I am now spending part of the night in my kitchen recliner. After about 3-5 hours, I wake up and feel stiff and sore and change to the chair and it goes away. Strange, but it works. Usually I go back to sleep very quickly but often read a while first. It may not be the deep sleep the doctor says I must have but it is working for me. His muscle relaxants were useless.
For some reason yesterday I saw three varieties of butterflies on the zinnias. I tried my best to get some shots but they were almost too fast for me.
This is a Spicebush Swallowtail:
and this is only the second Monarch I have seen, missed getting the open wings,
and a Tiger Swallowtail:
and this morning was the real stunner. I saw dozens of them. I did my best but it was none too good. I haven't mastered this new little Canon.
They made my day!
I managed about an hour of outside work this morning. I think I have finally finished the front ditch on both sides of the drive. They are not photo worthy. I have just trimmed/mowed/sprayed all weeds but some perennial and ground covers. The goal is to have all good plants so that I can just let it go and do its thing! I have enough plants that should do well in that environment (I hope).
I see out the window my poor Long Island Cheese plant is wilting in the hot sun and that is with a l inch rain two days ago.
The beetles seem to be fewer.....but I still find them on the roses and rose of sharon. I am at the squishing and drowning stage with them.
For some reason yesterday I saw three varieties of butterflies on the zinnias. I tried my best to get some shots but they were almost too fast for me.
This is a Spicebush Swallowtail:
and this morning was the real stunner. I saw dozens of them. I did my best but it was none too good. I haven't mastered this new little Canon.
I managed about an hour of outside work this morning. I think I have finally finished the front ditch on both sides of the drive. They are not photo worthy. I have just trimmed/mowed/sprayed all weeds but some perennial and ground covers. The goal is to have all good plants so that I can just let it go and do its thing! I have enough plants that should do well in that environment (I hope).
I see out the window my poor Long Island Cheese plant is wilting in the hot sun and that is with a l inch rain two days ago.
The beetles seem to be fewer.....but I still find them on the roses and rose of sharon. I am at the squishing and drowning stage with them.
What a riot of butterfly activity! Glad you got a chance to catch them enjoying the zins! I've a few this year: tiger swallowtails, a question mark, a monarch, and, of course, those darn cabbage ones. Didn't realize you had been taking 'muscle relaxants' to help you sleep. At least you've figured out something that eases your aches. I am picking sweet peppers and tomatoes. The beans are reblooming so hopefully I'll get a later picking for the freezer. This year's weather has been hot from the getgo and rain spotty. I won't cry when the frost comes. I have a lot of perennials that never got into the ground waiting for rain... Take care.
ReplyDeleteGreat butterfly pictures. They are so hard to capture with our cameras at times.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day ~ love & hugs ~ FlowerLady
I have had lots of butterflies this year as well. We planted zinnias in the middle of a huge cleared circle and then planted pumpkins around the zinnias. It is all grown up with grass now but the zinnias are up above the grass and butterflies are out there just about all day. This is the most we have had for several years.
ReplyDeleteObviously, you have all our butterflies! They've been scarce around these parts this summer. Even hummingbirds are less in number. Yes, it's been a strange summer, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteWell, those photos look pretty nice to me, Glenda and I am glad you are getting some rest, although interrupted. It takes much longer for us to heal now that we are "older"...it took close to 6 months for my neck/shoulder injury from the car accident!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteGlenda,
ReplyDeleteThis year I've only seen 2 butterflies on the property. It's been a real strange season for the garden, bee's, and butterflies. This makes me worry what our next garden season will be like.
Love all your beautiful flowers, and butterfly pictures.
Sandy this is the most we have seen in several years; same with honeybees. It is downright scary because it is probably something we are doing to ourselves!
ReplyDeleteMy garden is pretty sorry this year.
Great captures of your butterflies. The Giant Swallowtails are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI understand about sleeping in the recliner. I do not personally do it, but know many, many people who are most comfortable in a recliner rather than flat in bed.
I am hearing from more and more who sleep in the recliners...a doctor told my Mother to stay out of hers. Some nights I don't use it at all.
DeleteOh, those are beautiful! You did much better getting pictures of them than I do.
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email a few days ago. Hugs xoxoxo
Yes, I got it. I am waiting on our local orchard to respond to see if they have Braeburns. There is another orchard at Marionville too.
DeleteWill get back to you as soon as I hear something.
Butterflies are so beautiful ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
We were so happy to see them this year. They are still here; even spotted another Monarch.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Hope all is well.
ReplyDelete