Drops of Beauty #204

July 16, 2024

“When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of
her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into
what she always had been. But she had wings.” ― Dean Jackson (Thank you Vanessa!)

Hello friends! We’ve had a few very hot days but relief is coming later today. I get to go for a walk with one of my favorite people this morning (my oldest niece) so I don’t even care that it’s hot! When the young people you love spread their wings, it’s beautiful to watch them and there’s a little place in the heart that lights up when you finally see them again.

Here are some moments of beauty for today:

Sunrise, July 12, 2024 - yes, it was as hot as that looks.

Found a new-to-me flower called calliopsis.

Killdeer has the right idea on a hot summer morning.

“splish, splash, I was taking a bath…”

I love splashes!

A new batch of ducklings! There were over 40 mallards in the marina this week, they have once again been prolific.

Stretching those tiny wings.

And there they go, all in a line. Baby ducklings do what mama says very well.

Teeny tiny snapping turtle!

Now that’s a look! (grackle)

Fledgling great-tailed flycatcher with the zoomies.

Those blue-gray feathers are gorgeous any time of year, but I especially love them against a lush, green backdrop. (great blue heron)

This just screams “ADVENTURE” doesn’t it?

Fledgling birds make identification so much more challenging. I think this is a barn swallow but an adult wouldn’t have that white spot on the head - that would be a cliff swallow.

Fledgling barn swallow with an adult in better light.

Hello little skipper!

“The better to eat you with my dear.” (I mean, they aren’t called dragons for nothing!)

Stay cool friends. I wish you water if it is dry, clear skies if you’ve had storms, and the chance to hug someone you love.