A Generation is Born
Faithful readers may recall that I planted two milkweed plants last April to attract monarch butterflies. Over the summer, I was a bit disappointed to see just one visitor flitting by, but I was also thrilled because one is certainly more than none. Imagine my astonishment last week when I discovered eleven fat and healthy monarch caterpillars munching happily on the pods and leaves!
I’ve checked on them multiple times a day, released an army of ladybugs to rid their food source of invasive aphids, and shielded the caterpillars from the yard crew. I’m so excited I can hardly stand myself… you’d think I was birthing them myself. I believe they have about a week left before moving on to their next stage of metamorphosis, and I hope I’m a witness to the miracle.
Bloomin’ Yellow
It’s hard to resist the allure of a happy, showy sunflower.
Fashionable family Friday: The Road Beckons
As you can see, we’re pumped for our next camping adventure. I don’t know where Sister S thinks she’s going to store that bicycle.
Chillin’
It’s never to early to start planning for colder weather. These silly winter hats, spotted in San Francisco last fall, caught my eye and really made me chuckle. I love the idea of wearing a different character for each day of the week.
Sittin’ Pretty
Each of these chairs sits in a different city throughout the world. These really appeal to me because they are universal symbols of rest and welcome.
Fashionable Family Friday: I’d Rather Be In Kansas
I must have been thinking that closing my eyes and clicking my heels three times would make this noisemaker (cousin V) disappear. Sister S appears a bit stunned by the spectacle.
Caught at the Salad Bar
I don’t want to point any fingers, but something has been munching away at my hostas. I believe I have identified the perpetrator. At this rate, I won’t need to cut the plants back after the first hard frost.
Travelers Welcome
My goal this year has been to be an extra good steward of Mother Nature’s wildlife. With that in mind, I crossed my fingers and planted two milkweed plants in April for any monarch butterflies journeying south. Not only did we have our first guest this weekend, but a neighboring bumblebee stopped by as well.
Postscript: I recently learned that my bumblebee is actually a carpenter bee.
Fashionable Family Friday: Strike a Pose
It used to be tough to wrangle everyone into place for the perfect family photo (and even today it can be challenging). Looks like little Sister L didn’t quite get with the program… but kudos to Sister S for lending a helpful hand with Tinker.
Long Time Coming
This gorgeous flower is a scarlet hibiscus, native to Georgia. It was given to me by a dear friend, from her garden. I’ve been waiting three years for it to bloom; last week it finally put on a show.
Tree Fishing 