Preparing for the worst....

....and praying for the best.

Hurricane Irene is moving up the eastern coast today and should hit North Carolina late today or early tomorrow (Saturday). I was outside yesterday bringing in anything that might blow away in the yard and moving outdoor furniture to a safer place.

Now we just wait ~

I noticed my American Beautyberry bush was loaded with bright purple berries yesterday when I was mowing the front lawn. It surprised me because I didn't expect to see the purple berries so soon, I think of this more as a Fall berry bush, but then again, Fall is not that far away. These berries are so pretty used in flower arrangements.

My Obedient plant (in the first photo) is blooming profusely and the hummingbirds love it.

Well, now we just sit tight and watch the progress of the hurricane and hope this will not be a big one.

Hope all of you have a good weekend, and thinking and praying for all of you along the east coast.

The American Beautyberry....

...is an absolute beauty this time of year.

This tall weeping deciduous shrub bears bright purple fruit or berries that grow in clusters on long arching branches.
I planted this shrub about ten years ago in the front yard beside the driveway. It faces south and loves the full sun. Every fall I look forward to it's beautiful show of glossy iridescent-purple berries.

It makes a pretty fall bouquet.