Butterfly Bush Beauties

Most of the butterfly bushes in our yard sadly didn't make it through the harsh winter weather we experienced earlier.  By carefully pruning and nurturing it, I was able to save the largest one.  I'm so happy it survived and is thriving now ... the butterflies are, too!  We've seen quite a variety of butterfly species visiting the pendulous spikes of tiny, nectar-rich purple blossoms.
Today's visitors are seen in the photos below.

Skipper Butterfly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Cat Days of Summer

We are entering a new phase of summer.  The day lilies had their rise and fall and now the crepe myrtle flowers are in their pink glory.  Though this long stretch of hot, lazy day weather is often known as the "dog days" of summer, here it is most definitely the "cat days."  Jasper could literally stay outside all day long lounging and luxuriating in the summer sun.  She is her happiest outside in the backyard where she can feel the sun's warmth, hear the birds sweet songs, and munch on anything green she finds tasty.

The look of pure contentment



The hostas are now in full bloom, too, with their tall stalks of pale lavender flowers. 

 Although the days are steadily, little by little, getting shorter now, they still feel long and lazy...and hot!

Summer Blues

I discovered the pretty blue wildflower in the top photo in our yard today.  It was growing among what looked like some weeds that needed pulling.  Now that I know we will have flowers to enjoy, no pulling will be necessary :) 

 

Our most frequent patio visitor is the skink.  We see multiple skinks skirt across our back porch and patio everyday, their bright blue tails glistening in the sunlight.  They love to bask in and soak up the sun!

We're also enjoying the summer brights ~ the black-eyed-susans I planted this spring are in full bloom now and are dazzling!
 

Jasper loves being outside.  She's such a mellow kitty, just loves to roll in the sunshine.  The skinks often go right under her nose and she just watches them pass.



Flower Power

The flowers growing in our yard have been an inspiration for the "landscaping" of my little cat paintings.  Our day lilies, roses, and irises have all made it into the miniatures I create and sell on eBay.  These little cat ACEO paintings have proven to be my best seller from the first I one created in 2011 to these three, all painted this summer.  They are always so fun to create because I just imagine our little cat Jasper appreciating all the natural scenes :)

Garden Fresh

Today, I harvested our first batch of string beans from our small vegetable garden.  The recent rains intermixed with days of bright sunshine plus hearty plants provided us a bountiful crop.  Can't wait to have these beans for dinner tonight ~ there's nothing like right off the vine,  garden fresh veggies!