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.

Beauty in the Macabre?

This blog is usually about things I find beautiful in God's creation.  Now, the macabre decorations that abound this time of year for Halloween don't typically fit in with my idea of beauty.   However, my mother instilled in me that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so maybe some of you have different ideas about that!  In that case, this post is for you! 

 Fall is a great time of year for spiderwebs!

Especially in the early morning while the dew is still on them.

I will admit that I know almost nothing about them, but I admire the various shapes and structures.

That one had a double bottom... maybe to trap insects inside, or for the spider to reside in?

This very large one seemed to have no pattern to it, but it had a neat tunnel in the middle.

And this one seems less sinister, with its accompanying Queen Ann's Lace... but what could be hiding back there in the dark?

Creepy things!

Oh my!

I did like how that one made very tidy circles, then made a ZZZZZ into the middle!

This blackbird is keeping an eye on things....

While the rest of the flock hangs out nearby.

Over in the big, dark swamp more creatures await.

The kingfisher doesn't seem to mind all the spiders sharing his tree.

I can't leave you with just the macabre... even though it is that time of year...  so here is a shot of Ruby when she was a pup - dressed up for Halloween in a homemade costume!

PS - I actually do think spiderwebs and blackbirds (and Ruby!) are beautiful, how about you?