If

It has been a very long time since we answered an "if" question. Here is one that will make you think.

IF YOU COULD BE MORE AMBITIOUS IN ONLY ONE ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Memorial Day 2011

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 pm on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

Memorial Day is not just another holiday that gives us a reason to join family and friends around the barbeque grill. It is a day to honor all the men and women who gave their lives so that we would be safe and free. Enjoy the day! Please take a minute to remember them by saying a silent "thank you" or a prayer.

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY, Casey and Amanda !!

First 2011 Brood

Mom and Dad keeping a close watch on things.

Six precious blue eggs.

Delivering a snack.

Removing broken shell.

First peek at the world.

Only moments after I took this photo, this little one flew out and away. I was happy to witness it. I thought for sure these little ones would leave the nest before I returned from Charleston, but I got lucky. Last year I watched all three broods during the entire process, but missed all the departures.
Nature's Magic.

Llamas or Alpacas?

I've been calling these little darlings "llamas", but I'm now thinking they are "alpacas". Whatever they are, they are adorable and I would LOVE to have a couple of them grazing in my back yard. We were returning from a tag sale last Saturday when I spotted these little ones off in the distance. I had to stop and get a good look at them and take pictures. I fell in love. They seemed very gentle and didn't mind my being up close. The one followed me up and down the fence ~ no matter which way I went, he/she was right there by my side. It won't do me any good to research the pros and cons of having a couple of these cuties because I know DH will say No Way!! We have a good size yard, but I'm not sure how the neighbors would react either. I guess I'll just have to go visit this little farm outside of town if I want to see these sweet little faces. How can anything with a nose that big be so darn cute???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Suzi !!

"YOU MUST HAVE A PLACE TO WHICH YOU CAN GO ~ IN YOUR HEART, YOUR MIND, OR YOUR HOUSE, ALMOST EVERY DAY, WHERE YOU DO NOT OWE ANYONE AND WHERE NO ONE OWES YOU ~~ A PLACE THAT SIMPLY ALLOWS FOR THE BLOSSOMING OF SOMETHING NEW AND PROMISING."

~Joseph Campbell

Charleston's Pineapple Fountain

Located in WATERFRONT PARK, a short walk from the WATERFRONT PARK PIER, Charleston's PINEAPPLE FOUNTAIN represents the welcoming hospitality for which Charleston is so well known.

A Few Trees of Charleston

Here are just a few photos of some of the trees I saw in Charleston. There are many and they are beautiful. Many of the large trees are in the churchyards and I'm not sure what they are. I believe some of them are LIVE OAKS. What an amazing feeling to stand under these massive old trees surrounded by headstones from many many years ago. I will name the trees I am sure of. Please also enjoy the beauty of the ones I don't know.The fruit of this LOQUAT TREE is very sweet once you peel the skin. It is much like a small plum.
I didn't even pay attention to this tree. I was too intent on capturing a photo of this beautiful cardinal.

This beauty is a BLONDE CREPE MYRTLE.

This one is a CINNAMON CREPE MYRTLE.

This tree was in the courtyard of a small gallery. The lady in the gallery took me on a little tour and told me the name of this tree. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name.

If you look closely at this MAGNOLIA TREE, you 'll see a bird resting inside.

This OLEANDER TREE was huge and gorgeous.

This CREPE MYRTLE was the meeting place for these two friends?

Beautiful red berries.

Not a tree, of course, but I couldn't pass up the beauty of these HYDRANGEAS.