Saturday, September 6, 2008

More photos

The first two photos are peaches on my peach tree in my backyard. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge peach fan. I did pick some, made a simple syrup and froze them. I figure if I ever have a desire to make a peach cobbler or preserves, it'll at least be there.








This is just a bird feather I saw lying around.





This is a catalpa (catawba) tree. In the spring, it blooms these fragrant white flowers with large heart -shaped leaves. The leaves are eaten by the catalpa caterpillars which actually make excellent fish bait. In the fall and winter, the tree produces these green bean-like stalks which store seeds. The only bad thing is that these stalks dry up and turn brown, and half the time, I mistaken them for snakes!




Here is a small white, hairy caterpillar. He was very active, wiggling all over the place.



Lastly, I just happen to see this critter. My guess is it is a type of praying mantis. He was quite the character, climbing the fence and hopping everywhere. I actually had him on my arm, but those photos came out blurry due to the close distance.






8 comments:

Heather O'Donnell said...

You are motivating me to take my camera with me everywhere. You never know when you'll stumble across something beautiful

Tiptoe said...

Yeah Heather! I say go for it! There's so many interesting things out there.

Dr. Deb said...

FABULOUS photos.

Tiptoe said...

Deb, Thanks! I always appreciate your comments.

Anonymous said...

I like peaches, but only if they're sweet and juicy. If they're not sweet, or have a mealy texture, or are hard/not-juicy...no way!

Great photos. :)

Tiptoe said...

Zandria, thanks for commenting. Yes, these peaches, though small, are actually quite tasty. I was really surprised.

Cammy said...

Ooh I'm jealous of your mantis, I have to do a bug collection for a class this semester and I haven't been able to find one of those yet!

Being from the South, I find it impossible to believe anyone doesn't like peaches. Really? They are pretty gross if they aren't tree-ripened, maybe you just haven't had the right ones yet? If you ever come visit me you can sample ours, guaranteed not to disappoint. ;)

Tiptoe said...

Cammy, the mantis just kind of "appeared," though it's not the only one I've seen this summer. I'm sure you'll find one soon enough. ;-)

As far as peaches, they're just "okay." I'll eat them occasionally, but it's just not one of those things I sought after like other fruits. But you're probably right in that I haven't found the best peaches yet. See, that's why I need to visit you sometime. :-)