Day Two Hundred Thirteen 2013

Thrilling Thursday

Neil and I have eaten our lunch in Dogwood Park almost every day this week ~ very enjoyable ~ although the picnic table was pretty soggy today after the rain ~ lots of people in the park with the same idea

We started out gray and finally turned into blue ~ not too shabby

We took a quick stroll around the park after lunch ~ Neil spotted this kite eating tree ~ Charlie Brown must have been around somewhere

I Spy with my little eye ~ a butterfly ~ see it? As I was heading across the back yard on my way to pick up Elijah after school, I saw this large butterfly [flutterby] soaring along from plant to plant ~ I only had my cell phone camera and managed to snap a picture before it was gone ~ it was really beautiful but it’s washed out in the bright sunlight ~ I was thrilled to get this shot ~ so I guess that makes this a thrilling Thursday. It’s the little things. Happy first day of August!

Day One Hundred Ninety Five 2011

Another pretty butterfly visited my potted Lantana this afternoon. It never did spread its wings to show off its beautiful markings. Maybe next time.

Day One Hundred Ninety Four 2011

The Lantana is attracting butterflies (as advertised) and the bees seem to love it, too. The last picture is a little pink Dahlia blooming in the back yard. I love these (this one didn't want to show its pretty face), but they aren't doing too well this summer. Hubby Neil says you have to dig them up and separate the bulbs. I think that might be a job for the gardener in the family (Neil? Hello?).

Day One Hundred Ninety Seven 2010

This beautiful butterfly perished in a container of bubble soap on the back porch. It's usually flies that land in the soap we blow bubbles with. That's bad enough. But the butterfly made me sad. I took its picture because it was so pretty. Sorry little butterfly.

Day One Hundred Eighty Seven 2010

Backyard Beauty


Since I didn't take any pictures today, thought I'd share a blast from the past. And since I know zilch about butterflies, except that they're beautiful, here's a tidbit about this particular butterfly you may or may not find interesting. Another Swallowtail look-alike, Red-Spotted Purple butterflies are dark beauties whose open wings have a blue iridescence. Like Mourning Cloaks, the adults have nontraditional tastes, often feeding from rotting fruit, tree sap, and animal droppings. Like many common caterpillars, attract Red-Spotted Purples to your yard with willows. I learn something new every day.