Thankful Thursday - Golden Cottage, Birds, & Flowers

A couple of weeks ago, hubby and I got up early to watch the sunrise over the Indian River Lagoon.  Oh, the beauty of morning!  I'm so thankful he enjoys sunrises and sunsets as much as I do.

Doesn't the cloud formation look like a cross? 

After watching the sunrise, we went to breakfast and then on a wildlife/birding drive.  Early morning is a great time to do this because the birds are hungry, and the roads we travel are pretty much empty. We saw lots of birds and critters, including some roseate spoonbills...

And great blue herons. . .

 But the flowers were the best part.  The morning glories were bursting forth to greet the sun.

There have been fires in the wildlife refuge and you can see the damage they've done in this photo:

But as always, the forest comes back, flourishing with the most brilliant, breath-taking green:

We are so blessed, so rich to have these treasures.

Speaking of flowers, look at these Golden Cottage Garden beauties.  A sunflower seed hid in the geranium pot. . . and decided to show off!

Our elephant ears are showing off, too.  This bloom is about eight inches tall.

And our night-blooming cirrius bloomed on the 4th of July.  There were more spectacular than any fireworks we saw that night.

I stand in awe of every bird and every flower, the grasses, the sunrises, and am over-flowingly grateful for these beautiful gifts from my Creator.

What are you thankful for this week, Gail-Friends?

Thankful Thursday is my day to focus on and be thankful for all of the blessings in my life.

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