Monarch butterflies enjoying Silky Gold Milkweed in early October.
“Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth.” ~Martin H. Fischer
butterfly
Seeing yellow
Leaves aren’t the only yellow to be seen in autumn. Here are a few others that I came across during September and October.
“It is the color closest to light. In its utmost purity it always implies the nature of brightness and has a cheerful, serene, gently stimulating character. Hence, experience teaches us that yellow makes a thoroughly warm and comforting impression. With yellow the eye rejoices, the heart expands, the spirit is cheered and we immediately feel warmed. Many people feel an inclination to laugh when looking through a yellow glass.” ~Johann von Goethe
Drawn to the lantanas
Enticed by its sweet smelling nectar, these butterflies could not resist the bright, beautiful blooms of the lantana plants.
“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.” ~Helen Keller
Among the Sweet Autumn Clematis
The fragrant white flowers of the Sweet Autumn Clematis attract a number of tiny creatures that find food and shelter among its vines.
“Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there.” ~Thomas Fuller
Finding bugs
Occasionally during the summer a climbing milkweed vine will spring up in our backyard and cover another already established plant. Though considered a problem weed, sometimes I allow it to stay around for a while because I enjoy observing the variety of native insects that are attracted by its strongly scented, tiny white flowers and sappy stems.
“Leave part of the yard rough. Don’t manicure everything. Small children in particular love to turn over rocks and find bugs, and give them some space to do that …” ~Richard Louv
A stroll around the boardwalk
You never know what you’re going to see while strolling around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Here are some shots that were taken back in June and July.
… Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
the sun in your eyes, and the wind in your hair;
flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again …
~Rose Milligan
Common buckeye
There were a number of buckeye butterflies fluttering about the tall grass that was growing along the Mississippi levee. Occasionally they would alight for a short rest (and a photo) before continuing on their way.
“If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” ~Unknown
Garden gifts
“Cease to inquire what the future has in store, and take as a gift whatever the day brings forth.” ~Horace
Insects on orange butterfly weed
The bright flowers of the orange butterfly weed attracts a variety of insects during their blooming season. Here are a few that stopped in to enjoy the pollen and nectar.
“Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.” ~Unknown
Tattered Gulf fritillary
Life has taken a toll on this butterfly as revealed by its tattered and torn up wings. But regardless of the predators and various environmental challenges it has faced, it is still a beautiful butterfly that has survived to fly another day.
“The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”. ~Thomas Paine
walking on a country road 