Tree stand visit

Today, Tuesday, January 24th was our first forest outing with Nathaniel along. Landon and I went out for him to show me the different deer stands in the Osceola, the meat stand, five points, ect that he and the Popes and Bowens frequent during hunting seasons. I want to frequent them in the off seasons, to hopefully photograph a bear or other wildlife coming through. We took the stroller along and pushed NaNa on the roads, but carried him in the woods, mostly on Landon's shoulders. He is now taking a few steps on his own, so it will not be long before he is tagging along on his own. By the push back to the car, he was asleep in the stroller.

First Light

First light upon the cypress hammock near Ocean Pond. I was here in search of the mist that was here Friday afternoon. I felt for sure it would return Saturday morning, but I was wrong. Nevertheless, it was a good visit. The next day the mist did return, but I didn't. Elusive prey.

Hog Pen

This is Ocean Pond from Hog Pen Landing campsite. This is the location where I found the old wood duck box. This is also the spot I used to take Landon and Jordon to when they were little. In low water, the memory flooded.

Incoming

This is the view I see in the evening from the family room. Usually Rocky the dog is lying on the carpet or the chair in the upper top. The little table holds the books, ipod, watch, tea or whatever is needed at the time as I sit. Here I have the cracked Ipod touch with a photo of Nathaniel.

Scott's Testimony

Scott Hamilton gave his testimony. Shown are Tony Register, Christina Taylor, Vickie and Ken Bowen, Ken being instrumental in Scott's coming to Christ. Scott is the bass player for the 7 Days Band.

Dedication Sunday

This was from Sunday in Christ's Fellowships makeshift church, with Russell dedicating the newborns from left to right Nathaniel, Abrielle and Abigail. Shown from left to right are Landon and Amber Stokes, Tyler and Audra, Elder Tony and Breya Register and Pastor Russell Taylor.

Turkey Trail

Here I sit at Latitude 30.310612, Longitude 82.465385 for those interested in knowing where I was this past Saturday. This is a nice palmetto field recovering from a forest fire a few years back. The forest roads are fairly dry and thus the driving fine. I was in four-wheel drive only through the areas water covered the road, which was only in two places. Ticks though were plentiful.

Wood Duck Box

On the trip up to the cypress hammock at Ocean Pond Saturday, I came upon this Wood Duck box lying in the weeds in disrepair. I took it off the rusted pole and loaded it in the vehicle. I am going to restore it and return it to Ocean Pond soon.

Insect Inside

Can the Oak tree, my brethren, bear pine cones?

False Fruit

Can the oak tree, my brethren, bear pine cones?

We find in the budding of the shoot
That all this time the soil was bitter
And thus the hidden root
Revealed at last the poison fruit.

You sprouted and raised the limbs
We said my what a hearty tree!
But then came the thorns upon the stems
Pricking all who reached for thee.

Now you grow in groves of gall
You insist the fruit is sweet
But where the poison seeds fall
Are not dead worms at your feet?

Cut the bitter root from the bitter soil
A good fruit will be the reward for your toil.

Captive Pursuit

by john clare

Slipping down the slope I quickly drink
Scanning down river an ibis flushes above the rapids
I scurry and lay in the palmetto along the bank
Trembling and trusting I am safely hid.

To be relentlessly pursued I did not choose
A rebellious slave fleeing captivity
Too long the chased nature to lose
Shivering amid the ticks to remain free.

How easily my Master could capture
But he let's me run with abandon
Living wild in this hostile nature
My chain trail so visible in the soft sand.

And this captivity of which I flee
Is the very thing that so draws me.