This is so Me

 

Postcards from D27 and D36

From RRP:

Where are D27 and D36? We got a postcard from both of them earlier this week!

As you might recall, D27 left for Canada on July 16 - about the time that we were thinking she might be looking for a place to settle down! She's tended to migrate north between mid-to-late May and early June, although she's drifted later as she's aged. Still, her mid-July departure caught us by surprise! Whatever the reason - severe drought, reduced fishing opportunities, or a change of heart - she didn't stay in Canada very long. Between August 17 and August 29, she flew 653 miles south, arriving back in the Decorah area on August 31.

D36 is taking a more leisurely route south as he spends a little time in East Central Minnesota, about 80 miles or so northeast of the Twin Cities. This area is filled with trees, lakes, and rivers, including the Kettle River and St. Croix flyway, and is teeming with fish and small game. It's also near one of my favorite state parks, so I'm really hoping for a chance to look for him in early October!

It's a Boy

 9 boys and 2 girls for me this year.  I set #11 free yesterday.  I wonder if there will be more or I need to wait til next year.  It has been a wonderful journey with all of them and so sad to let them go.  The house feels empty every time I set one free.  

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.

3 More on the Way

 Yesterday 2 and this morning 1 spun theirselves into the last stage of their journey.  Next week I hope I have 3 more Monarchs, will they be boys, girls, or both?  Look closely up to the top and see if you can find the 3.

Around the Yard

 My salvia is out of control, I already have a whiskey barrel full as well from this plant that I accidently pulled up.  This Vinca is on its 4th summer, I bring it in in the winter and thought last winter it was not going to make it but outside it is thriving and the first bloom.

I found this acorn squash plant on the almost gone shelf for $.50 at Menards, it had 2 leaves on it. I thought maybe I can save it, well it just needed some care and look at it now.  I got a package of asparagus to plant but only 1 is coming up that is ok you have to start somewhere.  My lavender died I think it got too much rain this Spring. 

And Then There Were 3

 How many more will I find?