Wise Words On Sunday

 

Saturday Critters #653

 It is time for an update on the Swallowtail Butterflies or "Flutterflies" as I like to call them.

They flutter by as they say goodbye on the strong wings they have grown.

Some hesitate to say goodbye...some take off immediately, strong and confident.

Both experiences are exciting.

- May 17th...my first girl -

- May 25th...a girl -

- May 26th...another girl -

- May 28th -

- June 1st...2 girls -

- Here they are together on June 1st -

- June 5th...4 butterflies emerged -

I was not able to get pictures of all of them, 2 flew off immediately.

- June 6th...this was a boy -

- June 11th...this is a girl -

So far...a total of 15 butterflies have been released, 

I have to check the cages to see if I have any more chrysalis have butterflies in them.
I am like a broken record when it comes to my love for raising butterflies.

It is so fun, immensely rewarding and they sure do need our help.

I often write about my experiences her on my blog, 2 posts you may be interested in are here and here.

If you are interested in helping out these beautiful critters,

 The Joyful Butterfly 

has a great website with all the things you need to know to get started.

I have 15 baby caterpillars on my Dill Plants.

Sharing today images with Eileen at 

Viewing Nature With Eileen 

for Saturdays Critters

Almost Famous

 This was not the post I had planned for today...

Yesterday morning we went down to the inlet...

to watch the boats...

and enjoy donuts and frozen coffee drinks from Dunkin Donuts.

- Top That Donuts -

These are made right after you order, 

right before your eyes, and they are still hot when you receive them.

- Aunt Betty -

- Death By Chocolate -

- Mocha Coolatta -

My attention quickly turned to the sight of our Local News 12 New Jersey reporter,

walking along the inlet.

If you have ever spent any time in person with me...

"and you know, then you know...if you don't, then you don't"

I will talk to anyone and tell them my entire life story.

I struck up a conversation with these "superstars" and wanted to make it on the news.

They were covering a story I knew nothing about, 

so as nice as they were, they were not interested in filming me.

I tried...

I told them I watch them every night on television, that was true, I was born here, that was true...

I even tried to tell them about my blog, even the title but they didn't bite!

The story was featured on the news last night, about the proposed ferry with service to New York.

No mention of "purple debbie".

Across the inlet, in Manasquan, it appeared they were holding a graduation ceremony.

This was such a fun day, if you know me, you get it!

Let's Retreat To The Gardens

Look who was waiting for me when I came home... 

I flatter myself that he "likes" me, but the only reason he keeps coming back is because I feed him.

His name is Dale, there is a Chip but Dale chases him away.

A walk in the gardens was a much needed retreat when I came home from my "tune-up".

The Sweet William is blooming this year...

Sweet William does not bloom the year you plant it but puts on quite a show the following year.

Red Clover...A Wildflower

Next up are my Hydrangeas...I have a total of 8.

This Hydrangea is an Endless Summer

It blooms 4 times each summer and has pink, purple and blue flowers.

Spirea

Hydrangeas on display around the house.

I may have more Hydrangea sprinkled about the house than are left in the gardens.

The Daylilies are producing so many flowers, all different colors.

I will share pictures of the different Daylily varieties tomorrow...

Asbury Park, New Jersey

After our visit to Saint Johns Island, 

we drove through the area, Asbury park is a beach town.

Up by the beach, the sky was starting to change

There was a car show, just ending...I would have enjoyed seeing the cars.

This memorial of flags was nearby...they each had a small solar light on top.

I want to go back at night, to see them all lite up.

The Asbury Park Boardwalk, it was really gorgeous.

This is the Historic Carousel Building.

A 5,000 square foot, 

three-quarter ornate copper clad rotunda that is a landmark along the waterfront. 

It is now the home of the wooden walls art project.

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel...once owned by Johhny Cash.

Asbury Park Convention Hall is a 3,600 seat indoor exhibition center.
Built between 1928 and 1930 it is used for sports, concerts and other special events.

This was such a beautiful day!