Hummingbird in the zinnias

I put my gardening apron on.
I was going to spend some time
with the Rosemary.


I had my tools in my pockets.
The camera in my hand.

As I approached the Rosemary I saw movement.
Hummingbird was in the zinnias.
I sat down in the grass.

I did not want to bother her.
I just wanted to watch.

Turn..turn..turn

She is passing.
She is changing.
The wheel is turning.

For every thing
There is a season.
A time for every purpose.

Goodbye Summer

I nodded my head,
a breeze from the east
came through the garden.

Silently she folded her petals,
her ripe seeds fell
on moist ground.

Without fanfare,
she floated away.
Farewell Summer.

International Peace Day

Blessed are the peacemakers.

A week in review

Butterfly wings

The Painted Ladies returned today.
I had not seen them since June.

They were with the Pearl Crescents,
the Swallowtails and the Monarchs.

The Gray Hairstreaks also returned.
I had not seen them since last October.

They were with the Eastern Tailed-blues.

Butterflies in all sizes and colors grace my gardens.

I am in awe.

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

I heard a different call.
The Red-Breasted Nuthatch
flew in.

He is new to the back yard.

I hope he stays for the Winter.

Swallowtails

I spent my afternoon
with the Swallowtails.

Two Giant Swallowtails
claimed the zinnias by the back sidewalk.

Two Black Swallowtails
claimed the zinnias by the back patio.


A female Tiger Swallowtail
share the zinnias on the east side
with the Monarchs.

I am keeping my eye out for the Spice Bush Swallowtail.
Her host plants are growing very nicely.

White

The Moon Flower drew me to her.
Her scent drifted through the window.



The white roses scented
the deck and my hair.

Miniature Crepe Myrtle

are part of the understorey in the Lilac bed.

The Cabbage White butterflies
danced in the morning sun.

The gardens are wearing white after Labor Day.

I am walking again in the mornings. I am bringing in Autumn. Come walk with me.

Thank you

The wind is gusting.
Thundershowers are in the forecast.



I am saying, "thank you".
I know the days of Swallowtails
are coming to an end.

The female black Tiger Swallowtail
has delighted me all summer.

I am grateful.
I have learned all things are possible.

Anticipation

I awoke before sunrise.
I was full of joyful
anticipation.

I quickly dressed and did my morning chores.
I wanted to be outside when the birds woke.
I wanted to sit with the morning.

I did not know what today's event would be.
I did not know what I was waiting for.
Perhaps it is Autumn.

Perhaps Summer is dancing her last dance.

I do not know.
I am full of joyful anticipation.

White-Lined Sphinx

Out of the corner of my eye
I saw the
White-Lined Sphinx.

I had left all the purslane
that grows wild in the flower beds.
I had read the larva feed on it.

I am thrilled!

My butterfly book says they are abundant in my area.
I would like them to be so in my yard.

Laughter

My eyes were drawn
to the Heavenly Blue Morning Glories
this morning.



In flew the American Gold Finch.

In flew the Cloudless Sulphur.
I began laughing.
Birds, butterflies, blooms and
a southerly breeze kept me outside.

The Cloudless Sulphur is a medium-sized butterfly.
They nectar in morning glories and zinnias.

As I was coming in I saw a Clouded Sulphur basking.

Inbetween Showers

I am playing today.

Happy Birthday

This is your day.
This is your story.
Dance and sing.

Let your light shine.
Show your colors.
Laugh.

Dry your wings.
Taste the sweet nectar of life.
For you are joy!

You are loved.

We are celebrating.
We love you son.
Mum and Dad.

A week in the gardens

Middle Name Game

A is for Artist
N is for Naturalist
N is for Nurturing

Kate from French Nest tagged me to play the Middle Name Game.
She explains the game so very well. Thank you Kate.

My middle name is Ann. I was named after my paternal Grandmother.
She was also my Godmother.
I am proud to carry her middle name.


I am asked to "tag" one person for each letter of my name.

Chris at Notes From A Somerset Garden
I would enjoy learning more about my friend in England.

Mary at Mary's View.
Mary is funny and kind. She is rather busy with cobwebs and dogs right now. Maybe she will play when it rains.

Jayne at Journey through Grace .
She is a wonderful Mom and birder.

Two Pair

I watched as two pair
of Tiger Swallowtails danced.

September mating brings

October larva.

The pupa will winter-over.
Come next April the adults will emerge from the chrysalis.
They will have Lilac blooms for nectar.