Butterfly Season

Every year I try to add more flowers to my yard that will attract butterflies. I enjoy looking out the window and seeing them flutter around the yard as they look for nectar to eat. Last year I ran into a woman who also likes to photograph butterflies. I had a nice chat with her and she shared some tips with me. I decided to take the plunge and give it a try. Why not?

I was really interested in being able to track the Monarch Metamorphosis in my own yard. Alex too, has been very interested and I thought this would be the perfect project for the both of us. We recently bought the milkweed plant. This plant is the plant of choice for the Monarch butterfly, and they only lay their eggs exclusively on these leaves.

Last week we discovered we had 10 butterfly eggs! I quickly took a picture so we could track the progress. Today, I went to show a friend who stopped by, and I discovered that most of them have already hatched. So again, grabbed my camera to get another picture of the next stage: the Caterpillar.

I have enjoyed discovering some very interesting facts about these beautiful insects while preparing for this project. Stay tuned as I will update the progress of our caterpillars as they grow and prepare for their next stage: the Chrysalis!

P.S. Click on the pictures to open in a larger window.

Nice Surprise

First of all, I have to say, I have the best neighbors anyone can have. I am so thankful for that. Not only are they kind and friendly, they both are super creative. She can do practically anything relating to sewing (machine or by hand) and he is the same when it comes to wood.

Anyone that knows me knows that a couple of weeks ago I had to get a tree cut down from our property. This was not an old scrappy tree, this was a beautiful Oak tree--mature. We estimated that is was at least 50+years! The tree had two trunks to it and two years ago one of them came down in one of the worst spring storms of 2007. The remaining trunk of the tree was still beautiful and really no one would have ever known that it had previously had another trunk.

The Oak tree was beautiful. The problem was that it was too close to the house, like inches away and most of it hovered over the roof. Being that the root system was already compromised (even though no one could tell) it really was a matter of time before it too was a victim of a Spring storm. Rather than take our chances we had the tree removed. Although this was what needed to be done, I was heart broken. I would have much rather it been a Cedar tree than my beautiful Oak.

Well, today I had a nice surprise. It even moved me to tears. My neighbor came over and presented me with a weed pot. He had salvaged a few pieces of the wood from my Oak tree and from one of the pieces made this beautiful little pot. It is beautiful, just like my tree was. I was definitely surprised. What a thoughtful gesture for him to make. As you can see from the pictures below, the pot is beautiful. It is truly a blessing that someone would take their time and do something like that for others. I told you I had good neighbors!

What would the world be like today, if more of us would do the same? I challenge anyone who reads this to think of something (does not have to be big or expensive) to do for someone unexpected, from the heart just like my neighbor did. I promise you it will make their day in more ways than one.

First rose in TEN YEARS!!!!!!!

Okay, so this is not the prettiest rose picture, but it is super special. This rose bush was already here when we moved to Duncanville over 10 years ago. It has NEVER and let me repeat NEVER BLOOMED! EVER! It also has never produced any buds either. Every year I contemplate chopping it down and digging it up. I usually have this thought during the “wrong” time of the season and then wind up waiting for the perfect time. I don’t know why I do that, especially when I was just going to dig it up, but that had been the cycle for the last ten years.

Well, I am super exited to say that this year has proved to be different. A few weeks ago, I noticed a lot more green leaves than usual and have been watching it with much anticipation. Then all of a sudden there were tons of buds all over and I mean TONS! Wow, I could not believe it. Now I wondered if these buds would actually bloom. Well, I am pleased to announce the first one bloomed. I can't believe it. I quickly got my camera and took a picture before leaving out of town. It was super sunny, definitely not the best time, but I was headed out of town and did not want to chance it not being there when I got back. Now, all of the other buds are starting to bloom too. I am so glad I did not chop and dig her up out of the ground! Also, be sure to check back. I have lots of pictures to post from my recent visit to Austin.