Wind, water, humans and animals all contribute to the roadside flower show. Remember when the temptation was too great when you came upon a dandelion ready to send its parachute seeds into the wind. You had to take a deep breath and have a hearty blow, sending the seeds to new places. Although roadside flowers are not precisely placed as you would in a garden, they become a random pattern flowering in fields, roadsides, vacant lots and even cracks in the sidewalk. Where ever they grow they have a beauty all their own.
Yellow milkwort suggests an orange clover head. It grows in the Pine barren's wet sandy soil, and is quite colorful.
American Indians made a poultice from the roots for wounds, sores, and burns. They used the fuzz from the female flowerhead to stop chafing in babies. We often see the cattail in floral displays.
Queen Anne's lace has a dainty flat topped cluster of tiny white flowers. They grow to be 12-18 inches and roadsides are plentiful with this delicate flowers.
The day-lily with its bright orange flower can easily be transplanted in your garden. I wish they lasted all summer season for they add foliage and flower to the land- scape.
Prickly-Pear Cactus is the only widespread eastern cactus, having a flower often with a reddish center. The tuffs of bristles will never let you forget the prickly-pear if touched by fingers or toes.
A little touch of blue from the sky must have given these flowers their color. I was tempted to pick some, but I refrained because to disturb them would not have been the best thing to do.
This was a sight to behold. The field was an array of golden yellow. It was certainly a picture perfect sight. The Black-eyed Susan is a native American wild flower, although sometimes it is called yellow daisy and it happens to be the state flower of Maryland.
The American Indians made a medicinal tea from the roots of the daisy to treat worms and colds, and as a wash for sores and snakebites. Juice from the root was used to treat earache. Let's forget about the snakebites, but perhaps there is something to be said for these early American remedies.
These Indian Pipes made a short visit to my garden. They like shady areas, and the flower is white or pink but turns blackish later. They don't grow very tall and the few in my garden were about 6-7 inches tall. I have been searching for more, but have yet to find any.
These star like flowers were clustered together like little stars. Most of the flowers had five petals except the lonely little one in the foreground. Wonderful, we have seen some orange, yellow, white, blue and brown roadside flowers. My next venture will be to find the pinks, reds and purples.
Skeeter is a toy rat terrier who has become a dominate part of my world. Presently she has been experiencing visual problems and her opthtalmologist, Dr. James Clinton from Medford, New Jersey has diagnosed her eye problem as corneal erosion. She is also far sighted and I have become her seeing eye person.
I like having Skeet by my side because she is a true companion and friend. I know she doesn't like me to leave her, but upon my return I know a little tail will wag , ears will go back and a happy doggie dance will occur with a repeated welcome bark.
My little girl always looks forward to a treat any size shape or form.
She can be very entertaining, understanding basic commands is easy for Skeeter.
Skeeter came to us four years ago, although she is approximately nine to ten years of age. She always loved her toys especially ones with squeakers inside. Now because of her eyes she is unable to focus for fetching or catching .
Well it's bedtime for us and yes, she does sleep with me and I wouldn't have it any other way, because we are a team.
This past summer we lost an outside pet named Rufus. He, too, always welcomed a gentle touch, and kind words. We had seventeen years of faithful friendship and he will always be missed.
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to
someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills
for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is
plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to
health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,
just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals
are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very
special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play
together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run
from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and
faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend
finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once mor ae into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from
your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge
together....
Author unknown...
Recently I visited the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Taj is a mega casino and hotel and it provides a great entrance to the boardwalk. After having an enjoyable lunch it was inevitable the penny machines were calling; displaying novelty games that any gambling patron would have difficulty resisting. Needless to say, the "luck of the Irish" was not with me that day, so I ventured high above the boardwalk where a secret area lets you observe the sights of the boardwalk, ocean, birds and vacationers. As I took the following photographs I felt content with my "bird's-eye view," equal to the pigeons and seagulls flying above.
Walking, strolling, call it what you like, this was a beautiful late afternoon to enjoy.
For some individuals the famous rolling chairs provided the easy going transportation.
Mr. Sandman leaning against the railing was desperately trying to remove the sand between his toes, not an easy task because the sand is like Velcro to the body. One thing for sure I hope he didn't put his shoes on until every granular was left behind.
Love was in the air. It was pleasant seeing couples holding hands as they enjoyed the early evening.
At the end of Steel Pier there is a landing--take off pad for the helicopter. The ride takes you for a view of the island, beach, ocean, casino facades, shops and activity on and off the beach.
I assume this lady sees something of interest. Is it a bird, plane, or something faster than a speeding bullet, or more powerful than a locomotive, or could it just be SUPERMAN?
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey is a small community located in Atlantic County in the southern part of the State. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 4243. The town has been under renovation for a number of years and many changes are presently taking place. The tree lined streets on the most part have nicely manicured homes and yards and one senses there are many characteristics of a Norman Rockwell painting. Unfortunately this community like many others in the area on June 30th 2012 experienced a thunderstorm system call a "derecho". According to a meterorologist a derecho storm fuels itself, for it is a group of thunderstorms causing high winds, rain and hail. Winds can gust more than 80 miles per hour lasting about 30 minutes. During this time a great amount of damage took place causing a massive clean-up effort needed.
This tree was in derecho's path. The family was trying their best to get limbs away from their property and their neighbors.
We often are made aware of damage caused by severe storms as we watch TV. This car and many others parked along the tree lined streets became victims to the storm.
Mother Nature had no mercy as it came through with a vengance. The family was trying to clean-up the best they could, but it certainly was going to take heavy equipment to remove the large size tree trunk and limbs.
The City has a lovely park, called Lincoln Park. It is a place where people can sit and relax under age old trees. This one will never rise again and will be missed by many of the local residents.
Damaged homes also brought a feeling of sadness, knowing that no one should have to experience such devastation.
The root system indicates the massive size of the tree. As I observed the fallen trees they all appeared to be facing the same direction. Rain, snow, wind or blow can not stop Mother Nature's choice of weather systems. We must appreciate the gift of a clear blue sky, bright sunshine and lack of a 'derecho.'
