Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: explore2014July28

I'm still kicking myself that I didn't try and get a better photo than this, of a very small, delicate flower belonging to the carnivorous Venus Flytrap. This was a plant that I bought recently, one of 3 or 4 that I had bought over the last few years. This was the first time that a flower had grown and it was fascinating to see, growing on a very long, thin stem. I didn't get round to taking more photos and two days ago, I noticed that the flower had died. Previously posted photo of an amazing leaf tip in comment box below. David Attenborough looks at how this well known carnivorous plant captures its prey. This short video is from the BBC. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIGVtKdgwo "The flower has to be high above the leaves so insects pollinating the flowers do not get trapped in the leaves. Each flower produces very tiny seeds. They are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. If you pinch the flowers off, the leaves will grow more vigorously since growing flowers takes a lot of energy from the plant." From botany.org. botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_flytrap

If only the whole world could be just as calm and peaceful as the feeling I get when I go for a drive SE of the city. Recently, there has been so much tragedy in several places around the world, some of it still continuing. It makes you wonder how all those affected can deal with so much loss, fear, pain and suffering. The TV footage is horrendous, even for those who are not involved, living far away from all the tragedy. It makes me feel so very grateful and lucky to be living in a place where I can go for a drive in peace and safety. My thoughts are with all those who are suffering so greatly. Taken SE of the city, in the Frank Lake area, on 27 April 2014. This morning, I slept through my alarm's loud music for an hour and then for an extra hour and a half! Have an Open House to go to very shortly, so am in a real rush and may have to finish off today's photos when I get home.