Along Came a Spider Lily

I have always loved spider lilies (Lycoris radiata) but don't have much luck in growing them. They are everywhere in early autumn, growing along roadsides, next to ditches, in meadows.  But they are somewhat temperamental, from what I've read. They don't like to be disturbed, and make take more than one season to bloom once planted.

Anyway, they must grow quickly, because I discovered two in my back yard, only when they were about to bloom.  They are so fascinating and are a harbinger of cool weather.  I really love these plants.

Little Sunflowers on the Prairie

My neighbor across the street has a cluster of prairie sunflowers, sometimes called Maximilian sunflowers.  These are gorgeous, growing upwards of seven feet in height and needing absolutely no staking at all. Each year at this time I get such enjoyment in seeing them every day.

My Favorite Time of the Year!!!

Where has the time gone? Autumn just simply passes too quickly. Maybe I love autumn because my birthday is on September 23, but there is just something about this time of the year.  The skies seem bluer, the air has just a little crispness to it, football is everywhere, and it's almost time for me to start planting pansies!

Here are a few shots of why I like autumn so much!

It's Good to be Back!

August is over, thank goodness. I've been away for a few weeks, after my mother had a bad fall. She will be going home tomorrow, so my time will still be limited. Your prayers for Vivian will be appreciated as she adjusts to a more restricted lifestyle.

I Am Surrounded by Banana Spiders!

I give up.  They are everywhere around my house.  I got clotheslined again this morning by a piece of web.  These things are huge.  This chiquita, fortunately, is out of my way. Her web extends from the hydrangea bush all the way to a crepe myrtle tree, probably about 8 feet in width.

Look closely in front of the clay pot. Chiquita is hanging out in her web.

It's easy to see the golden color of the web.

Jeremiah Denton - Beyond the Military....

When he retired from the Navy in 1977, Denton returned to Mobile where he served as a consultant to the President of Spring Hill College. He also founded and led the non-profit organization, "Coalition for Decency."

In 1980 he was elected to the U.S. Senate, setting history in doing so. He became the first Republican ever elected by popular vote to the Senate from Alabama, the first resident of Mobile elected to the U.S. Senate, the first retired military flag officer and the first Catholic elected to any statewide office in Alabama. He was also the first retired Admiral or General elected to the U.S. Senate.

He served in the U.S. Senate from 1981-1987. While in the Senate, he served on the Judiciary Committee, the Labor and Human Resources Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

In 1983, he served as an observer to the election in El Salvador. He was also an advisor to President Reagan regarding the effort to stop communist aggression in Nicaragua.

The Denton Foundation was established in 1985. This space available program, in conjunction with the U.S. mililtary, has transported over 50 million pounds of equipment and supplies to needy people throughout the world at reduced or no cost.

Upon leaving the Senate, President Reagan appointed Denton Chairman of the Presidential Commission on Merchant Marine and Defense, a two-year appointment.

Jeremiah Denton's accomplishments are too numerous to list here.  More information can be found at http://dentonfoundation.org/

I remember Jeremiah Denton speaking at Dauphin Way Baptist Church while he was still in the U.S.Senate.  It was quite an honor to listen to his testimony.  He is a testament to his faith and that was evident in his compelling story as he recounted his years as a prisoner of war. 

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay...

I've been thinking lately about Mobile Bay, probably because of the recent oil spill and the potential for resulting damage.  It appears that the bay has dodged a bullet, but it got me to thinking. What do I really know about Mobile Bay?

The bay has salt water from the Gulf of Mexico and fresh water from rivers. This combination of fresh and salt waters is called an estuary, which is home to many fish, shrimp, and crabs.

Even though Alabama's coastline has only fifty miles of beach, it has the fourth largest river system by volume in the United States.

Mobile Bay is approximately 31 miles long; its widest point is 24 miles across; the average depth is only 10 feet.  Since the 1800's a man-made ship channel has been in operation, thus creating an international seaport for ocean going vessels.

Sailing on the bay

Sun beginning to set

What a lovely sight!