In what has now become a routine after watering plants in the back, we checked the Butterfly Weeds for Monarch caterpillars. Several large (5+ cm) cats were observed, and there was a plethora of small (1-2 cm) ones beginning to nibble on the leaves. This is a real thrill for us!

Though it was early this morning when a butterfly check was made, only one Dun Skipper was observed.

Kay, Pam, and Martha enjoyed the new Hot Springs Village outdoor swimming pool this afternoon, and I played golf with the Monday group, doing well the front nine but collapsing on the back nine!

After catching up on news and social media Sunday morning, we monitored the Monarch caterpillars in the back “yard” (yard is in parentheses because the back has no grass, just gravel and a few beds planted with pollinators, crepe myrtles, azaleas, trees, etc.). The caterpillar count was 8, two more than yesterday. 

Kay went to church this morning (Sunday), first time since early March, meeting friends Pam and Sue, and all celebrated communion. I played hooky—concerned that it is still not 100% safe—germaphobe that I am! I’m sure they asked for forgiveness knowing that gambling was on their agenda later in the day. Following church the ladies had lunch at Oaklawn Casino, followed by a couple of hours at the slots. It was a good day for Kay and Pam, bringing home more than they took.

I drove to Middle Fork Barrens, but only walked a few minutes before driving to Magellan Beaver Dam Trail in Hot Springs Village. It proved to be a good decision as there were a few butterflies and dragonflies willing to pose for photos. Also, one snake slithered along the open water.

Jenny and her babies were available for FaceTiming, and it was good getting to see them all. Harper is such a grownup to be only 8 years old. She helps her mother with Linc, and talks way too grown up. Linc is a “pretty” boy, and pretty demanding. Jenny says Sutton, not quite a week old, is a good baby, sleeping almost all day (of course, not sleeping all night). The last photo collage shows how much Sutton and Linc—when he was a newborn— look alike. We are blessed to have such a wonderful blended family, and we love them all profoundly.

A stroll in the backyard Friday morning resulted in only 3 butterflies observed: a Hackberry Emperor (which would not pose), a Southern Broken-dash, and an Eastern Comma—a very slow day in the neighborhood. I’m guessing all the rain the last few days has put them down, and it will take a day or two for them to begin nectaring again. 

Kay and I made a trip to the motorhome (in storage) to take some things: clean linens, ladder, old toaster/oven, pizza stone, propane cylinders, etc. After backing out of the storage garage, we loaded the items, and I checked the 5-year old “house” batteries; the hydrometer showed them to be in great shape! There are so many maintenance items needing attention: rebuild bed platform, clean and reorganize storage, repair/rebuild bed frame, make shock corded anchors for awning/sun screen, install Extend a Stay Propane adaptor, make insulated foil shade for front windshield, loosen TV and connect HDMI cables, and install a gutter spout with extension on front passenger side. Maybe it’s time to go camping and do maintenance.

After watering Saturday morning, a walk around the “yard” revealed a few more butterflies than yesterday, though most were Skippers nectaring on the Lantana shrubs. Interestingly, an American Anole was snacking on a moth among the Lantana blooms.

A quick look at the Butterfly Weeds revealed Monarch catepillars munching away on the leaves. We counted 6, total. These are firsts for us in Hot Springs Village, though we had a lot of catepillars one year in Norfork, AR. We have been planting pollinating plants for 5 years now in hopes of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, and maybe it’s finally paying dividends.

As the morning started cool with a slight breeze, we opted to play golf mid-afternoon. It turned into a rather warm and quite muggy outing; I walked the 9-holes (4-miles), and was pretty wet from perspiration. Neither of us played our best.

Karyn, Ridge, and Aker went home just before noon on Sunday, and the house was once again absence the joyful sounds of grandkids. Kay and I ate a late breakfast, and lounged the rest of the day. We played bridge with Jim and Jackie in the evening, our first bridge game with them since early March! Jackie won, of course.

Monday was a very special day as Sutton, our third granddaughter was born. Jenny now has her hands full with an 8 year old, a 1+ year old, and a newborn, and she’ll be 40 this year.

That makes a total of 7 grandkids: Kaden, Jordan, Ridge, Harper, Aker, Linc, and Sutton. Never would I have imagined having 7 grandkids! 

Ridge and Aker began their 2nd week of school in 3rd grade and kindergarten, respectively. Harper also had her first day of 3rd grade, albeit virtually. It’s a different world in which we live!

Tuesday, September 2, was also a special day. Kay and I celebrated 20 years of marriage, and the vast majority of them have been great, though there were a couple of years when my untreated depression could have been a problem had it not been for her love, care, and patience. We have traveled the world and a good portion of the US, suffered through two of our children divorcing, all of our children (three) getting married, and the birth of five grandkids. We celebrated at Luna Bella restaurant in Hot Springs with Jim, Jackie, and Pam.

Once again, we were besought with rain the last few days, lots of it. And combined with the heat, the humidity was almost unbearable, at least for me. Any outside activities resulted in soaking wet clothes. Photo making was out of the question, particularly butterflies, wildflowers, and dragonflies. Finally on Thursday, a semi-dry day was forecast, and I played golf with my Thursday group, shooting a good game at Balboa Golf Course in the Village. We are so ready for cooler temps and lower humidity.