Butterfly alert: It's not yet a butterfly, but I saw a Monarch larvae when I went down to get the mail. It is very distinctive looking and really chewing away on its host plant the milkweed. I'll keep watch to see if the chrysalis is formed near by. the wormy is cool, but the chrysalis is downright beautiful with its blue body and gold markings.

Bird watch: No new birds.

I've been working on the wedding shower goodies. I made small heart shaped sugar cookies and drizzled a purple powdered sugar glaze on them. The cookies are tasty, but I wish I hadn't put on the glaze- toooo sweet. They do look pretty and will look even more lovely atop the purple cake stand that AS gave me for Christmas. Still have to make a lemon bunt cake. Everything else has been farmed out so everyone gets a chance to help. I really do enjoy planning and doing parties.

Of course, the weather is always the subject of serious conversation in Michigan. It has been raining and cold with wind and thunderstorms. I sure am glad I'm not camping with little kids these last few days. I bet the malls are crowded and the sale of t-shirts is up. It is the week of the National Cherry Festival so TC is crowded with Fudgies. And, it usually rains during this big event. The same goes for the fair which starts the first week of August- rain, I mean. But, we could use the moisture since the lawns were burning up and turning brown. Don't worry, it will be back to hot summer weather shortly.

Butterfly alert: I saw a Mourning Cloak. The crazy thing just sat there sunning itself with it's wings folded. I couldn't identify it with my new Michigan book. Now I know why I need the big North America field guide- because they show both angles of the wings.

Bird watch: Cedar Waxwings are coming to the ripe honeysuckle berries. Still have a lot of hummingbird action.

Where have I been? What have I been doing? Well, I'm getting ready for a Wedding shower that I am putting on. I'm making goodies, getting the favors around, and doing the general stuff. The good thing is that I don't have to clean my house for this celebration. I will be doing the flowers for this wedding so we have been discussing types, form, cost, etc. I've spent a good deal of time looking at ideas on the net. Many great sites.


Since BF stopped smoking, I am his support system and have been going to the gym. I've been walking on the treadmill and doing a few exercises for my arms. Boy- am I out of shape. At least my back pain is for some reason.


We have been hanging out over the holidays keeping the yard watered, working in the garden ( I have picked zucchini and my beans are nearly ready). Lots of beautiful roses. FB has a beautiful pale lilac rose that is sooo fragrant.

Also, we went out on the plains ( land North of our house that was logged off and people grazed there cattle on the grass during my father's time) to pick wild huckleberries. Slow picking because the berries are so small. We picked enough to make huckleberry muffins and have some left for pancakes this weekend. I remember, when I was a kid, picking in that area and getting quarts and quarts to freeze. It is a good thing we don't have to live off these berries, because we would be thin from spending so much time picking those little blue wonders.

Summer is slipping by, I have to make lists or else I find myself doing absolutely nothing. Some days I have very little motivation. I can see why people fall into depression when they retire. Its hard to balance regiment and spontaneity.