Outside my back door . . .

It was such a beautiful day on Wednesday that I decided to take the camera outside with me and take a few pictures around the yard. I keep a garden journal at 'Forget the Dishes' and I like to keep it updated with pictures throughout the seasons of the year.

This tree is situated on my neighbor's property near the property line. It is an old tree and I think has had its run. The poor thing is dying back and the neighbor has been cutting off a branch or two every summer. As I was strolling by I noticed these mushrooms growing on the side of the tree. It looks like a little staircase for a Tree Fairy.

And I believe a woodpecker has been busy here! Tree fairies need help building their homes as the wood of a tree is so hard and no fairy ladder can reach up that high.

This is the fall berry from a Virginia Creeper I have climbing the fireplace on the side of my house. I just love the color of these berries.

I love the trunk of this huge maple tree in our back yard. It has so much character and grace. The vine is a 'Variegated Berry Elegans' and has the most gorgeous turqoise berries.

As I came around the side of the house towards the backyard, I scared off a squirrel. I apologized to him and you know what? He came back!

He sat there on the branch for the longest time and we had quite the conversation. I have to admit it was a bit one-sided though. At one point he looked at me dreamily and I thought perhaps I was boring him. After a time, the neighbor opened her door to let her dog out and the little fellow ran off. It was such a cool exchange of the minds!

The maple tree in our backyard.

And as I was finishing up my walk I couldn't believe how out of control this Trumpet Vine had gotten this year. Brian built the little arbor over the gate and I really have to get out there and train that vine over it. I just hope it doesn't swallow me up!

I hope you find the time to enjoy the weather and the great surprises Mother Nature has in store for you . . . right outside your back door.