# A Few Good Reasons to Look Up

*Family, flowers, flying creatures, and one squirrel with no respect for window height*

Some photo dumps are built around a trip or a big occasion. This one is small, and about the little things making outside worth it.

An overnight stay with my nieces was fun! But eventually we had to escape—and play the biggest card game in the world.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/00392d0f-91d7-47c5-ada2-91bff0ebf729.jpg align="center")

Then there's Mela, who is sure to get our steps in. We're taking a lot of afternoon walks these days—even when it's 95°F.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/7c1c608d-5c4e-4a1c-9888-2e6fad79ea2f.jpg align="center")

Marva's hibiscus game is winning summer—ours, not nearly as much—so let us behold hers.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/63b4fc4e-03c2-48f1-8e7f-2db6083b06fc.jpg align="center")

We also picked up a prehistoric-looking visitor on the screen. We declined to charge rent. And then ran.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/aa4d56fd-f720-48de-8683-b8f2acb6e819.jpg align="center")

Christine and I discovered "the most NYC-feeling" part of Atlanta. Near O4W is a cluster of super-cool buildings, and Burle's Bar brings the jazz vibe on Tuesdays. The outdoor courtyard is standing-room-only. But free is affordable.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/3da509b6-3ad7-4514-af9c-a75bed57f1ee.jpg align="center")

## Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve

And then this butterfly put on a full modeling session. I took an unreasonable number of photos, searching for the perfect pose.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/dfda9edd-726b-4682-812e-2c4d958d9dc1.jpg align="center")

The trail gave us shade, stairs, and a good excuse to keep wandering.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/db52c1ee-981c-4f43-a13e-e9b957ccfdb7.jpg align="center")

Proof of life in the great outdoors!

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/f2150aee-54b0-48d8-b9bc-a2a298cb36c6.jpg align="center")

Even back inside, everything keeps trying to lean outside. This guy has a windy bend to go.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/541ba455-a005-4057-acb2-3f7ad4dbe919.jpg align="center")

Speaking of windows: please note Christine's wildlife-spotting skills.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/9b3fcac2-239d-46e5-8fcb-97188f065b5e.jpg align="center")

Yes, that is a squirrel. No, we do not know why it was creeping on us. It seemed equally surprised to see us.

Let's wrap with our everyday walk around the little lake at Barker Bryant Memorial Park by our home. Sadly, this lil tree got chopped down!

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/684c8978a7874c523a89f33b/07fa7741-e1af-45e1-b263-f27c5d2e4bc9.jpg align="center")

That's it for now. Thankful for the natural beauty and small outings these days!