Celebrating Spring & My Birthday

First of all, I have to show you what my best friend, E, got me for my birthday... It arrived early, so I got it about a week and a half ago...

The caterpillars were quite active, at first. They squirmed around, ate their food, and scaled the walls of their little cup environment. Jimmy Boo was extremely interested in them. Beckham paid them no heed whatsoever.

Can't stop watching the caterpillars

After a while, the activity in the cup slowed, then nearly stopped. Although I could tell something important was going on...

The caterpillars were pupating. You can see the chrysalises above! I'm very excited to see the Painted Lady Butterflies emerge from their cocoons! We have a larger container for them that was for lizards or fish, and which we can use to house the butterflies while they get strong. I will definitely post photos or video after they have metamorphosed!


Anyway, as the weather has been gorgeous and warm, we've been taking advantage and going for some nice nature walks...

Which includes climbing around near the river!

And my birthday was full of nice surprises! A photo texted to me by my sister... 

My friends and sister, wishing me a happy birthday!

All the way from California! Loved getting this message while I was being treated to a delicious meal with K...

Oysters on the half shell... mmm...

Grilled salmon on roasted cauliflower & mushrooms

Butterscotch pudding with candied pecans &whipped cream...

It was delicious and romantic, and I think I hurt my face smiling all night! Thank you, K, for a fabulous treat!! It was a very memorable and lovely birthday! 


xox 

More Along Monocacy Creek...

The creek is sending out fall signals all over the place! There's still a lot of green, but the change is in the air. Even for the butterflies, as you can see... there's some metamorphosis going on!

 Thistles are turning to seed, and blowing themselves all over. Next spring, new ones will be growing from this fall's seed explosion.

 Berries for the birds are ripening and bringing out the intense colors of autumn. I love seeing the red drops amongst the green leaves. Soon those leaves will be turning and dropping to ground. The drama of nature unfolds for us every day, every season, every year!

 The sunflowers, dahlias and other flowers at Burnside Plantation are in bloom in the little butterfly garden outside the barn. The colors of fall are the splashes of color you'll see there now!

 I love that I can see and feel the changes of the coming season! Typically, in California, the only real change you get is in the temperature and the arrival of rain. Yes, the foliage changes on some of the trees, and even drop, but the strange thing about California's fall/winter, is that once the rains come, everything just starts to turn green again! The gold hills of summer start their greening, in early preparation for spring. At least, that was my experience living in the Bay Area. However, right now, during my time here in Pennsylvania, I can really sense the change from summer to fall. It's an actual season all by itself here. I'm really excited for the changes to become more visible and dramatic as we close in on winter! Plus, I'm looking forward to wearing my boots again!!