I haven't seen many hummingbirds this year, even though the feeders empty. Guess I haven't been outside at the proper times. I did see one here and there, but never when I had my camera in hand until yesterday. Finally got a pic of this guy. I thought by now only females would be left in our area, so I got a surprise when I saw this male.
We've had beautiful patio sittin' weather lately. I hope this doesn't mean we are going to have an early, ferocious winter. Gus doesn't have as many critters to chase in the city, but the squirrels are plentiful. He wasn't disappointed last evening.
On alert. Searching for his nemesis.
Aha! Spotted one by the neighbor's fence.
Linking to Tuesday Treasures and Happy Tuesday
Gus wanted to go for a backroad ramble yesterday, so we loaded up the car and took off toward the river access.
The bright colors of summer wildflowers are gone, now all are a muted yellow. The light greens of spring and deep greens of summer are tinged with brown. Still beautiful.
Linking to Nature Notes
As a friend on Facebook wrote, these are the ABCs. Anne, Betty, and Carolyn. My two best and longest friends.
I've known Carolyn since my aunt married her uncle in the mid 1950s. We got to know each other at a shivaree shower at her grandparent's house.
I've known Anne since third grade. I moved to a new school in 1958. A was a shy girl not good at making friends. She befriended me and I will be forever grateful to her.
This is us albeit a few years back.
Today is Carolyn's birthday, which made me think about being a friend. I don't often call or text either of them. I'm always afraid I'm interrupting their day. So I decided to remind myself as to why friends are important. This is what my research found:
Good friends are the unsung heroes of a fulfilling life. They lift you up when you’re down, challenge you to be better, and make mundane moments sparkle with laughter and connection. In a chaotic world, the value of true friendship is immeasurable.
They provide a safe space to share joys, fears, and everything in between, listening without judgment. Studies, like those from the American Psychological Association, show strong social connections reduce stress and boost mental health. A friend who checks in during tough times or celebrates your wins as their own is priceless.
Beyond support, good friends spark growth. They call you out when you’re slacking, inspire you with their ambitions, and cheer your goals. Whether it’s a late-night talk about dreams or a nudge to step out of your comfort zone, they’re mirrors reflecting your potential and compasses guiding you forward.
Shared experiences with friends amplify joy. A 2023 study from the Journal of Happiness Studies found that moments like spontaneous road trips or cozy movie nights create lasting memories. Good friends turn the ordinary into extraordinary, whether laughing over bad puns or dancing like nobody’s watching.
In crises—job loss, heartbreak, or illness—good friends are lifelines. They bring soup when you’re sick or sit silently when words aren’t enough, building a sense of security that you’re never alone.
Cultivating these friendships takes effort: showing up, being authentic, and investing time. Small gestures, like a thoughtful text or remembering a friend’s big day, matter. Quality trumps quantity—a few deep connections outweigh countless shallow ones.
Good friends are the glue that holds life together, making the journey richer, lighter, and infinitely meaningful. So, reach out to a friend today—tell them what they mean to you. In a world of fleeting moments, good friends are forever.
What did I learn? To be better at communication and tell them how important they are in my life.
