With an early start, Kay had a full day on Wednesday. She left the house shortly after 6AM to be the “deck” starter for the Lady Duffers Golf League. And then, she played golf to wrap up the morning, followed by a board meeting in the early afternoon. With only a haircut on my schedule, I enjoyed the day at home working on photos, etc., and taking a few photos in the back near the lake. 

Shortly after lunch, I drove the short distance to Middle Fork Barrens Natural Area to photograph Diana Fritillary butterflies.

A few other species of butterflies were nectaring.

Even a dragonfly, a few other bugs, and a flower or two were there.

We both played pickleball with the Hot Springs Village Paddle Wheelers Wednesday evening, followed by dinner at the local Mexican restaurant—definitely a full day. And, my back and legs were really hurting (lumbar spinal stenosis rates it ugly head about once a week).

We swapped busy days on Thursday as I played pickleball followed by 18 holes of golf. I had a good front nine, but the heat and humidity took over on hole #8, and I couldn’t keep hands and golf gloves dry from #8 through #16—decent score on the front, high score on the back! The cramp-like pain residing in my butt, thighs, and calves continue to hurt, with no relief in sight. Kay enjoyed a great The Book Club meeting in central Arkansas, their second meeting in 15 months.

She and I left the house relatively early Friday morning for medical lab work prior to seeing our new doctor next week. She then attended a memorial service for a PEO sister. Three friends of ours have died this past week; one of the negatives of growing older is the frequency of friends and relatives dying. The highlight of the week was dinner with Karyn and her family at Lone Star Steak House in Bryant, a father’s day gift, and one of my favorites. Both grands presented handmade cards, the beer was cold, the food good, and the company extraordinary. Thank you, Karyn, Matt, Ridge, and Aker; I am EXTRA blessed. And, the Alleve began working on the back and leg pain.

Having had a busy week, we took it easy on Saturday, though Kay did go to the Farmers’ Market in Hot Springs. We joined Ron and Bev Graham at Village Bible Church for a gospel concert by the Guardians. A trio of men from the church opened for them, the worship pastor, associate pastor, and a member who had sung for the Melody Boys. They were awesome!

Summer has arrived in Arkansas, albeit earlier than the official date for the start of the summer season. Daytime temperatures have been in the mid-90s, and humidity has been stifling—several changes of clothes a day when we participate in outdoor activities!

Saturday was a rest day for us, as we stayed around the house enjoying the AC. Kay received an email noting that one of the women participating in a board meeting last Tuesday (June 8) tested positive for COVID19; Kay also participated in that board meeting and actually sat next to the lady. Now, we’re on pins and needles despite us both having had COVID vaccinations.

With the potentially devastating news yesterday about Kay’s exposure to COVID, we isolated Sunday at home. There were a few dragonflies out and about at our place; I took the opportunity to make some photos.

On Monday, Kay bit the bullet and spent $100 for a quick, but reliable, COVID test at our local pharmacy; she tested NEGATIVE! What a relief as we both had full schedules. Kay took the “old” Honda in for a brake job, and I participated in a Board of Trustees meeting for church, followed by an afternoon of golf. Despite the heat, it was good being back to leading a normal life.

Tuesday was “manicure” day for Kay while I played golf with our church men’s scramble. It was hot.

The COHUMC UMW Garage and Bake Sale began in earnest Friday morning, and Kay worked the sale most of the day. Attendance and sales were quite heavy. 

Despite the oppressive weather, Dan and I traveled to Cherokee Prairie Natural Area near Charleston, Arkansas, in search of new butterflies. We were disappointed as the butterflies were far and few between, though we did see a few Spicebush Swallowtails, an Orange Sulphur, an American Lady or two, and a Pearl Crescent.

Dragonflies were in abundance, though all observed were the same species.

Also, a Dickscissel posed long enough for a photo. By then we were both soaking wet from perspiration.

Even a few wildflowers were blooming.

From Cherokee Prairie Natural Area, we traveled a couple of miles to Flanagan Prairie Natural Area. Again, we were disappointed with only a few butterflies spotted. In fact this tiny Gray Hairstreak is the only butterfly photo I made. As with Cherokee Prairie, a number of dragonflies were spotted.

After stopping at Subway in Paris, Arkansas, for a brief lunch, we traveled to Mount Magazine State Park in hopes of sighting butterflies, though we were not optimistic; were we ever wrong. Immediately upon entering the North Rim Trail, Silver-spotted Skippers were spotted nectaring on the blooms of the Self Heal Herb (Prunella Vulgaris).

Great Spangled Fritillaries were observed as were an occasional American Lady.

Numerous skippers were seen.

And, my first Creole Pearly-eye was recorded. By the way, the temperature at Mount Magazine state Park was 81°, 12° cooler than in the prairies! 

Kay has been busy all week preparing food for the annual Christ of the Hills UMC (COHUMC) United Methodist Women’s (UMW) Garage and Bake Sale. This sale is a big deal—the largest garage sale in the Village—and raises a lot of money for charity. Thursday was the last day preparing the goods for the sale, which begins tomorrow.

Also on Thursday, with no rain in the forecast, Dan Olson and I went to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge near Dardanelle, Arkansas, in hopes of finding a few butterflies. We were very disappointed in the number of species present, but there were large numbers of Pearl Crescents, Hackberry Emperors, and American Snouts. We did see three or four Pipevine Swallowtails, one Tawny Emperor, and one Question Mark.

There were large numbers of dragonflies chasing meals, and an occasional one posed for photographs. It was hot and humid, with a heat index of 110°.

Even a damselfly showed up. It’s becoming one of my favorite items to photograph.

The last few weeks of weather has been somewhat disheartening—mostly rain with occasional breaks. However, Monday and Tuesday weather consisted of steady rain. Consequently, most of our time was spent indoors at home, except for Kay’s weekly HSV Duffers board meeting. She did have a sleep study on Tuesday night to test for APNEA. She is a heavy snorer, but I have not noticed any breathing stoppage—we’ll see what the test shows.

I ordered a new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens last week to make full use of the Sony a7riii camera. It will be used in conjunction with a Sony FE 1.4x teleconverter mostly for photographing butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and flowers. It arrived Monday morning after a three day delay. Modern lenses are now small computers and can be programmed extensively. Despite the threat of rain and wanting to try the lens, Dan Olson and I drove to the nearby nature area (temperature and 93% humidity combined to generate heat index of 101°) on Wednesday. Here are the first shots made with the lens (click on each photo to enlarge).

Granddaughter Aker followed cousin Harper with a dance recital in Little Rock on Sunday, and Kay (aka KK) attended. This was Aker’s first recital, and she did quite well—though she’s growing up entirely too fast! (Photos courtesy of Karyn via FaceBook)

Otherwise, not much else is happening. Rain continues almost daily, and nothing seems to be drying. Middle Fork Barrens Nature Area is still providing lots of butterflies, include the male Diana Fritillary, but no females yet.

Also, a few more dragonflies and damselflies are emerging, including this rare (at least to me) Gray Petaltail (center photo).

And, wildflowers are blooming in abundance, including one of my favorites, Larkspur.

Thursday was all about pickleball as we both were able to play, though the threat of rain hovered constantly over the courts.

Also on Thursday, granddaughter Harper had a dance recital in Memphis. Harper is REALLY good. That darned I-40 Hernando Desoto bridge between Memphis and West Memphis has sure hampered our being able to see Jenny and family in Memphis, and prevented us from attending important events such as the recital.

Kay was able to get in a golf game on Friday, shooting a pretty good score at Cortez Golf Course. Anxiously awaiting the appearance of the rare and sometimes elusive female Dianna Fritillary, I was rewarded on Friday with many opportunities to make pictures, even all the Dianna Fritillaries were male. It seems as if the butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies have suddenly emerged!

Male Diana Fritillary

American Snout

Many other butterflies

Even a dragonfly and damselfly appeared.

Even an occasional wildflowers can be found without a nectaring insect. And Arkansas has blooming cacti.

Sorry, but not too much to report in this entry. We continue to be beset by rain, almost daily, making outdoor activities iffy at best. Will it ever quit?

Kay attended her usual social functions and board meetings, and had a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. She also managed to get in a golf game on Wednesday and in between rains, I was able to make photographs of butterflies, including the rare and elusive Diana Fritillary, birds, a dragonfly, and wildflowers on Wednesday. 

Male Diana Fritillary

This Eastern Phoebe has been eating dragonflies in our back “yard”

My first-ever photograph of an Indigo Bunting

This Calico Pennant dragonfly posed at length

Wildflowers are still blooming, with different species showing their beauty each visit.

With more and more COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in Arkansas, it seems we’re back to normal (well, almost).

For the first time in over a year, we were able to entertain one of the kids and her family for the weekend in an almost regular fashion. To say it was a busy few days would be a gross understatement. Immediately after arriving Saturday morning, Karyn and Ridge headed to the crawl space to retrieve fishing rods, reels, and tackle. Regrettably, I had let the supply of tackle dwindle to almost nothing; Karyn and Matt drove to the nearest bait shop and purchased hooks, sinkers, floats, worms, and minnows. Of course, Aker had to be in on the fun and joined brother, mom, and dad on a crowded dock. Wind was heavy, blowing directly into their faces, resulting in slow fishing, though a few small bream and bass fell victim to the live bait. 

Though fishing was the first event, it certainly was not the last. Next was kayaking on the lake. Ridge brought a new kayak, and took to kayaking like a duck to water; he was a natural, and maneuvered the kayak like a pro despite the windy conditions. His mom, sister, and dad joined in the family fun.

After kayaking, it was beach time. They hustled off to Balboa beach and discovered friends were there and had rented a covered pavilion. The kids played in the water until late afternoon. For dinner dry Memphis-style smoked ribs with corn on the cob, salad, potato salad, etc. were served, and then bedtime came early.

Sunday morning saw us gathered at Diamante County Club for their really good brunch buffet.

Finally open after having to close for the pandemic, the buffet has always been one of our favorites. Seemingly, the food was better Sunday than we previously remembered. After brunch, it was back to the dock for fishing, and then Ridge had to kayak again, being even more comfortable behind the double-bladed paddle. Kayaking was followed by pool time at Diamante Country Club where granddaughter Aker met new friends and had a super time. 

From the pool, it was back to the house driveway to pickup sandwiches, chips, etc. before heading to Balboa beach. There, they joined friends, returning just before dark. Kay fed the grandkids, and parents met their friends for a night out. Kay, the grandkids, and I were in bed by 9 PM. 

“Sleeping in” was the order of the morning on Monday, Memorial Day. After a quick breakfast, Karyn and her family returned home for a busy afternoon; I slept and Kay went shopping.

Life for us has pretty much returned to normal, whatever that is. Kay continues with board duties for PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) and the Lady Duffers (HSV womens’ 9-hole social golf league) while playing with another golf group, and playing pickleball a couple times a week. I played golf two times this week as well as playing pickleball a couple of times.

Butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies are slowing appearing at our place in Hot Springs Village, later than in the past few years. Sunday, after church, three different species of butterflies were observed at our place. With camera, lens, and tripod in hand, a Question Mark and a Hackberry Emperor were photographed at the base of the same tree, and a Red-spotted Purple was photographed nectaring on a freshly hung basket of Vinca.

I was so desperate to make pictures that I “captured” this Carolina Chickadee waiting on a space at the feeder.

No new butterflies were spotted at our place on Monday, but a couple of dragonflies and a damselfly were; and, of course, they were photographed.

This unusual bloom was spotted on an aquatic plant adjacent to our dock.

I got in a round of golf on Tuesday with our church group, but pickleball was canceled because of the threat of rain.

Kay got in a golf game Wednesday morning before the rain, but our HSV Paddlewheelers pickleball game was canceled. Since pickleball was canceled, I drove the few minutes to Middle Fork Barrens Nature Area and found an array of new wildflowers.

Indian Pink finally began blooming (one of my favorites).

A dragonfly and a damselfly were also seen.

Butterflies, mostly skippers, were plentiful as the sun warmed the area, and I was rewarded with these photos.

More rain and a mix-up by the HSV Pickleball Club thwarted my playing pickleball this week though Kay did get in a few games on Thursday evening. Additionally, she played a round of golf on Friday afternoon before dinner at Diamante with the Hartmans.