Tulip Tree

For as long as we have lived here,

we have had Tulip Trees growing along the top of the ridge

behind our home.

However, it wasn't till several years ago

when we remodeled our kitchen  and had a better view

of the higher parts of the trees that we discovered

our Tulip Trees did actually bloom.

I guess we weren't looking up.

Tonight as we we were eating our supper

was the first time I saw them blooming this year.

The blossoms are fairly good sized;

but they blend in so well with the leaves,

they are very easy to miss.

The Tulip Tree is Indiana's state tree;

and while we have really hard clay soil here,

they seem to grow well.

Something a Little Lovey Dovey

A Couple of Sweethearts have been Visiting my Deck.

The Mourning Doves generally prefer to look for food on the ground,

but lately this couple has been getting brave

and checking out what the other birds

have left behind on the deck.

I was watering flowers today

and saw this spot of color flutter out of them.

Such fragile, irridescent beauty!

I think it is a Damselfly.

Of course, the following visitor

sometimes wears out its welcome.

So far this year the squirrels have

been better behaved than last year.

So far.....