This past week was challenging in a way that leaves you exhausted at the end. Every task a struggle, simple things were all but. One small example was my race to Bangor to have my car serviced on Friday – a 1:45 minute drive one way. Halfway home around dinner time, we paused so Hannah could take over driving. It was then that I discovered I didn’t have my phone – I’d left it in the shopping carriage at SAM’s Club. A quick call and I learned that they had the phone (thank you!) and we turned around and returned to Bangor. Let me just say that this is not the first time I’ve left my mobile behind in a cart.

A late night led to an early Saturday start at Milbridge Commons Wellness Park with an element of our play area being installed and I needed to be on-site. Needless to say, after my week, I didn’t want to be anywhere but my front porch with a cup of coffee.

After days of hot and humid, it was a glorious cool day. Had it been hot or raining I’m sure I would have grumbled the day away. Instead, I embraced the beauty of this place and wandered with my camera.

Goldfinches provided endless entertainment.

Dancing among the fading sunflowers dining on the seeds.

Bees were busy at every turn. This fellow was captured by accident, his legs so full of pollen it appeared as if he was wearing pants.

Flowers are beginning to fade feeling as if we are on the cusp of autumn.

The bees feel the urgency of late August, so intent on nourishment that they didn’t mind my stalking them.

A Great Blue Heron passed by so quickly that if my camera hadn’t already been on, I would have missed it entirely.

Skimming low across the water the Heron’s wings almost touching.

He came to land in a marshy spot on the water’s edge.

Monarchs fluttered about the pollinator garden.

Visitors stopped to harvest from the veggie and herb gardens.

And then hummers led me on a merry chase to photograph them.

Late in the day, the light was dim.

This hummer may be my favorite shot of the day.

What started as a bright sunny day ended overcast yet still beautiful. I was reminded of how restorative time outdoors can be. Camera in hand I often feel as if I have a purpose. And as I write this, I am happily sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee at hand. Happy Sunday.

#milbridgecommons