Extraordinarily lucky

The rains came yesterday and poured down upon us.  It rained and rained and rained.  The rain was most welcome.  The grass is still brown in spots, but it looks as though most everything else has really perked up after the good drenching.  We may get more rain today.  The air is soupy and warm, always a good combination for pop-up storms and showers.

I usually don’t care much for humid days, especially when it’s like it has been today, the air so thick with moisture you can almost see the droplets in the haziness.  This morning was so incredibly beautiful, though, that I scarcely felt the heat or the humidity, and I was surprised when I got back to the house to find I’d worked up quite a sweat.  You would think I’d have noticed that at the time.

What kept me from noticing the warmth and steaminess were the American Goldfinches at the feeders (in this case, the feeders are the thistle plants in the wildflower meadow).  They decided to share the morning with me, allowing me a few good shots.  I slowly made my way toward them, getting within about ten feet of them.

I never realized how hard they work for the thistle.  It already astounded me that they could stand on the prickly plants.  They don’t seem to be bothered by the thorns at all.

The goldfinches were not the only creatures out and about this morning.

The butterflies were enjoying the thistle, too.  There were swallowtails and monarchs and some I haven’t identified.  The Tiger Swallowtail was the most cooperative of the bunch, enjoying the thistle with the goldfinches.

Someone will have to help with the ID on this one. I can’t seem to figure it out.

Sometimes — most times, really — when I’m wandering around Breezy Acres, I feel extraordinarily lucky to be living in a place that is filled with so much beauty.  All you need are the eyes (and attitude) to see it.

Damselfly in the meadow

This damselfly is smaller than half of my thumb.  There are a lot of them in the meadows.  When they fly they look like tiny iridescent fairies flitting and fluttering over the grass seed heads and small flowers.  You have to really be looking to see them.

These guys are easy to spot since they’re so big.

The other day I encountered a dragonfly I’ve never seen here before:

A different dragonfly

I’m sure there are more I have yet to see.  That’s one of the things I love most about my daily walks:  discovering something new, and that happens with almost every walk.

Can you spot the praying mantis?

A couple of people have requested a map of Breezy Acres so you’ll know where to find areas such as the woods, the cattails, the future woods, and the sledding hill.  I’m going to sit down this weekend and see what I can draw.  I have to warn you, though… my drawing skills are pitiful.  I suspect it will end up looking like a child’s drawing, but at least it will give you an idea of where I’m located when I talk about the creek or the wildflower meadow.  I may even embrace my childlike skills by using crayons.  That will make it more fun.

That’s about it from the Bogs for today.  It’s not a bad day to sit on the porch or the deck as long as you don’t mind the humidity.  There’s a decent breeze to keep the insects away, and to give the illusion of coolness.  Keep an eye on the sky, though.  Storms, like mushrooms, can pop up pretty quickly.

May your weekend be filled with joy, laughter, and wonder.  🙂

Related articles

• American Goldfinch (randomthoughtsfrommidlife.wordpress.com)
• Thistles and Cones (theeffstop.wordpress.com)

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