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Relaxing in Mid-Missouri Country

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A Day in the Country

There is something quite relaxing about spending a day in the country. It is great to get away from the hustle and bustle of life in the suburbs or city and spend a quiet day enjoying the sights and sounds of the country.

On Sunday, my husband and I took a road trip to some friends house in mid-Missouri. It was only about 45 minutes from our home in the St. Louis area, but oh what a difference. It was so very peaceful and quiet. We could sit on the deck and listen to the sounds of the hummingbirds at the feeders and walk down to the lake and enjoy the gentle stirring of the water in the breeze.

I hope your enjoy this pictorial tour of our day in the country.
photographs by Mary Beth Granger

Fascinating Hummingbirds

Our friends have six hummingbird feeders hanging over their deck and it was wonderful to watch the hummingbirds. It seems that there was an endless stream of hummingbirds gathering around the feeders.

They are the most interesting little birds, with the wings fluttering so fast you can barely see them. I love the way they dart back and forth. One minute they are there and the next they are gone.

I found that by setting my camera on the sports setting, I was able to capture the birds in mid air. I took hundreds of photos. I was so excited to be able to capture so many photos of the little birds. At home I would spend hours just trying to get one good photo and here I had endless opportunities.

It was so very cool!!
Ruby-throat Flutters Love Button button
Ruby-throat Flutters Love Button by naturegirl7

Hummingbirds

fascinating creatures

This shows the hummingbird feeders that were hung over the back deck.

This shows the hummingbird feeders that were hung over the back deck.

This shows the hummingbird feeders that were hung over the back deck.
I found that by using the sports setting on my camera I could capture the hummingbirds in mid air.
It was fascinating to watch the hummingbirds feed.
We were out on the deck all afternoon and there were always birds at the feeders.

The Hummingbird

by Harry Kemp

The sunlight speaks. And it's voice is a bird:

It glitters half-guessed half seen half-heard

Above the flower bed. Over the lawn ...

A flashing dip and it is gone.

And all it lends to the eye is this --

A sunbeam giving the air a kiss.

Lenses on Hummingbirds

Here are some lenses I found on hummingbirds. They are so fascinating I thought you might like to find out more about them.
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Missouri Country

Missouri magnet

Creek in Summer magnet
Creek in Summer by mbgphoto

Lake and Fishing boat

quiet scene

Our friend told us that people often fish in his little lake and the fishing is pretty good. Although we didn't fish on our visit, I can see where it would be a nice relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Purple Iris down by the Lake

This beautiful purple iris was planted near the lake.

Peach Iris

This beautiful iris is a pale peach color.

Irises are grown from rhizomes ( a type of bulb-root) and their beautiful blooms usually last from 1-3 weeks. In Missouri they are seen in bloom in the late springtime.

Designs from my Photographs

Here are some iris designs from my photographs.
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Stately Purple Iris

flag

I love this dark purple iris.

Beautiful Iris Tote Bag

designed from original photograph

Purple Iris bag
Purple Iris by mbgphoto
Browse more Purple iris Bags

Missing Missouri

country song

Here is a great song by Sarah Evans entitled Missing Missouri.
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Missouri Lenses

I hope you enjoy my other Missouri lenses.
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Peonies in the Country

Beautiful Peony blossom

design from my photograph

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Cone Flowers in Missouri

purple cone flower

Missouri in the summer always brings beautiful purple cone flowers.
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Reflections in the Lake

trees reflecting

The trees make great reflections in the lake. It was great to walk down to the lake and just watch the quiet movement of the water. I found some peaceful scenes to photograph.

Stop by and Drop me a Note

I'd love to hear from you

  • vallain Apr 22, 2011 @ 7:02 pm | delete
    This was a delightful tour of country pleasures in Missouri. We have a friend just south of St. Louis but we usually visit him in the fall.

    Loved your iris and peony photos.
  • naturegirl7 Apr 28, 2010 @ 7:13 pm | delete
    Great shots of the hummers and the flowers. My Mom grew beautiful bearded irises like the ones in your photos. We're just 300 miles south of where I grew up and the bearded irises just won't bloom. Lensrolled to Hummingbirds and Gardening for them.
  • oztoo Mar 29, 2010 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    Wonderful to be able to watch the hummingbirds like that. It cetainly seems a beautiful relaxing place by the lake. Great photo's.
  • JaguarJulie Feb 14, 2010 @ 10:19 am | delete
    We love hummingbirds and need to cultivate our plants in the backyard to attract more of them.
  • TheGreenerMe Jan 15, 2010 @ 8:22 am | delete
    I feel like I'm a little bit warmed up from this cold winter weather now! Beautiful photos.
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mbgphoto

I live in a beautiful state in the middle of the country. It is great to enjoy the change of seasons.
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