Hiking :: Learning :: Fun

Today was our final hike in a series we've been doing with our homeschool community. On Arabia Mountain, a Nature Preserve in DeKalb County, there is a rare flower that only grows there--the Red Diamorpha. We've had the pleasure of watching it develop over the course of three months. Today we were finally able to view a few of the open flowers.  It grows in wet beds of water that are located atop and along a stone mountain.

Of course the day wouldn't have been complete without enjoying the hot temperatures (it got up to 81 degrees), playing in the cool, clear mountain water and enjoying lunch together.

As we all know, I picture is worth a thousand words and so I will share a few here so you can see just how beautiful this natural habitat is.

Another fun day learning outside of doors!

Sabbath Therapy

I got my daily dose of vitamin D along with some dirt therapy today!

The weather was beautiful. The sun was out. The birds were singing and found our newly located bird feeders. Several of our favorites made their appearance today for the first time since the cold weather. I'm looking forward to seeing more as the temperatures sustain and Spring officially arrives. Here are a few shots I was able to snag.

Grosbeak

House Sparrow

Chickadee

Titmice

Another look--
love their tufted head feathers

Nuthatch

After bird watching for a good while, I got set up to repot some of the plants that have been awaiting this task.  It was nice to have my hands in the dirt. I listened to some music as I set things up on the porch. (Thank goodness the kids were in the back.) I had my own time.

Many of them had been in water since last summer--growing roots. Don't they look good?

All in all, I am good. I've had a bit of quiet. I've also had time alone with nature.  I'm feeling rather peaceful and that's a good thing.

How did you spend today?

Be well.



For family and friends who may be reading this post, I must thank Aunt Lois for giving me the love of birdwatching--for wanting to not only identify them by sight but by song. I'm getting pretty good at it, and so are the children.  Also, my mother for many of these plants (I'm going to need more the next time we come to visit or vice versa!). 

A Garden Party

Today we were invited to a garden party.  We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through a rather nice garden path which followed a creek.  Then got to do a bit of fun (the party part)--some face painting, a ride, creating a hat, enjoying the other sites, sounds and tastes.  We also took a look in a "just look" museum.  (It was hard for the children to wrap their heads around that.)  All in all, a day well spent! :D