Exciting Polo Game

My daughter's work place had their annual picnic at the Ledew Gardens. After we had our fill of the wonderful food, we made our way around the gardens. Before long my husband and I got separated from my daughter and grandson. So, we set off to enjoy the garden by ourself.

My phone started to ring. "Hey, Mom, you got to check out the polo game going on." With the directions received, we found the game in progress at the end of the gardens. It was one of the cooless thing I have seen in a long time. I wanted to stay and watch this long held tradition of the gardens.

This was a first for me and the family. We have never seen horse polo before. It was exciting to watch the horses race by trying to be the first to hit the white ball. I wanted to watch the whole game, but the gate would be locked soon and we would have ended up locked out of the entrance back to the garden.

For a few minute, I was transported to a distant past where life seemed simple. I wanted to remain here forever. But like life always does, we had to move on and come back to the present.

Today life seems so hard. As I get older, I long for the past and the simpler times. But, before I get too old, I will enjoy the times I still have. Next year, I plan on watching the whole polo games. I can't wait.

Skyline Thrasher

For the past three years, I have been making plans to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline drive. I had to cancel the trips due to circumstances beyond my control. The third time was a success.

For most of the drive, the wild life seemed to stay hidden. Every once in a while we would see the birds fly across the road a head of us. A deer or turkey would make a quick showing, only to run into the forest before we could get a good picture.

One of the highlight of the trip was capturing a brown thrasher. I had only seen one once at the Mariner. This bird was too busy enjoying his catch, which gave me a chance to get several pictures.

From the trees to the bushes, than to the ground, he kept me entertained. Even though we saw very little  on this trip, catching the skyline thrasher made the drive worth while.

Surprised Muskrat

It was a very hot and humid day. The water looked inviting. I scanned the shore looking for any life seeking a refreshing dip, I must have made too much noise while walking on the boardwalk. This little critter shot out from under it and stood still.

I also stopped dead in my track. He surprised me as much as I must have surprised this little muskrat. He did not more. I did not more. For several minutes we waited. I raised my camera and took my shot. I took a second, than a third. He just stood there as still as a statue.

It was a very hot and humid day. The sweet starting pouring down my face. So, I made the first move. As I took my next step, the muskrat slowly made his way into the water. I guess he was just too hot to be in any hurry. I watched as he slowly made his way to the other side.

I came back a second day to find him still hanging around. He popped out of the water and stood still. It was if he was saying hi. So I raised my camera and took the shot. He did not seemed scared at all. This little muskrat went after getting off several pictures.

I will be back again. I hope it is another hot and humid day. It will be nice to see this surprised muskrat making his rounds.

Shark Drain Baby

For several weeks now, they have been advertising shark week on television. So, I was not surprise to see the APG's drain baby dressed up as a shark. Seeing what is new with the drain baby is a high light of my visit to the base.

The shark is one of God's creatures that is so misunderstood. Yes, most sharks are know for their predatory ways. Yet, you are more likely to be killed by rip tides, boat accidents or ocean's storms than you are by a shark.

When you have a healthy respect for these predators of the oceans, you learn that sharks are really fascinating. They come in all shapes and sizes. The hammer head is one of my favorites.

So, when you watch the many shark's horror movies this week, remember, they are just that, horror flicks made to scare and entertain. They are one of God's creation just like you. Take pleasure in learning the real stories about sharks.