Beast on the Basil

I'm not sure what this beastie is supposed to be mimicking but it's doing a great job of it. 

Yesterday and Last Night

A rare treat is to see a cucumber tree blossom close up. This tree has lain down next to one of our trails but has still been blooming nicely for a number of years now. The blossoms are very large and fragrant. 

Goats Beard

Partridge berries are often noted for the big red fruit but the twin flowers are worth getting down to see.

As I was editing photos this night visitor flew up to look in on me.

I turned off the lights in order to end its confusion and hopefully find a mate... Beautiful night for it.

Strange Beast on the Bird Feeder

This little guy (or girl) makes the leap from the deck rail to the bird feeder, stuffs his cheeks and leaps back. We have sworn off cats after out beloved Maggie went on to that great mouse hunt in the sky (Actually she's becoming one with the earth next to a hickory tree). The change in the wild life near the house has been amazing. Ground birds and ground squirrels are now abundant near the house. Even the larger birds are hanging closer. I almost stepped on a pileated woodpecker a few minutes ago. What he was doing on the ground I have no idea. 

Virginia Ground Cherry

Taken just this morning

Mist

The mist monsters were out this evening after the storm passed through. You have to be here...

This is a Hippeastrum, not an Amaryllis as it is often sold as.

We have had this one for a couple of years. It is an impressive bloom and easy to care for in the off season. This one sits a couple of feet above the kitchen table as I type.