Back home almost two weeks from a previous trip, we’re somewhat back in a rhythm today with church, Sunday school, and lunch at Chen’s Chinese buffet. Monday, however, we were back at high speed with high dose flu shots at Walgreen’s, and a much coveted visit from George Laux, our brother-in-law from Richmond, Virginia. Regrettably, Kay had to attend a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, but her attendance was brief. Wayne came by to say hello, as did John and Sandy. George and I visited until 1:30 AM, catching up on family activities. After a big breakfast, George departed, and Kay followed with her monthly visit to central Arkansas.

Taking advantage of the quiet and warm weather, several butterflies were stopping by on their migration south. The following photographs are of a Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele), Sachem (Atalopedes campestris), Eastern Tailed-Blue (Everes comyntas), Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma), female Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), and a little yellow and black butterfly I need help in identifying. Interestingly, with respect to the Pipevine Swallowtail, females have a row of yellowish-white dots on the topside of their open wings, males do not. When a Pipevine Swallowtail folds its wings while it’s resting, you will see a curved row of 7 bright orange dots underneath its wings.  A very similar butterfly, the Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) has two rows of orange spots on the underside of the hind wings.

Wednesday was quiet, with nothing to account for except chasin’ butterflies. Kay returned home Thursday morning, and together we packed some items in the motorhome including a table to be used outside and folding/collapsible chairs. We also gathered other items for our winter trip to Texas, tidying up the little garage and lower front porch in the process. We spent Friday morning tidying up the patio, and had a great visit with Gary and Betty Wallis over lunch. Gary and Betty are a well-traveled couple, and we have many things in common. She and Kay worked together some time ago. We drove to near my hometown for a great visit with family, and an all school reunion—my classmates look so old! What has happened to them?

We wrapped up the blog week on Saturday, returning home in a much needed rain, and doing a lot of nothing the rest of the day.