Prayerful Consideration

While I was walking the three beagles today, I spotted a somewhat rare and elusive creature — a praying mantis! Of course, I had three dogs and no camera at hand, so we continued on our way.

The route that I normally walk the dogs takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on how far around the Baptist Church I decide to go, and how long of a rest fat old Milo needs in the middle. I saw the praying mantis close to the farthest point of our walk. Getting back to the house, I decided to grab my camera and head back to where I saw the interesting insect. I knew my chances of it still being there a good half-hour later were probably pretty slim, but there were plenty of other things to photograph and considering how bad my diet has been lately (I literally have eaten chocolate frosting straight out of the tub two nights in a row) I figured I could use the extra exercise! Plus, I haven’t gotten to really “play” with my camera in a long time!

Favor was upon me and the praying mantis was in basically the same spot so I proceeded to snap a few photos. It’s been very sunny this afternoon and the praying mantis was perched in shade on the branch of a pine tree, so maybe not optimal conditions for getting a great photo.

Praying mantis

Praying mantis

Praying mantis

When I grabbed my camera I saw the extra battery pack laying there and grabbed it.  I didn’t have pants pockets so tucked it in my waistband and it’s a good thing I did because my red “low battery” light started flashing as soon as I took the photos of the praying mantis!

Bees were buzzing around the thistle like crazy.

Bee on thistle

Bee on thistle

Bee on thistle

For some reason I really like the composition of those photos.  🙂  They are not cropped at all.

There was a large variety of butterflies fluttering busily hither and yon but none of them were the least bit interested in alighting on something for a photo op. I had one chance at this viceroy. I had to crop this shot a bit.

I believe this is a viceroy butterfly.

I don’t know what these berries are that look like wild grapes.

Grape-looking berries

Summer’s colors are fading away, but there are still some beautiful wildflowers about. I’m sorry I can’t I.D. these, my flower identification guides are all up north.

Fading flower with lady bug.

 

This red-spotted purple butterfly landed on a leaf for a few moments so I was able to snap three shots – two with the wings closed and one with the wings open. As you can see, it looks like this butterfly narrowly escaped being munched. There are fairly large chunks taken out of its wings.

Battered red-spotted purple butterfly

Battered red-spotted purple butterfly.

It seems like just yesterday I was walking this path and searching for signs of spring.  Now there are signs of fall. 😦

Leaves changing color already.

I love fall, but I’m not quite ready to let go of summer yet!

I practiced on some yellow flowers.  I’ve learned that yellow and white are two of the hardest colors to photograph.

Yellow flower with tiny bee.

I liked both those shots enough to include both of them, even though they aren’t much different.

The corn in the field behind our woods is starting to tassel. This is one of my favorite times of year because I love the smell of the field corn ripening! Unfortunately, my allergies don’t like it when the corn gets harvested in the fall.

Ahhh, the smell of a corn field, one of the many things I love about living in the country!

I had mentioned to Mr. Tootlepedal that my impatiens have flourished this year despite my black thumbs, so I have decided to include a photo of them.

Flowerbox of impatiens and some other pretty pink and green plant I can’t remember the name of. 🙂

I probably should have tweaked that photo a bit more.

I’m glad I went back out with my camera to photograph the praying mantis.  It was an hour well spent.  It’s easy to miss all the beauty of our little corner of the world when being pulled along by three dogs.

Tomorrow we head to the northwoods, so stay tuned for some new adventures!