Thursday and Friday, July 6-7, 2026 (Days 1 and 2)— “The Best of Ireland: The Coast, the Countryside and Dublin”

Posted on August 7, 2026 by dunngone

We departed for the airport in Little Rock Thursday morning about 8 AM, stopped in Benton to drop off a return to Amazon, and made our way to long-term parking at the airport. Promptly picked up, we were delivered to the departure area for check-in and checking luggage. And then, we waited. The Road Scholar program, “The Best of Ireland: The Coast, the Countryside and Dublin” had officially begun.

Flight form Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL

The United Airlines flight to Chicago was on time, delivering us to O’hare shortly after lunch.

And then just after 6 PM, we boarded a small international jet bound to Shannon Airport in Ireland. We were assigned middle seats, and yes, they were small and cramped for the 7+ hour flight. Neither of us slept on the “overnight” flight. We arrived just after 7 AM, Ireland time Friday, August 7, collected luggage, and met other Road Scholar participants for a buffet breakfast. Of course, I stopped and photographed an Irish butterfly, Small Tortoiseshell, along the way.

We were subsequently transferred to Earls Court House Hotel in Killarney with a “comfort” stop along the way. Check-in was efficient and the luggage was delivered to the room.

Comfort Stop between Shannon and Killarney

We met with the other members of our Road Scholar tour group before dinner for a glass of wine and orientation. It became obvious at the beginning of this meeting that our group would be very compatible and fun-loving.

The Group Leader, Eileen Cameron, greeted everyone and lead introductions. And then she reviewed the up-to-date program schedule, discussed roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answered questions. She will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics.

A buffet dinner followed, and then it was off to bed to catch up on sleep as we had to have our luggage outside the room for portage at 7:30 AM.

Saturday through Wednesday, August 1-5, 2026—Preparing to Travel

Posted on August 5, 2026 by dunngone

These early first days of August were spent preparing for our next travel adventure. The travel camera, lens, and accessories were cleaned and assembled, including extra SD cards; maps for the locales to be included in the tour were downloaded; plans, including photo ops, for our free time were developed and printed to our iPhones using ChatGPT; a blog post was prepared and transmitted; and luggage and Apple Air Tags were readied.

I did manage to capture a couple of butterflies on Monday, August 3: a Sachem Skipper and a Viceroy.

After so many trips, packing and readying the house to be away was both more efficient and accomplished a bit quicker. Wednesday morning, August 5, began with a haircut, followed by moving hanging plants to irrigated beds, applying herbicide to “weeds”, lowering temperature of and dosing hot tub, downloading books and podcasts, creating music playlists, charging electrical devices, cleaning and temporarily storing hummingbird feeders, cleaning and servicing hearing aids, performing re-boarding activities, and packing.

We were ready to travel!

Thursday through Friday, July 16-31, 2026—Another Accident

Posted on July 31, 2026 by dunngone

Physical misfortunes continue, but somehow my body survives. As a refresher, a few weeks ago I suffered extensor tendonitis in the left foot. And then, some seven or eight weeks ago, I incurred a pulled groin muscle on the right side. Not to be outdone, on Sunday afternoon, July 18, I had a bicycle accident and fractured a rib (#7) on the left side. Breathing, coughing, and sneezing were pretty painful the first few days. But I returned to golf and pickleball towards the end of July, grossly out of practice and stamina.

Kay continues physical therapy for the back of her knees, and it is helping greatly as she is almost pain free.

Otherwise, we continue living the retirement life here in Hot Springs Village.

Having stated that, our irrigation system has been out all spring and summer, and after several attempts to repair it, the intake pump was replaced at a cost of about $2200. A lesson learned is that we should’ve connected to HSV water and not messed with the lake.

I did manage a few photos of insects using the pollinator garden. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, a Southern Brokendash, a Horace’s Duskywing, and a Hoary Edge Skipper were photographed.

Also, photographed was a Slaty Skimmer dragonfly.

However, the star of the day was a Snowberry Clearwing moth, aka Hummingbird moth.

A Pipevine Swallowtail and American Lady joined the usuals on Friday, July 17, 2026.

And the first Thread-waisted Wasp of the season was observed.

And then on July 23, 2026, a Great Spangled Fritillary and a Common Buckeye were photographed.

Lastly, a menagerie of flying insects were photographed on July 29, 2026, including a Common Green Darner dragonfly, a Fiery Skipper butterfly, a Slaty Skimmer dragonfly, a Variegated Fritillary butterfly, a Clouded Skipper, and a Horace’s Duskywing Skipper.

Also, a Thread-waisted Wasp was seen nectaring on the Tick Seed flower blooms.

Stay tuned in the next few days for the beginning of our next big adventure, “The Best of Ireland: The Coast, the Countryside and Dublin”.

Wednesday through Wednesday, July 1-15, 2026—The Heat

Posted on July 15, 2026 by dunngone

The Hot Springs Village area is undergoing above average temperatures, and the temperatures when combined with high humidity make it very uncomfortable to work or play outside. Nevertheless, Ridge stayed over and continued working for us on Wednesday, July 1, and returning home on Thursday. His main job was to excavate around the irrigation pipe running from the “in lake” pump to the electronic control box. In addition, he trimmed around all the Crepe Myrtles, and power washed the deck, patio, and front sidewalk. He was a great help.

Kay began physical therapy on Thursday, July 2, and goes twice a week for her knees (doctor says it arthritis), and the PT has really helped. She is almost pain free as of this writing.

The 4th of July weekend was much like any other weekend as the overbearing heat kept us close to the air conditioner. We did take time to watch a few pickleball games at Diamanté.

The weekend of July 11-12 was all about basketball. Ridge had two games on Saturday, and then another four on Sunday. He played exceptionally well, and his team won the championship.

Kay began her shuttle “service” for the central Arkansas grandkids on Wednesday, July 15. Their father was out of town on business and their mother was going in several other directions.

The pollinator garden continues to attract butterflies, but butterfly numbers are way down this year, at least for us. There its very little variety in species as most of what is being seen are the usual.

Only one butterfly was photographed on Thursday, July 2, and it was a Southern Cloudywing.

And three dragonfly species were photographed.

And then on Friday and Saturday of Independence Day weekend, a Great Spangled Fritillary stopped by long enough for several photographs.

On Monday, July 6, a Common Buckeye and a Northern Brokendash were observed.

A Hoary Edge Skipper was the only butterfly photographed on Tuesday, July 7.

Wednesday, ,July 8, was a big day photographically speaking. Friend Dan and I traveled to near Hope, Arkansas, to the Bois D’Arc Wildlife Management Area to “shoot” some Egrets. There was a Cattle Egret rookery near the shoreline of the namesake lake, and birds were seemingly everywhere.

Other birds photographed included a Great Blue Heron, an immature Black-crowned Night Heron, a Gallinule, and an Eastern Kingbird.

Of course, the southern Arkansas lake would not be complete without a resident alligator or two.

Perhaps the most beautiful thing observed was an American Lotus bloom.

Tuesday through Tuesday, June 16-30, 2026—It’s Summer and It’s Hot

Posted on June 30, 2026 by dunngone

Hot weather, especially heat index temperatures, soared during this reporting period. Despite the oppressive heat, Kay continues playing pickleball and golf, while I remain on the “injured reserve” list. There were a couple of times where I could play pickleball and one 9-hole round of golf before suffering another injury—a rib fracture, #7 on the left side—caused by losing my balance making a short turn on the e-bike. This one is going to take 8-12 weeks to heal.

The highlights of the two weeks were a visit by Karyn, Matt, Ridge and Aker for a weekend, and a follow-up “working” visit by Ridge the last week of the month.

He really helped us out digging up an irrigation fitting, trimming a bunch of shrubs, assisting with repairing a loose door hinge, and power washing the deck and the front sidewalk. Regrettably because of the injury, I was not able to assist him much, but we did build him a soccer rebounder.

I did manage to get out a few times to chase butterflies and dragonflies. On Tuesday, June 16, a female Diana Fritillary and an American Lady were photographed.

Additionally, a Variable Dance was present.

However, the star of the day was a nectaring Clearwing Moth, aka Hummingbird Moth.

A few butterflies were flittering about on Saturday, June 20, including a Fiery Skipper, a Southern Cloudywing, and a Red-spotted Purple.

An Eastern Pondhawk was also seen.

And perhaps most interesting was this unusual insect.

On Sunday, June 21, the grandkids were chasing crawfish and frogs in the ditch adjacent to the house,

while I photographed a Horace’s Duskywing, a Byssus Skipper (a first time species visitor to the pollinator garden), and a Silver-spotted Skipper.

And lastly, on Sunday, June 28, a Checkerspot, Fiery Skipper,, a Pearl Crescent, and a Realkirt’s Blue were photographed.

This Blue Dasher was all eyes while being photographed.

Monday through Monday, June 1-15, 2026—Busy Times for Kay

Posted on June 15, 2026 by dunngone

Kay began the month packing for a gambling junket to Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. For a minimal amount, Beau Rivage flies “gamblers” from Arkansas to Biloxi, and then comps them a room for three nights. She and BFF Pam traveled there together. They left on Tuesday, June 2, and returned on Friday, June 5. Upon her return, she spent Saturday unpacking and doing her laundry. On Sunday, granddaughter came to visit for a few days. We were so delighted to host her, and she is growing up way too fast. She and Kay shopped, spent time at the Mid-America Museum, and rewatched her play at the beach and in Balboa Lake. On Friday, Kay’s longtime childhood friend, Sue, came to spend the weekend and on Saturday they attended their 61st high school reunion in Morrilton. Sue left on Sunday, and then on Monday, Kay flew to Richmond, Virginia, to spend a few days visiting her sister and brother-in-law. There were some snafus in her travel plans and Delta cancelled her flight from Atlanta to Richmond at the last minute. Fortunately, she was able to find another flight (for almost double the fare), arriving in Richmond late afternoon on Monday, June 15.

Meanwhile, still down and out with a pulled groin muscle, I hung around the house and enjoyed some yard work, and shop time. This is a photo of a prototype patio table I designed and built while Kay was away.

Of course, time was made almost daily for photographing butterflies and dragonflies in the pollinator garden, shooting photos 9 of the 15 days of this period.

The number of species of butterflies is really down this year. Generally, American Lady butterflies and Fiery Skippers can be observed every day, though the number of butterflies is small. However, the Diana Fritillary species is spending time nectaring daily which is a real thrill. And, a few dragonflies dart about in search of their next prey.

On Tuesday, June 2, an American Lady, a female Diana Fritillary, and a Juvenal’s Duskywing were seen; only the American Lady and Diana Fritillary were photographed. Additionally, a Common Green Darner dragonfly was photographed.

And then on Wednesday, both a Slaty Skimmer and a Calico Pennant (dragonflies) were photographed, as were a Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly and a Fiery Skipper. Juvenal’s Duskywing butterflies were again observed.

Another Slaty Skimmer (different color) and then a Black-shouldered Spinyleg were photographed on Friday, June 5. Additionally, a Common Buckeye and both female and male Diana Fritillaries were photographed.

In the butterfly world, male and female Diana Fritillaries were again observed on Monday, June 8, nectaring mainly on the butterfly bush blooms. A Widow Skimmer and an Eastern Amberwing (dragonflies) and an Orange Bluet damselfly were photographed and the photos are posted below.

In addition to the regular butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies, a Leaf-footed Bug, and Clearwing Moth were observed and both were photographed (see below). The Clearwing Moth is also known as a Strawberry Clearwing Moth and a Hummingbird moth.

On Tuesday, June 10, three different species of butterflies were observed and photographed: a Dun Skipper, an Easter Tailed-blue, and a Red-banded Hairstreak.The Clearwing Moth was also nectaring.

The usual butterflies and dragonflies were again present on Saturday, June 13. Only a Pearl Crescent butterfly photo is posted here.

The last couple of weeks before summer solstice were busy ones for Kay, while I really enjoyed some lazy days at home without adult supervision.

Monday through Monday, June 1-15, 2026—Diana Fritillaries (Special Edition)

Posted on June 15, 2026 by dunngone

This special edition concerns the Diana Fritillary. The Diana Fritillary (Argynnis diana or Speyeria diana) is Arkansas’ state butterfly. The exclusive larval host plant for the Diana Fritillary is various species of violets, particularly woodland and forest-dwelling violets. (I didn’t know this; but will have a greater appreciation for violets in the future.) Female butterflies lay their eggs in the leaf litter near violets in late summer. (Don’t rake your leaves, please.) The caterpillars hatch, overwinter, and then feed on the fresh violet leaves and flowers in the spring. Thus, to support a breeding population, a moist, rich forest margin with an abundance of violets is required.

It is considered rare, uncommon, and a species of conservation concern. While it was historically common across much of the central and eastern United States, it has experienced a severe decline in population and range since the 1900s. From Google AI:

Current Conservation Status

Global Ranking: NatureServe ranks the butterfly as G2G3 (Imperiled to Vulnerable).
Xerces Red List: Listed as Vulnerable, meaning it faces a moderate to high risk of extinction.
Habitat Projections: Recent studies warn that its available habitat could decline by up to 90% by the year 2050 due to climate change and human impact.

The Diana Fritillary is no longer found across its entire historical range. Instead, it survives only in isolated pockets within two main regions:

Southern Appalachians: Stretching from central Virginia and West Virginia down through the mountains of northern Georgia and Alabama.
Interior Highlands: Located in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains of Arkansas, Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma.

My first observation of a Diana Fritillary was of a male at Middle Fork Barrens on June 1, 2015, shortly after moving to Hot Springs Village (photos via i_hone 5 were unsatisfactory to publish). For the next few years, the Diana Fritillary photo fix was achieved by a visit to the natural area. For the next few years, it seemed like a single male would fly through the backyard each year during the season. The first photographed was a male, observed on June 5, 2018.

MALE Diana Fritillary observed on June 5, 2018.

However, the Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area, just a few minutes from Hot Springs Village, provided many opportunities to view both the males and females nectaring on Bee Balm blooms.

MALE Diana Fritillary nectaring on Bee Balm

And then, the pollinator garden begun in late spring 2024 drew a bit longer stop for the single male Diana Fritillary. However, it was the only one.

Kay began planting in the pollinator garden

Things improved, though. On May 30, 2025, a single male appeared in the pollinator garden.

And then a week later, on June 6, 2025, a single female appeared.

Subsequently, through August, a few more would show up, one at a time.

This season, 2026, has been quite productive in terms of observing Diana Fritillaries. The first male was seen on May 26, followed by a female on May 29.

On June 5, 2026, three female Diana Fritillaries and one male were observed in the garden at the same time; the females rejected any and all advances from the males, but we hope to have some eggs soon!

Saturday through Sunday, May 16-31, 2026—Piddlin’ Time

Posted on May 31, 2026 by dunngone

Kay continues being busy in retirement, playing pickleball and golf several times a week, and now playing bridge several times a month. Church and philanthropic organizations also keep her busy.

We hosted the monthly Hand and Foot night on Wednesday, May 20, and wouldn’t you know it, Bev Graham and I came in last place, while Kay and her partner won $2 for 3rd place. We also attend the weekly Taco Tuesday when schedules allow, joining our “Palm Creek” friends at the Granada Grill, a Mexican restaurant just a couple minutes from the house (thanks Donald Baggett for taking care of the details).

Family highlights of this reporting period were a day visit by Karyn, Ridge, and Aker (beach time at Balboa and pickleball) and a dance recital in Memphis for Sutton and Harper (we did enjoy a short visit beforehand with Jenny, Linc, and Sutton).

Being unable to play pickleball and golf because of this freak groin strain/tear has provided time to piddle around the house, doing limited yard and garden work, and spending some time in the shop, mainly organizing—or reorganizing—and constantly blowing away dust and sawdust. I did build a prototype patio side table, using mostly scrap lumber, and it turned out better than expected.

The pollinator garden continues to attract pollinators, and we continue planting pollinating flowers.

Two years ago Kay and I embarked on a quest to build a pollinator garden (actually intend an evergreen bed) to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Thus, this is the third growing season for the garden. It has been a huge success as its first season attracted 44 species of butterflies. The season of 2025 yielded a cursory count of 27 species, though we were traveling most of June and half of July. Numbers for the 2026 season thus far (as of May 31, 2026) include 13 species.

Of course, there’s always time for photo shoots in the garden and lake side. On Saturday, May 16, only an American Lady butterfly and Calico Pennant dragonfly were photographed.

And then on Tuesday, May 19, I hit the photo jackpot with a visit to nearby Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area. A number of beautiful wildflower blooms were photographed.

Also, a few butterflies were flitting about, including male Diana Fritillaries, a target species for the visit.

And a solitary dragonfly landed long enough to be photographed.

On Wednesday, May 20, a Great Spangled Fritillary and Northern Brokendash honored us with their presence.

Not to be outdone, a Calico Pennant and Eastern Amberwing, respectively, landed for photographs.

On the following day, a Monarch caterpillar was spotted munching on a butterfly weed leaf—it was our first Monarch caterpillar. And then, a Gray Hairstreak and an adult Monarch showed up.

And then to end the month of photos, a Northern Cloudywing and a male Diana Fritillary were observed nectaring on Tuesday, May 26.

Friday through Friday, May 1-15, 2026—Nine Photo Shoots

Posted on May 15, 2026 by dunngone

Kay continues her pursuit of pickleball and golf several times a week in addition to all the social/club activities in which she participates. On the other hand, and not to be a Debbie “downer”, I was overcome by an upper respiratory virus that continues to hang on, some several weeks later, in addition to sports injuries still ongoing,

We continue to add flowering plants to the various beds, and work sporadically to maintain the yard. Otherwise, nothing big or unusual happened this reporting period. Consequently, this blog entry will feature photographs from nine days of shooting, mostly in our backyard.

Photographs were made on May 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 15. New wildflowers are blooming, and first of season butterflies and dragonflies and damselflies are being observed. One of the highlights of this period’s photography was capturing the blooming of Indian Pink, on of my favorites, on May 1.

Another was the appearance of an Orange Bluet damselfly on May 3. This one was a “lifer”, meaning it was the first one of the species I had ever seen.

Next among the highlights was the annual arrival of Baltimore Orioles. The few that came by stayed almost a week. The photo below was made on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Thus far this year, more snakes than usual have appeared in the lake adjacent to the back yard. All of these are water snakes.

Several beautiful wildflower blooms were photographed, mostly at Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area on May 1.

In addition to the Baltimore Oriole and Green Heron, a male Northern Cardinal and his mate have been hanging around lately.

More and more butterflies are showing up as well, both at Middle Fork Barrens NA and our backyard.

And dragonflies and damselflies are always a welcome sight.

Thursday through Thursday, April 16-30, 2026—Finally Rain

Posted on April 30, 2026 by dunngone

Another couple of weeks of beautiful weather occurred during this reporting period, including a couple of days of slow, penetrating rain. Otherwise, great temperatures and mostly blue skies surrounded the area. The much needed rain did wonders for our plants, and for the golf courses in Hot Springs Village. However, we are still in a serious drought with no significant relief in sight.

Kay continues playing pickleball and golf at least a few days each week, and I have only ventured out when persistent injuries heal enough to allow. Interestingly, while watching our grandson play basketball on Sunday, April 25, 2026, I reached out to catch a player diving the sidelines for a basketball, and pulled a groin muscle. Though it didn’t pop, a jolt of fire was felt. And then as the month drew to an end, an upper respiratory cold began; 7-10 days of feeling miserable. Consequently, my activities were limited to taking a few photographs as both pickleball and golf were not in the “picture”; sorry for the pun.

Around the property, only a Western Fence Lizard (aka Blue-bellied Lizard) was photographed.

The highlight of the period, however, was a brief trip to Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area, my first of the year. And was it worth it—butterflies, dragonflies, and wildflower blooms. My target wildflowers were the Fire Pink, the Blue Star, and the Shooting Star, and I was not disappointed.

Another of my favorites was the Carolina Larkspur.

There were many other wildflowers in bloom.(Remember you can click on the image, or click twice, to enlarge it for a much better view.)

Not to be overlooked, a few dragonflies landed long enough to be photographed.

Several butterflies were flitting about, mostly Little Wood-satyrs. Others seen were a Clouded Sulphur, Variegated Fritillary, Red-banded Hairstreak, and Common Buckeye.

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