Wilted Cotton

Cotton is blooming but wilting in the extreme heat. Hopefully, this field was fortunate enough to catch some of the heavy showers that moved through this week!

Photograph by Christine Weerts

Cool Water

Welcome to the courtyard at the library!

City Walk

"Get healthy, Dallas County, take the City Walk."

Vaughan Community Health Services promotes healthy lifestyles, and here is one of their latest ideas. Take a walk around the municipal complex. One block is a third of a mile. So get walking!

Swallowtails

Butterflies love these summer blooms, and a pair of swallowtails stopped by long enough for a picture!

Thanks to guest photographer Elaine Stewart!

Time to Fly (Camera Critters)

This young mourning dove can't decide whether to stay on the ground by the porch steps or try to fly. His mama was perched on a nearby telephone wire encouraging him to spread his wings.

See more Camera Critters HERE.

Photo by Christine Weerts

View from the Picnic Pavilion

After you've finished walking the trail at Valley Grande City Park, why not rest in the shade at the picnic pavilion? Better yet, wait for the weather to cool off a bit, and schedule a group picnic!

Skywatch Friday, Hot and Hazy

Can you see the heat?

It's just beyond the sun-splashed pines, layering itself across the field between the walking trail and the church. Yes, it's another hot and hazy Skywatch Friday in the Selma/Valley Grande area. We'll consider our scalded earth fortunate if the mercury fails to reach 100 degrees F today!

I know this isn't a very pretty sky, but unless it's raining, this photo captures a Deep South summer in July! To find more dramatic skies, visit www.skyley.blogspot.com.

Trail Houses

As you travel along the Valley Grande Trail, take notice of the stylish bird houses!

Click the photo for a larger view, and check out the land-locked Cahaba or spider lily!

Valley Grande's Historic Marker

The area known as Valley Grande has been settled since 1821, but it's only been since 2003 that the town has been incorporated. This historic marker was placed at the city park in May.

A Walk in the Park: The Rules

Children and Fido are welcome at the Valley Grande City Park, but please read the rules: Supervise your kids, and keep your dog on a leash. Also, don't bring alcohol, and if you plan a picnic, clean up when you're finished.

Follow the rules, and the park stays pleasant for everybody!