Insect Talk

In 1828, at the age of 21, Charles Darwin wrote:

I am dying by inches from not having anybody to talk to about insects.

Check out the pollen baskets on this bee.  You can tell the color of the flowers she's visited by the color of her pollen baskets.  The bees are loving the Thai basil on my balcony.  It is grown here as an ornamental plant because it grows big and bushy and can survive the summer heat.

Only managed one walk this week.  My husband had a hacking cough last week and Sunday morning I woke up with my throat burning like crazy.  Tried to do some yoga but wound up feeling nauseous.

Made myself go out on Monday to get some movement and fresh air.

In the meantime, as I mentioned in my last post, my balcony continues to bring me great joy and entertainment.

The hoverfly is known as the helicopter of the insect world because of its ability to hover and dart quickly.

An Instagram friend messaged to say that I have a really good camera to get these kinds of shots and was surprised when I told her that these are all taken with my iPhone 6.  With natural light and insects indulging my curiosity, I'm able to get up super close for what looks like macro shots.

I was especially pleased when this painted lady allowed me to get up close and personal.

Really close.

So interesting to discover that painted ladies have fuzzy bodies.

No doubt wondering who the crazy lady with the camera is.  :)

On January 13th, I saw something yellow flutter by so went to investigate.

A butterfly I'd not see before.

Did some research and believe it to be a Colias croceus a/k/a Clouded Yellow.

This one also let me get up super close to take some amazing photos.  Love how its proboscis is curled up in the first photo and then is unfurled for feeding above.

Yellow butterflies are thought to deliver spiritual messages about hope and transformation.

Yellow represents energy, optimism and joy.

Happy Friday!

Balcony Entertainment

Yesterday we woke to amazing cloud coverage from the direction of the rising sun.

While towards the west there was a visible morning moon.

Amazing how different the sky can appear depending on which way you are facing.

Today it's just been completely gray and was blustery for most of the morning.

It's the kind of day that makes me want to stay home and do all the cozy things.

I'm lucky to have two balconies filled with plants so that there's always a bit of nature and entertainment close at hand.

Bees were out there buzzing from flower to flower.

A sunflower I don't recall planting has double buds with one about to open.

And the birds were searching for scattered seeds.

Two doves even came to visit Jingles once she arose from her slumber.

The windows are tinted so they can't see in and have no idea what is lurking on the other side.  :)

Happy Caturday!

Birdwatching

We have a sliding glass door in our bedroom that leads to a balcony where I have plants and put bowls of food and water for the birds.

Since the windows are tinted, it is the perfect spot for birdwatching because I can see them, but they can't see me.  

I don't use my Canon often anymore, but it does come in handy for close-ups.

But then the pictures just sit there and I do nothing with them, so decided I would share them here every so often.

They really are so entertaining to watch but hard to capture when there's a whole group of them visiting.

There's a lot of blurry images for sure.

I'm happy if I manage to get even a few good ones.

There is an unreasonable joy to be had from the observation of small birds going about their bright, oblivious business.
― Grant Hutchison ― 

Sunday blessings,

Crafting at Earthroastery

Last night I looked at the weather forecast for today and there were strong winds predicted from 11 a.m. onwards.  Thankfully that was not the case and we were able to have our regular craft meeting outdoors as planned.

Earthroastery is a fairly new coffee shop just 15 minutes walking from my house.

We have to take advantage of every good weather day that we can.

A few crocheted and stitched projects for show and tell.

Butterflies and flowers on my way home.

And a kitty who enjoys her balcony time.

Happy Caturday!