Summer used to be a favorite season of mine. I guess it was a carryover of summer vacation from school. Carefree days going barefoot and lazily enjoying endless days biking and roller skating with my sisters and friends. Even after getting married and having children, I remember summer days were wonderful carefree days on our boat water skiing and looking forward to our annual week at the beach. Did I care about the heat and humidity then? I honestly don't remember that. I did not grow up with central air conditioning. We had a window unit that my Daddy would allow us to use on the most hot evenings in our upstairs bedroom. Well, that was then and this is now. I have a love hate relationship with summer in Virginia.
I do love the pleasant days spent on the patio. We have had the hottest, driest July that I can remember. Only during early mornings could you find us enjoying time reading and gardening this year.
A baby cardinal was perplexed by his reflection and flew into the window incessantly. Reading about this behavior revealed that he was demonstrating his need to defend his territory. The poor fellow kept up this action for over a week!
As soon as the calendar page was turned to August we received rain. Glorious rain from the heavens! We have had over 9 inches of rain this month after having hardly a drop in July. The mushrooms are popping up all over.
The jasmine has been blooming and sending its wonderful fragrance onto the patio.
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly enjoys the white buddleia blossoms. It is Virginia's state insect and is one of the largest butterflies.
The elusive Monarch showed up to our delight.
The Sphinx Moth enjoys nectar on the patio vinca. These little moths are wonderful to view as they go from blossom to blossom gathering nectar.
The Black Swallowtail shows erratic behavior that we haven't observed before.
A darling little Pearl Cresent butterfly visited the nearby azalea. He is quite small, only 1 inch wide.
Grayden came to my rescue one morning and helped me clean out the periwinkle and lily of the valley that was completely taking over this garden. With all the rain we've had it made for easy digging, though the tough roots of the invaders made huge masses of roots.
The Dragon's Head is just beginning to blossom. It's nice to have plants growing that were given to me by a friend years ago.
From my research this may be a Fiery Skipper if I'm not mistaken. If you know please comment.
Yes it's been an unusual summer, but still much beauty to enjoy. We still walk the trail every morning at the crack of dawn and otherwise stay home tending to our home and garden. I'm thankful for diversions during this time in history.
