Ruby, the Trees, and More

Ruby, oh, Ruby... it is finally YOUR turn!  The blog has been all about butterflies recently, but there have been other things going on; so this post will be a little 'catching up' and a LOT Ruby, because I know you have missed her.  And because she deserves it.  Any dog who will put up with this...

Well, she is entitled to the spotlight!

Actually, she doesn't seem to mind being dressed up, though she does expect extra treats!

And, I gave them to her, because it was such a treat for me to see this -- umm, wonderful... unique... lovable sight!  Thank you, Ruby!

Ruby had more of a reward when we went for a walk a little while later (minus the balloons!).  The hayfields had been mowed, which meant she had a much better view and easier time walking.  She could go anywhere she wanted (at least as far as her leash will reach) and not have to just stay on the path.

Ruby posed for me by the section we had saved from the mower because of the milkweed there.

Probably the final Monarch butterflies (2 of them) of the year were in my garden a few days after this (on October 11th).

Male Monarch on a Zinnia

Even though the fields were mowed, there are still some Common Milkweed around the edges.

The mowed ones will come back up, as well.

The trees have been gorgeous this fall.  We wondered if after the drought they would be, but they certainly have!

Sometimes, with so much beauty in such a stupendous display, we can miss the little things...

...like the fall flowers on the Witch hazel or another fall flower, the Autumn Crocus.

They come up here and there in our lawn, where ever the chipmunks 'replant' them from my flowerbed.  

There can be all kinds of surprises in life... from fall flowers to dressed up doggies...

 ...to OTTERS!

But they deserve a post of their own!  Ruby is the star of this one.