I am all set to monitor for Monarchs this year! It is so exciting! Two days ago I saw my first monarch butterfly of the season fly over our deck in the late afternoon. An ideal day, sunny and warm, I shouted with glee as the monarch passed! Having already entered my milkweed observations to…
Monarch Butterflies
Getting Ready to Monitor Monarchs
Despite the generally cold and wet spring we’ve had, the milkweed has popped up in my gardens. The common milkweed is already about six inches tall and my rose milkweed has germinated even though it is still tiny. An unknowing eye would think it was a weed. I know better and didn’t pull it out….
The Milkweed is Up in My Wisconsin Yard
It’s time for monarch monitoring as my common milkweed stems have emerged in my yard! I’ll have to look back to be sure, but I think it’s early. Each year, since 2006, I’ve reported the emergence of the perennial milkweed in my yard to Journey North. This means I am a citizen scientist! The submission…
Life on the Move
Several pieces of large furniture left our house today. It’s okay. We’re moving. We have to be out by June 24th, the closing date of the sale of our house. The rooms are starting to look different. We are making progress! The two sofa sleepers we own left today, as did half of the “dog’s…
Silent Sunday: Gardens
Today is Silent Sunday! This is the day of the week that I post my own photography on a theme of my choosing. I hope you enjoy the gardens today! There is no permission to duplicate in any form. Thank you.
Poetry Friday: Isn’t Every Day, Earth Day?
Earth Day 2022 Isn’t Every Day, Earth Day? We’ve lived on this planet for eons. Home… For humans, For animals, For plants. For millions, and billions, of species Before our eyes many are disappearing At alarming rates But, since YOU go on, YOU forget the others that have gone. Our lives are short but collectively…
Silent Sunday: Taking a Break from the Fringe
Today is Silent Sunday. On Sundays I post photographs of my own on a theme of my choosing. This week’s theme is a compilation of those things that relax or inspire me. I will be taking a blogging break until next Sunday to recharge and refuel. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you on…
Silent Sunday: Monarchs on My Mind
Today is Silent Sunday. It is the one day of the week I only post my own photos (no text) on a theme of my own choosing. There is no permission to duplicate in any form without my express permission. Thank you!
Monarchs on Maui
This week I am vacationing on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. It is our fourth visit to the Hawaiian Islands and our third to the island of Maui. This vacation was planned quickly, less than two and a half months ago, but came together despite the fast timing. Our previous visits have taken six months…
Poetry Friday: Inspiration
Primarily, my inspiration for creating jewelry or poetry comes from three places. Color, travel, and nature are my biggest influences when I create with beads or words. I have just recently returned from an 11 day trip to some of our National Parks, including Arches, the Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and the Petrified Forest. What better…








