The nature around us.

Lately I have been so impressed by the nature around me. Yep, I mean the nature right outside my back (or front) door. I feel very lucky that we don't have to travel far to enjoy some of the simplicities that our earth has to offer.

Here are a few of our recent favorites (in no particular order):

The Western Tanager. Gorgeous, gorgeous birds, and they are everywhere! At any time throughout the day I can look out our various windows and spot some flying around. They are like our own "tropical" bird.




Sun, glorious sun. Although we have not had as much of it this May, I relish in it when it shines in through our windows.

The fragrance of the blossoming honeysuckle vine & the hummingbirds that drink the nectar from it. Their hum sounds like the faint jingling of a small high pitched bell. They are welcome here.

Lush green trees with varying hues of bark, contrasted against the grey and stormy morning sky. Breathtaking.

All the green growing in my garden.


Tons of fresh, beautiful eggs.
Pushing the boys on the tire swing in the front yard on a spring afternoon.

The sticky satisfaction that popsicles bring to my boys, and seeing them enjoy together.
Birds singing. It is a constant. All day long, rain or shine. It's like a built in soundtrack to our day, but it sounds far more beautiful than any song I have heard on the radio.

Playing in the puddles at our house. Sometimes with rain boots, but more often without. Bare feet are the coolest.

Our view, even though it's a small view, of Table Rock.


The front porch. I love it so much I will write it again. The front porch.

What are you enjoying in the nature around you???