Noel's Adventures

This was the second butterfly that came out today.

From this one week ago to this today

I thought that this title is quite fitting for this photograph. We have seen several caterpillars on the same plant numerous times (as many as 11 caterpillars) but this past weekend was the first time in nearly two years that we have seen two caterpillars munching on the same leaf. We could literally see the leaf disappearing as their little heads went back and forth. Quite amazing!

The zinnias are really plentiful this year so I try to find as many photo opportunities as possible. I got a bonus when I saw this bug chilling on a zinnia.

So far this summer we've had about six monarch butterfly caterpillars. It appeared as though the predators were winning so we were excited when we woke up this morning to a butterfly. Here it is.

This time last year we were starting to experience a terrible drought that brought wildfires and lots of other things we do not even want to remember. The weather so far this summer has been quite nice with at least one or two days of rain every few weeks. This translates to blooming flowers (oh how that macro lens would come in handy). Here are a few flowers from our gardens.

The butternut squash plants have come through big time this year. We have reaped four so far and they are tasty (if the three in this post taste like the first one). Have to find a nice recipe.

It appears as though we will get some butternut squash this year. We did not buy any seedlings from the store or deliberately plant seeds this year. The three plants we have are from seeds we threw into the backyard. Hope it turns out well.

Back in the 20th century when I was growing up Popeye the Sailor Man used to drink a spinach drink that would transform him from being skinny to tons of muscle. I am hoping that this green drink will do the same for me (yeah right). Ingredients: 2 cups spinach 2 cups cucumber 1 head of celery 1/2 inch of teaspoon of ginger root 1 bunch parsley 2 apple Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1/2 lemon Thanks to Dr. Oz

 Ford Truck paying tribute to First Responders after the 9/11 tragedy. Awesome!

The Prairie View trail ride passed through campus yesterday on its way to the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show. The trail ride is always a nice reminder of what it was like in the "Old West".

The snapdragons have been thriving in the cool weather so I decided to get a few pics today.