Round 3 #11

 

D36 taking a vacation

 

Where Did You Come From

 My Vinca has really grown despite almost being gone this past Winter.  I went out to feed the feral and birds this morning and hey what is this?  A white bloom, how did that happen.  It is pretty though.

Flowers Around the Yard

 This pack of marigolds really took off, I love the splash of color they provide. I know many don't like the smell, but i love them.  I am going to save the seeds and see if I can get them to grow next year in a bigger pot.

This is the 4th year for the Vinca plant. When I put it out this Spring it barely had a leaf on it but I thought let's see, well it is doing great but then it loves the heat.  Will it make it another year?

I only have one Naked Lady this year, not sure why, I had all the green leaves they filled the area, but just one pink flower this year, hmmmm.

Another Life Saved

 This morning I noticed when i got up #10 was black so figured soon it would pop out. Nope so here I go again helping this one out of it's shell.  I really thought it was a goner cos when i got part of the shell  off there was no movement, nothing.  As I was pulling the rest of the shell I noticed movement.  Ok quick get this baby out.  I  was surprised when it came out and grabbed on my hand for dear life.  I thought I had a mini butterfly and what was I going to do with it, it could not fly.  I know there is a place in town that would take it.  As I was looking up the address I see the wings have unfolded and voila it is a real butterfly afterall.

I have sure enjoyed this season of successfully having 10 butterflies.  Thank you Lord for allowing me to participate in the miracle of life.

Miracle

 I feel like I participated in a miracle this morning. Last night when I went to bed I noticed that #9 was turning black meaning it would soon be a butterfly.  This morning it was all black but nothing, it was not wet and soggy so no parasite but yet why was it still not out?  I figured it had died so left it until I let #8 go.  A couple hours as I was going to let #8 sit in the cage outside for a bit I noticed I saw a wing.  OK but still after a while nothing. I looked up online that it should be out in 15 minutes and if not I could help it out.  

I kind of freaked out a bit, what if I hurt it, all these questions going through my mind, but I asked God to help me.  I pulled the cocoon off the top of the cage and got a straight pin and started pulling the shell off. I felt movement and saw it wiggling around and pretty soon the wings were free. I pulled the shell of and set it upright and pretty soon it was climbing up the walls of the cage.  I put it in a cage by itself so I could let #8 out.  It is a boy and while it looked smaller and somewhat deformed I think it will be ok.

He will go out tomorrow morning.

#8

 #8 is a girl. I let her go this morning, took some coaxing.  A bittersweet day.  Hope you have a long life.