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Watch out for this beetle

01 Iron Cross Blister Beetle Weaver Mts Yarnell AZ

Iron Cross Blister Beetle

I posted a photo of this colorful beetle here but didn’t know what it was. Then wouldn’t you know it, fellow bloggers helped me with an identification. Kathie of Kathiesbirds alerted Doug from Gossamer Tapestry and he identified this Iron Cross Blister Beetle. So I Googled it.

“Normally these beetles emerge in large numbers in mid to late spring and move together in bands crawling or running across the ground. [I only saw one.] They feed on succulent leaves and flower petals. The larva stage is subterranean and likely is parasitic in nests of ground-nesting bees.

“Iron Cross Beetle’s conspicuous coloration is related to the fact that they carry cantharidin toxins that can interfere with the vertebrate nervous system – i.e. it is an aposemtic [coloration] warning. In case you were wondering, you should not eat these insects.”

Arizona, friends, Iron Cross Blister Beetle 16 Comments

Happy to be Alive and Blogging

Janie at Janie & Steve’s Utah Trails awarded me the Happiness Blog Award. Thank you.
Janie shares her passion for Utah’s gorgeous landscapes with her husband, horses and Queen-dog Daisy.

As I put this post together I am overwhelmed with love. I can only take partial credit for this award, the rest goes to all of you fellow bloggers and sweet friends. Without you, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you. We are writing history for future generations around the world. Wow!

Sunrise at Grand Canyon National Park
“I’m supposed to name 10 things I love:”
1. Life, the greatest gift. Thanks Mom and Dad. Life is Magic!
2. Nature, all the life around me plus what are called “inanimate” objects like rocks and such.
3. Love itself, I am surrounded.
4. Friends, who I would barely survive without.
5. The journey, life is about enjoying the Now and absorbing every moment as it happens.
6. Honesty, most important first to myself and not to lie to others.
7. Laughter, it really is the best medicine and infectious. Why take life so seriously.
8. Free will, making choices to grow and change. No is a complete answer.
9. Discovery, learning new things about this magnificent place we call home and the people who live here.
10. Exploration, adventure, travel. OK, so that’s a couple extra yet it all ties together.

Painting by (Aunt) Kay Serigas
Then I’m supposed to pass this along to 10 blogs I truly enjoy reading. Very hard to pick only 10, yet I highly recommend these plus the other blogs on my sidebar for happy reading. Please don’t feel obligated to do anything except acknowledge your greatness, and life will bring you immense joy.

Joan at South Africa Photographs also known as “The Bug Lady” shares her views and knowledge of South Africa both big and small. I am always fascinated by her macros of the tiny life, and the other flora and fauna found in her world.

Jonker at The Firefly Photo Files takes me to places in South Africa that I hope to visit soon. He has an incredible eye for photographing the unique.

Mike at blog with no name I admire for starting his own blog after only a very short time online. Mike writes from the heart when he can find time. (Plus I love him!)

Moannie at The View from this End writes a compleling story as she shares the history of her family with such feeling. Moannie lives in the United Kingdom and may have the best husband in the world.

Bibi at A Yankee-in-Belgrade is an amazing photographer who travels and shares her home and adventures with passion.

Craver VII is always up about life and has the most laughable sense of humor.

Dawns bloggy blog is full of adventure as her and husband travel in a RV visiting some of America’s most beautiful places, hiking and birding along the way with family and fellow bloggers.

Karen at FabGrandma lives with her husband full time in a RV cooking gluten-free and shares their life’s adventures, both ups and downs.

Tom at This is my blog shares images of life and land around the area of his Midwestern home, and beyond, in such an intimate way I feel like I’m there.

Abe Lincoln at Pick a Peck of Pixels creatively shares his personal history thru writing and art, plus his passion for the wildlife around him displayed in amazing photos.

I sure hope you will enjoy these bloggers as much as I do. Feel free to pass these along, or not. And even if I didn’t get you on this list, take what you will and pass it along. This avenue of communication may be the answer to Peace on Earth. Be part of the movement.

friends, Happiness Blog Award 18 Comments

Best Blog Award


Alan, a husband and dad who lives in Oklahoma, from Yogi’s Den awarded me this “Best Blog” Award. He’ obviously educated (he reads my blog), informative and funny all at once. How do you do that Yogi? Thank you!

The Best Blog Award rules are:
1) To accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are great!
Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Please check these folks out if you don’t already.

1. I find Joan from South African Photographs to be a kindred spirit. She has opened my eyes to even the smallest of life. She might be my long lost sister, if I’d had one.

2. Craig’s Bird Watching and Nature Blog always makes me laugh. He’s witty and a very talented storyteller and poet. Just don’t tell him so or he might get a bigger head.

3. Bibi from a Yankee-in-Belgrade has an eye for the unusual when it comes to her excellent photography.

4. Dawn’s Bloggy Blog is filled with adventure as this nature loving lady who lives on the road in an RV with hubby also meets many birdie bloggers along her journey.

5. Stacey from Do What You Love really follows her heart and passions. Another nature lover who just finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with her partner, #6 on my list.

6. Bernie from Northwest Natural Moments and Walking in Stillness has a philosophy about life that just can’t be beat plus he’s an excellent photographer. I can always depend on him to make me think and be more aware of the world around me.

7. Esther Garvi at Ishtar News is an amazing woman full of love and compassion for all the life around her in Niger Africa.

8. I call Karen at FabGrandma my dear friend. She introduced me to the blog world. I love the way she knows how to tell it like it is.

9. Garry at Geotripper has taught me so much about geology. I sure hope his students appreciate his knowledge and sense of humor.

10. Jazz at Haphazard Life sees the world through eyes that must sparkle with laughter. I always look forward to her point of view.

11. I could follow Barb at Live and Learn on every hike she takes into the beauty of Colorado that she calls home.

12. Jeannette at mysteries joins her love of nature and art with a very observant eye. And I think she must be a good cook too.

13. Susie of Arabia at Susie’s Big Adventure lives an interesting life as an American woman in Saudi and has really opened my eyes to a whole different culture and way of life. Glad it’s not me.

14. Camels and Chocolate at Tackling the Globe is a true inspiration as she journeys to different parts of the world following the most daring of adventures.

15. Moannie at the View from this End writes the best stories. She really needs to publish a book.

Sorry I just have to add a 16. Wayne at Early Musings may not post often, but when he does, Wow. He shares the most amazing adventures and geologic tours of the Colorado Plateau and beyond. A published geologist from Flagstaff, Wayne really knows his stuff. Plus he has a great sense of humor too. Is that inherent with geologists?

Thanks to each and every one of you. I could list a whole lot more.

Guess you don’t need to feel obligated to accept or pass this award on. Just know I really appreciate all of you. Plus I had time this week to put this all together, and it does take time. You’re worth it!
Best Blog Award, bloggers, friends 18 Comments

Lijit

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