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.