Rainy days in August is quite unusual for us here in Virginia. Our family beach week proved that to be untrue. Though rain and the beach don't often go together, we still enjoyed time spent with our children, our grands and our nephew and his family.
Thunderstorms have been abundant since we returned home. Many large limbs have been pruned by the wind and heavy weight that rain brings. Last week found us cleaning up the garden. I noticed another large limb has fallen in the back and will need to be taken care of soon.
Between raindrops I've gathered rudbekia blooms for the dining table.
Looking outdoors there is much to observe.
The Hummingbird moth enjoys time gathering nectar at the buddleia. They are members of the Spinx Moth family (Sphingidae).
The buddleia is such a wonderful shrub to have close to a window to attract the wonders of nature.
The vinca on the patio is also attracting butterflies. Just when I thought we wouldn't be seeing many, they have come in abundance.
The Black Swallowtails are quite busy gathering nectar on the patio.
He is also the Virginia state insect (Papilio glaucus).
I love all butterflies, but I'm always honored when the Monarch visits my garden!
Please indulge me while I click away with my camera.
"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Maya Angelou
Martha, your photos are incredible! A visit to your blog always feels like a combination mini-vacation and educational field trip. I've never heard of some of these.
ReplyDeleteJean, you are so kind! The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me. Have a great week.
DeleteI will certainly indulge you! What lovely creatures and you have captured them well! I am sorry that your beach vacation was hampered by rain. It's wonderful that you were still able to make the best of your family time even if the weather was less than ideal.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I agree with Jean!
Cheryl, our beach vacation was enjoyed in spite of the weather. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves playing games, shopping souvenir stores, riding surry bikes, and of course eating! We were happy to enjoy a couple days on the beach without rain.
DeleteThank you for your kind comments, my friend.
If there are no thunderstorms, a rainy day at the beach is quite pleasant. Glad you had time away with those you love the most. It's always something in the garden. After every rain storm, seems there's major cleaning efforts required. My neighbor has some ancient, sickly trees.
ReplyDeleteVee, we had some super, duper thunderstorms that kept us off the beach a few days, but still found something to occupy us. One afternoon found us napping which was quite pleasant to the old folks!
DeleteWe really need to have the arborist come take a look at a menacing limb in our back yard. We were wishing it would fall---of course without anyone underneath!
Martha Ellen, your butterfly photos are beautiful. And I'm glad you have seen so many around your flowers in your yard. I haven't seen too many here. That is a cool hummingbird moth. You are knowledgeable with all the different names of the butterflies and insects. Those look like black-eyed Susans on your kitchen table. Oh, we desperately need your rain, Martha Ellen.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week. It's supposed to be a bit cooler this week, in the 80's.....hopefully. But the fires are still going, and I would appreciate your prayers. : )
~Sheri
Sheri, you are in my prayers. I'm so sorry the rain has not come to your area to help control those fires. Hopefully the cooler temperatures will also bring rain!
DeleteRudbekia is a black-eyed Susan blossom. There are many varieties and this is the one that grows in my perennial garden. Take care of yourself and be careful. Thank you for stopping by my little blog as always!
How wonderful that you have Monarchs! We have enjoyed a few butterflies (can’t tell you their names), though they are few and far between! We’re having lots of rain, compliments of Fred passing through our area!
ReplyDeleteNellie, our butterflies came quite late this year. Take care as Fred passes through!
DeleteBeautiful captures of those butterflies! Sorry about the rain but it sounds like you had good family time anyway!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. No matter the weather, family times are the best!
DeleteIsn’t it something, after every storm our yard is filled with a lot of small and some big branches. Too bad it rained a lot on your vacation time. At least you were in good company!
ReplyDeleteWe can always find a stick in our yard, Liz! Yes, even with bad weather, we made happy memories on our beach trip.
DeleteSuch beautiful photos. I never tire at looking at beautiful flowers and butterflies. We could use some rain.
ReplyDeleteIt is still smoky around here. Glad you got some good family time.
Thanks, Linda. Today is so humid here, I've spent little time outdoors. Surely wish rains would come for you!
DeleteNo matter the weather family times are just the best!
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy all of your butterfly photographs, you've captured them so well.
Take care, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Family times are so precious, aren't they, Jan? Thank you so much for you kind wishes. I wish the same for you!
DeleteBeautiful pics. I agree, I love looking out off the deck and seeing what the world of my backyard has to offer.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pam. I've been looking out the windows a lot today as our humidity is brutal. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteBeautiful photos of butterflies, Martha Ellen! I've had more butterflies than usual this year because my Buddleia have doubled in size!
ReplyDeleteCathy, Buddleia is a butterfly magnet, isn't it? It's lovely to hear from you.
DeleteThose butterfly shots are just gorgeous! Love the quote from Maya Angelou too.
ReplyDeleteThey're all beautiful but those butterfly shots are just spectacular!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, thank you. Butterflies are so spectacular!
DeleteThank you for your continued prayers for the fires in California, Martha Ellen. The big one, last I heard, is about 35% contained, but still has a way to go. I appreciate your friendship so much.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Today I just read it's 41% contained. Oh, how wonderful our firefighters are.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Hi Martha Ellen, it’s good to hear your enjoyed time at the beach. Rain or no rain spending time with family is precious and to be enjoyed no matter the weather. Your rudbeckia looks lovely in the pretty vase, and the photos of the hummingbird moth and the butterflies are exquisite. The monarch is a very special visitor indeed. Perfect quote from Maya also. Enjoy the rest of your week :)
ReplyDeleteDenise, thank you kindly for your comments. I was lamenting not seeing butterflies and suddenly they appeared. They were definitely worth waiting for! You enjoy the remainder of your week as well.
DeleteIts magical to see beautiful wonders in the garden. Amazing captured of butterflies. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite magical. Thank you, babYpose.
DeleteSuch stunning photos!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your gorgeous flowers and butterflies..
Thank you, Veronica Lee.
DeleteI love watching the hummingbird moth. Your pictures are just so pretty and clear. Beautiful butterflies.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, the hummingbird moths really seem to enjoy the same nectar as the butterflies. It's so fun to watch nature, isn't it? Have a great weekend.
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