature sure is fun.
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