Is It Butterfly Season?

It sure feels like butterfly season here at the Jersey Shore.

I have seem more butterflies this summer than ever before.

After making the public aware of the decline of the monarch butterfly, butterfly enthusiasts have jumped in and participated in "saving the monarchs".

This summer, with help from all involved, there has been a 67% increase in the monarch population.

The monarchs are captured and tagged in Cape May County, New Jersey. 

Now, there is an elaborate tracking system in place that was adopted when the decline was noticed.

 Additionally, 

there has been a steady increase in the monarch population 

every year since the decline was first recognized. 

By increasing awareness in the laboratories, garden centers and on television, things have changed.

Bringing awareness to the public, has helped increase the numbers of monarch's buzzing around.

- Monarch Butterflies -

- Cloudless Sulphur Butterflies -

- Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies -

- Black Swallowtail Butterflies -

This is the type of butterfly I raise...I have released more than 50 during this past summer.

In addition, I have at least 50 Black Swallowtails in Chrysalis form right now.

They are in netted cages...

they will spend the winter with me and I will release them in the spring as they emerge.

 It feels like "Butterfly Season" - I am seeing such a great number of butterflies,,,in all varieties, as they migrate south for winter.

In the last week, I have released 3 of my own.

So why not join in, plant some milkweed and help to further increase the numbers of butterflies in the sky!

Some additional information can be found "here" if you are interested.

Madame Tussauds

Another fun part of our New York City adventure was the time we spent at

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Throughout the museum there are over 200 life sized wax statues of 

pop culture stars, film stars, movie stars, musicians and athletes who have excelled in their sport.

- the hubs, Mariah Carey and me -

- ET -

- Lion King -

- Johnny Depp -

- Zendaya -

- Marilyn Monroe -

- Lady Gaga -

- Nathan Lane, Robin Williams and me -

Up next, former presidents and military...

Of course you knew the hubs had to take center stage...

and hog the telephone.

- Seal of the Presidents -

This was one of my favorite statues representing 911 ...

I am so glad they are honoring these men along with movie stars.

Located in Times Square in New York City, I am so glad we went.