Happy Spring!

I have been taking in the sights of all the blooms in the valley - what a display! The cherry blossoms were unbelievable this year, as if the trees were making up for last year's lack of blooms caused by the unexpected cold snap. It is wonderful to see the cherry orchards doing so well … Continue reading Happy Spring!

Bugs in the Milkweeds

It is always nice to see the swallowtail butterflies feeding and frolicking around milkweeds at bloom. I decided to take a closer look at the milkweeds this year because I had come across a patch with a lot of bees and other bugs. Milkweeds are called milkweeds because of the milky sap they produce. They … Continue reading Bugs in the Milkweeds

The Tailed Beauties (Swallowtail Butterflies)

I have seen so many swallowtail butterflies this year on my hikes in forest areas, along creeks, meadows, in town and in gardens. They seem to be abundant everywhere and it is so nice to see them. The yellow, and black markings on swallowtail butterflies are very striking. Yellow and black colours in the bug … Continue reading The Tailed Beauties (Swallowtail Butterflies)

A Visit to the Cacti

The spring crickets and cicadas are still singing but the spring has been very hot and tree fruit bloom time went by very fast. A kind gentleman showed me a patch of brittle prickly pear cactus last spring and it was quite the treat to see the flowers. I saw said gentleman on an afternoon … Continue reading A Visit to the Cacti