Spring has Sprung

Pink Camelia in my Yard, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

Spring has sprung, and many beautiful flowers, blossoms, leaf buds, and leaves are out in my area now. I have really been taking it in and enjoying it as much as possible whenever I step outside, especially before the pollen hits full-force. I took several pictures last Friday (which I’m also posting here) and shared them with some colleagues at work to generate discussion about Spring, shake off the winter chill, and think about the nicer weather. It’s so nice to see Spring at our doorsteps again.

Red Camelias in my Yard, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

I also wanted to take a moment to post these pictures so I could come back in the future and remember all of these pretties. Last week, the temperatures were very warm here in Georgia, but tonight (March 18), the chill is again in the air and temperatures will plummet close to freezing. I’m glad that I took some pictures and have enjoyed my blossoms as much as I can before the potentially frosty or freezing weather harms them.

White Azalea Flowers in my Yard, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

I have many different varieties of flowers, shrubs, and trees in my yard. A couple of people have described it as a botanical garden, and a handful of neighbors have gotten azaleas and dogwood trees from my family and I in past years. I do have to brag that my yard is truly the prettiest of anyone’s in my neighborhood due to all of the beautiful flowers and trees. It is definitely a lot of work to take care of all these lovelies, and I actually downsized a bit last year because it was so much.

Cherry Blossoms on my Cherry Tree, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

One thing I’m very happy about is that all of my camelias blossomed this year. I was concerned that they wouldn’t after the Polar Vortex that came through during the winter. After all, last year, my camelias did not blossom at all for the entire year as a result of the bitterly cold Polar Vortex that stunted them that winter. The camelias are so pretty, and I really missed them. I kept hoping they would blossom last year, but they didn’t show themselves at all. I’m definitely celebrating their return to blossoming again this year.

One of the Last Daffodils of the Season in my Yard, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

I have also already seen several butterflies flying around my yard at the flowers. The first Tiger Swallowtail that I saw was on March 8, and that was even before there were any leaves out on the trees. It hatched a bit early with the warm weather, so it likely wasn’t around for very long, though it was nice to see. Since then, I’ve seen several Tiger Swallowtails, and they have mostly been hanging around my blossoming cherry tree which is in full bloom right now. Last week, I also saw a couple of other butterflies such as a Brown Skipper and Cloudless Sulphur flying about, enjoying the sunshine.

Mini Daffodils in my Yard, Snellville, Georgia, March 15, 2024

At any rate, included here are pictures of various blossoms of flowers in my yard. Enjoy!

It’s Fall in Georgia when you see Joro Spiders

Female Joro Spider Wrapping Prey with Male Joro Spider above her, October 1, 2023, Snellville, Georgia

It is already October 1, and it is a beautiful time of year! For the past two weeks, it has been great to have the cool air refresh the house at night and not have to turn on any air conditioning during the day. Right now is that perfect “in-between” time when the air conditioning can stay off and the heat does not have to be on yet. It also reminds me of that transition time between Spring and Summer when the temperatures are also just right. It’s nice to enjoy the fresh, rejuvenating outdoor air while also not adding to the electric bill.

Along with Fall in Georgia comes Joro spiders. Joro spiders are invasive from Japan. From my reading, I discovered that they were first spotted in Georgia in 2013, and they are now found in several Southeastern states. Joro spiders are really beautiful. Females are large black spiders with yellow backs, multi-colored bellies, and striped legs. Males are significantly smaller and appear to live with a female in her web; sometimes there are multiple males with the female, as I have observed.

Female Joro Spider in Web, October 1, 2023, Snellville, Georgia

I have currently counted one dozen Joro spiders with huge, expansive webs, outside, around my house and in trees and bushes in my yard. I leave them alone. They are pretty and they are not hurting me, so why should I do anything to them? While I don’t generally care for spiders – or any type of invasive species – spiders are good for the ecosystem. They prey on insects, including bugs that can be a nuisance, such as stink bugs. When I walked around the outside of my home this evening to get a few photos of them, I observed one huge female (shown in the header image) wrapping up what appeared to be a bee or hornet that got tangled up in her web.

Another Female Joro Spider in her Web, October 1, 2023, Snellville, Georgia

While I understand that Joro spiders can bite people, if one does get bitten, it is pretty harmless. A person may experience what feels like a bee sting and there could be some redness at the site, but it is not something that is life-threatening. I have also seen Black Widow spiders and Brown Recluse spiders around my property in the past, as well, and I am not as friendly toward them, unfortunately for them, but fortunately for me. The Black Widows like to live under rocks, and the Brown Recluses like to live in dark, quiet corners, such as in the basement. I’ve also observed the huge Wolf spiders on occasion, and I leave them alone. They are too big to mess with, and I am happy as long as they stay outside. The pretty black and yellow garden spiders are already gone for this year; they are nice, too.

For more information about Joro spiders, following is a link: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/joro-spiders-what-to-know. It appears that Joro spiders are most active between September to November in Georgia. I have to say, thankfully, it appears that the 100s and 100s of eggs that are laid by the females in egg sacs are eaten by birds or other predators. I’m not sure the birds, bats, or other creatures could keep up with all of them if they all survived!

Beautiful Rainbow in Snellville

One side of the rainbow in Snellville, January 12, 2023

For most of the day today, there was a tornado watch in and around my area, just another sign of global warming as this should not be happening here in winter. We experienced high winds, heavy rain, and thunder and lightning under an eerie sky. Prior to the storm, the sky appeared to be light green and light yellow. I’ve observed light green skies in the past in my area, as well, and always heed them as a warning of a possible tornado. This is not something I ever experienced in the area where I grew up, so it is something that I’ve had to learn and look out for.

Other side of the rainbow in Snellville, January 12, 2023

After the storm and once the skies broke, the Sun shone through the clouds very brightly. I happened to look outside because it became so bright and there was a beautiful rainbow, stretching from one end of my neighborhood to the other! Wow, how gorgeous it was! I have never seen a rainbow such as that in my neighborhood, though I have seen rainbows in this area before. The rainbow lasted for only about 10 minutes, just enough time to get outside and take some pictures, however clear or blurry. It was wonderful to see this beautiful rainbow today!

February Snow in Georgia

Snow on the cherry tree, Snellville, Georgia, February 8, 2020

We haven’t seen snow here in Georgia for the past few years. For me, as a Yankee, it’s always a treat to get snow in the South! I definitely miss it, especially the skiing. Both the North and South have their advantages and disadvantages, though I don’t miss the brutal cold of those Buffalo winters.

Snow in Snellville, Georgia, February 8, 2020

Last weekend, though it was 39 degrees Fahrenheit, it was snowing here in Snellville on Saturday morning, February 8, 2020. It snowed for most of the morning – a heavy, wet snow with huge snowflakes. It was so pretty – and was more like what winter should be – rather than the 65 degree Fahrenheit temperatures we have today, less than one week later.

Let it Snow! Snellville, Georgia, February 8, 2020

On February 8, my son was training fellow Boy Scouts at his troop’s bi-annual leadership training event. They also took some time out from their instruction to step outside and have a friendly snowball fight. That’s another good memory to include in my Eagle Scout son’s wonderful experience in scouting! Oh – and by the way – the daffodils are blooming in full force now and the maples are budding out, too…

Early Daffodils & Azaleas in January

Daffodils, Snellville, Georgia, January 13, 2020

Last Monday, January 13, 2020, the first daffodils blossomed here in Snellville, Georgia. Their blooming is about three weeks earlier than usual. There was a warm spell here for about five days prior to their blooming. Temperatures got up to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit as a high.

Small pink azalea bush blooming, Snellville, Georgia, January 13, 2020

Coincidentally, nearly all of the dozens of azaleas on our property were starting to bloom. In the pictures I took of a couple of them, they don’t appear very full of blossoms, but many were just starting to come out.

Small white azalea bush blooming, Snellville, Georgia, January 13, 2020

By this week, we were back to the cold again. The cold snap that got down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit two days ago took all of those azalea blossoms away. There are none now. Surprisingly, however, the daffodils are still in bloom. They survived the cold, for now.

Global warming is real. This weather is definitely not normal. There were even two Japanese maples that were trying to bud out last week. Now, they’ve been frozen back into hibernation again. This is definitely not good. Thankfully, Greta can put a voice to the concerns that so many of us have!

Trees Lost in Snellville due to Tropical Storm Irma

A tree in my neighborhood lost to Tropical Storm Irma, Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

After the Carribean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida were hard-hit by Hurricane Irma, its effects were felt here in Snellville, Georgia after it traveled up the west coast of Florida early last week.

We lost power for almost 1.5 days in Tropical Storm Irma that came through this area.  Traditional schools were closed for three days, and online schools closed for one day.  If what we experienced was a tropical storm, I’ve definitely never seen a rain and wind storm whip around the trees as it did.  Its amazing that more trees did not fall than actually did.

Another tree down in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

In my neighborhood, alone, I counted six trees that fell after driving through my area, including a huge oak. With the heavy winds and the ground being saturated, trees with surface roots or those that were rotten fell easily.

A fallen tree in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

Just yesterday, in a nearby area, I observed power lines that were laying on the ground. Now, six days after the storm passed through, there are still people in my area who do not have electrical power.

A couple of limbs that were ripped off of a tree in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

Seeing the news on TV and the Internet of the damage that Irma did, my heart and prayers go out to everyone who weathered it.  May those who lost their lives rest in peace.  May those who are cleaning up and rebuilding get the help and support they need, quickly.

Mother Nature has shown that a category five hurricane is definitely something to take extremely seriously.

Snow in Snellville! (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Snow-covered tree in Snellville, Georgia, January 23, 2016

It has been about two years since there has been snow in Snellville, Georgia.  I, for one, have missed it!  It was a pleasure to awaken this morning to a slight covering of snow on the ground.  I took some photos around my yard this morning at 11:00 AM, reflecting some of the snow.  By 1:00 PM, it had all melted away!

With the blizzard conditions being experienced to the north of us, I was hoping that we would get more snow here today.  It’s always fun to make a snow man with my son or pull him around in the sled through the yard.

This weekend, we were planning to take a ski trip to North Carolina with my son’s scout troop.  What a disappointment it was not to go as a result of the weather conditions!

Daffodils on snow-covered ground in Snellville, Georgia, January 23, 2016

When one grows up in ski country, one must take advantage of all the fun that the snowy winter conditions have to offer.  For all of those folks who have a distaste for snow and winter weather, I dislike the cold, but I love the snow.  In order to avoid cabin fever, it is important in areas that experience snow to have outdoor activities that one enjoys.

What I really miss about not living in a snowy winter region is the skiing, as well as snowmobiling.  Making snow people and snow angels, having snowball fights, munching on icicles – or just walking in the snow and enjoying its beauty – are activities that I miss.

Of course, I do not miss the high heating bills in winter, nor driving in treacherous conditions involving snow, ice, and slush.  I do not miss the road salt that eats up my vehicle, and requires me to wash it, frequently, at the car wash.  I do not miss water dripping through the ceiling due to all of the snow on the roof of the house.

Icy bird baths on snow-covered ground in Snellville, Georgia, January 23, 2016

And, I do not miss frostbite (which I have experienced once in the past) due to the polar conditions.  I can further leave behind the extreme wind chills that make the outdoor temperatures so much colder than they really are.

There are definitely positive and negative things that one can experience as a result of snowy, winter weather.  I’m glad to have had these experiences, particularly so that I can know how to best care for myself and my family in conditions such as these.

Be prepared, think carefully, and be safe out there!

“A Wet Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains” (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

View of Blue Ridge Mountains near Thunder Struck Ridge, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

Last week – the first week of July, 2013 – my son and I spent a couple of days in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.  The full day that we spent in the mountains was perfect; we hit the weather just right!  Our sunny, dry day of activities was sandwiched between two rainy, wet days – the days that we spent driving. 

Aerial View of Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

We were blessed and lucky to have a nice vacation day that was so beautiful.  There has been so much rain in the South so far this summer that I was worried that our one summer vacation day spent away from home would be a wash, but it wasn’t.  Thank goodness; it was perfect for us!

View of Blue Ridge Mountains after the Rain, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

It is always refreshing to get away to the mountains – they are so beautiful and majestic.  To be back with nature in it’s fully beauty and greenery is food for the soul.  With all of the rain we have had so far this spring and summer, there is an abundance of greenery all throughout the mountains.  Usually, we are concerned about the lack of rain that contributes to drought, but not this year. 

Mosses and Lichens Growing on Trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

There has been so much rain that the mosses and lichens growing on the trees tend to look more like Spanish moss.  The moss is growing to longer lengths than usual because of the highly wet conditions.  Also, there are many more mushrooms and toadstools to be found throughout the forest, as well.

Wild Mushrooms in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

With all of the rain, the rivers, creeks, and streams have been swelling with water.  The banks of all of the rivers and creeks that we saw were overpassed, and the water was at a much higher level than usual. 

Soco Falls, North Carolina, July 2, 2013

This, however, led to the increased beauty of the falling water at Soco Falls, a beautiful falls near Maggie Valley and Cherokee, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  This summer, there was a greater volume of water spewing over the falls – the most that I have seen in my past many years of visiting this lovely natural wonder.  It is always refreshing to hear the sound of the waterfalls at Soco Falls.

It is always a wonderful treat to visit and stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  Typically, especially for Southerners, going to the mountains in summer is a cool, refreshing retreat from the usual activities of daily life and those hot, humid days.  This year, visitors will be even more refreshed by the beautiful greenery; cooler temperatures; abundant water from all of the rains; great opportunities for hiking, fishing, sight-seeing, swimming, horseback riding, and other activities; as well as simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of nature.