Friday, October 18, 2013

This happened . . .


"Don't cry because it's over.
Smile because it happened."

- Dr. Suess


Well, it's a little bittersweet.
I think the time has come . . . it's getting to be late in the season.
I think this was probably my last butterfly to emerge.
This is my almost 30 something Black Swallowtail, a female, a tiny one at that.

1. You can tell the male from the female when the wings are open. The male has
more yellow spots and the female just has more blue in general.


2. Random act of kindness . . . after having lunch with the hubby I was driving home
and spied this coral vine growing along the fence across from where I turn. I had
my camera with me, so I pulled over to get some shots and I hear this voice.
"Ma'am, that's my house and vine and you are more than welcome to take
some cuttings with you." Oh yes, I will be going back with my sissors, thank you!!



3. My find this week . . . ah more caterpillars . . . but not just any caterpillars, Tersa Sphinx
Moth caterpillars. The ones that turn into a Tersa Sphinx Hummingbird (or hawk) moths. They
are often mistaken for hummingbirds as they can hover just like them. They have been coming
to my purple trailing lantana at dusk as they are nocturnal. I decided to try my hand at raising these
guys . . . flying by the seat of my pants on this one, wish me luck (well, or them)!


4. Last nights game 42-8!
Yep, that's my boy #22 with some serious vertical and hang time. He had a really great game (they all did), considering he was just playing two weeks ago with taped wrists because of a break through in his arthritis. My photog buddy David let me borrow his 70-200mm f2.8 lens last night . . . that was a treat. Usually when I get to borrow his lens(s) it's for varsity, so it was fun getting to use it for my boys game.



 I was lucky to get some shots of him with his tackles . . . it seems he is always on the opposite side of the field when there is a big play. OR, the ref gets in my way, how rude! Someone needs to have a serious
talk with these guys, LOL!



5. Hard to believe I haven't been to the sunrise in months. They have been doing some construction, in fact my birding trail has been closed all summer. It was only supposed to be closed for like 6 weeks? So this is a new spot, and I kinda like it! Oh but when the time changes, it's gonna be real early for a while!



So this is my week in randomness. I missed my normal posting yesterday because of random item #1. The
chrysalis had turned black so I knew it would eclose but they are so hard to figure out when. So I brought the dill plant is was on upstairs with me and set it down on my desk and kept glancing back and forth. But then I heard "the sound" of the chrysalis trying to open. So I grabbed my camera and the plant and tried
to get down the stairs and outside in time . . . I almost missed it. The poor butterfly, it was so windy she was
having a hard time holding on to the plant. She had an easier time holding my finger. Let's just say I got really sidetracked and it got late and then it was the game . . . 

I hope you all had a great week of randomness too!

Love, Kim


linking with Friday Finds, Random Five, Little Things Thursday, Friday Photo Journal 



25 comments:

4 Lettre Words said...

You never disappoint, Kim! Hope it's an exciting weekend, too!

Cindy Madden said...

I LOVE those pictures of the hawk moth caterpillars. I have never seen them before, and they are just amazing!

Sherri B. said...

As always, your photos of your sweet little critters are so beautiful to look at!! I've loved seeing your butterfly photos this past summer. And those are some great shots you got of your son - I'm so glad to hear he's doing well. Have a great weekend, Kim! :)

Miriam said...

What a beautiful post Kim.

kathyinozarks said...

Your posts are always so special Kim-awesome photos-have a wonderful weekend Kathy

Barbara said...

How you do it with the butterflies I will never know Kim, just awesome. I bow down to you with the creatures.

Gail Dixon said...

I am so impressed with your knowledge of and love for butterflies, as well as your photography skills. What an eventful day you had!

Kathryn Dyche said...

Your passion for butterflies and moths just leaps off the screen, love that about you. Have a great weekend. :0)

Cathy H. said...

You and your butterflies simply amaze me! These are all beautiful shots, but that sunrise...exquisite!

tiarastantrums said...

I like what you were sidetracked by

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

As always Kim a lovely post. So great to see your son in action I really have no idea of the rules of American Football but I've always wanted to go to a stadium and take in the whole experience.

Kerri Farley said...

~ WOW ~

Saun said...

WOW love them all I'am impressed. Happy shooting

lisa said...

What a magnificent shot of the brand-new butterfly! I'm always so awed by those who take the time to nurture and take care of these beauties. I've seen a few hawk moths....they are a little frightening because of their size! Love seeing your son in action. Great shots.
Visiting from Friday Finds.

Dotti said...

I never cease to be amazed at how you can critters on your fingers and then take photos! And so happy to see Sam playing hard and well!

Cathy said...

yes, how do you get those critters on your fingers. beautiful post, full of goodness!

Inspired By June said...

Sidetracked by the rebirth of a butterfly. . . I can think of worse things ;) thanks for sharing, Kim - enjoyable as always.

Brenda said...

Love that sunrise spot - I could see that fast becoming a favorite. The combination of the water and the early morning light and the reflections is stunning!

Ross said...

Wow! Great shots! Your butterflies are amazing, have yourself a great weekend!

SKCPhotos said...

Fabulous randomness.

Connie Smiley said...

Love that butterfly shot, Kim! And a great capture of your son! Keep us posted on the moths.

Unknown said...

I just love seeing your photos. I saw your caterpillars on IG. We were at my daughters and I had to show them all your photos. They Loved it as much as I did. Such great captures of your son.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Hugs~

Kim Cunningham said...

It has been amazing to watch your caterpillar raising journey. So sad that it is time to say goodbye for now. Your images have just been so enjoyable! Those big guys are incredible!

Jeanne said...

kim your random week was just great! Totally enjoyed all of your shots, and especially that sunset/rise, and the wrinkled wings of this lovely new butterfly!

Liz said...

Great post! Great random facts!

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