Rollin' on the River Styx

We spent the summer after our move camping out in Robertsdale, AL. It is about 25 minutes away from Pensacola. The resort sits right on Styx river. Styx actually has very clean water but it is tan in appearance from the tannins.



Tannins are naturally occurring substances found in many plants. It causes a bitter flavor and may cause animals to avoid eating certain vegetation rich in tannins. As leaves, bark or other plant matter falls off and decays, the tannins leach into the water. This causes the distinct coloration. These rivers are called blackwater rivers. But there is nothing black about these rivers. They are still full of fish and other aquatic animals like the minnows below.







The river is also home to a host of human visitors like Boys 1 & 2.











This is becoming a reoccurring theme. My boys have a sand castle or fort design in their heads at all times.







This river is not terribly deep but even in the shallows the current is fast. It is great for tubing but my kids preferred floating. Enjoy the video below and listen carefully at the end for Boy 2's fishing technique.



~Jessica~

Wordless Wednesday - Secret Agent Squirrel

For more wordless photos, please visit: http://www.wordlesswednesday.com/newhome/.



~Jessica~

It's A Girl!

I wanted to share our new addition before going back to more July photos. On October 1st we adopted Miss Lucy Springs. She is about 1 1/2 years old and a full blooded Miniature Pinscher.



My husband gave her the middle name of "Springs" because he says she has back legs made of springs. When she is happy to see you she bounces right up into your arms.



Here are some of Miss Lucy's "All About Me" facts.

1. Lucy loves car rides.







She especially likes it when Daddy lays down the seat while waiting for the boys to get out of school!



2. Lucy is very alert and listens to almost everything said. This is one of the only times she has been allowed to sit at the table. She was so cute I had to snap a photo before scolding her to get down.



3. Lucy loves snuggling in blankets, the softer the better.





It is official. My family has become the average. We have mom, dad, two children a cat and a dog. Well , we can pretend to be average, right?

~Jessica~

P.S. Most of the photos are from my new cell phone. Not to bad, eh?

Macro Monday - Shedding Skin

Back in July, we woke up in the morning to find this Cicada (Tibicen) and his skin. He (or she) had just finished molting and was still drying off. The boys love collecting the discarded skins and it was a real treat to see the insect that left them behind, up close and personal.







For a neat time lapsed video of a cicada molting, check out this link:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Cicada_molting_animated-2.gif

For more macros, please visit: http://lisaschaos.com/.



~Jessica~

Sand Castles

Boy 2 is such an ingenious architect. He loves creating and building. He also happens to be very photogenic. Please excuse the proud mommy gloating.





Anyhow, who needs a beach when you have all this sand on our camp site? Certainly not this little builder.





~Jessica~

Camera Critter Saturday - Caterpillar Shopping

There are some basic rules to shopping for caterpillars. Mister Mocking Bird has volunteered to demonstrate these rules.

Rule 1: Always carefully inspect your caterpillar. You don't want one too small but you don't want one so big it will not fit in your beak. Make sure your caterpillar is clean and free of blemishes. Following this rule will ensure you get the most out of your meal.



Rule 2: Carefully pluck your choice from its environment. Be careful not too squeeze too hard as that will effect the flavor but be sure to hold it firmly enough so as not to lose your caterpillar.



Rule 3: Run as fast as you can so no one else will catch on that you have a very delicious caterpillar in your beak. Other shoppers may try to steal your groceries if you aren't quick!



Hopefully these rules will assist you in your next caterpillar shopping experience.

For more Camera Critters, please visit: http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/



~Jessica~

Sky Watch Friday - Why I Love Dead Trees

I am an avid gardener and general plant lover. I even detest pulling weeds because they may just turn out to be something I like. I have been known to let poison ivy grow because it turns the most beautiful shade of red in the fall. But there are times when I love a dead tree, particularly when it is only partially dead. Why you ask? These trees make an excellent observation point for our feathered friends.

Since we have been camping out, I have taken a good number of photos of birds in these look out points. Here are just a couple of my favorites. There is a bit of darkness to them but that is because they were taken in the afternoon towards the northwest.




Mourning Dove




Northern Mockingbird

For more sky photos visit Sky Watch Friday: http://skyley.blogspot.com/



~Jessica~

PS Happy Friday the 13th ;)