Butterfli Kisses RGV- Ariel King

Oh look what else I found in my garden! This beautiful silk moth was the cherry on top! Wow what a beautie! I’ll have to paint him/her! I’m wondering if this is the kind that comes out of the silk cocoons on my peach trees! Anyone know?

Well hello Beautiful! A pair of Hooded Orioles have been gorging themselves (as has the whole neighborhood of animals) on my mulberries. I think they may weave one of their basket weave nests nearby. Yes that means purple p**p everywhere but I can share! It’s only for a little bit & I too reap the rewards! Green jays, painted buntings, cardinals, kiskadees, woodpeckers, warblers, thrush, thrashers, kingbirds, waxwings….oh my!

So last night was a bonanza of bloom with the Queen of the Night Cactus. They always bloom when the sense moisture coming our way. They not only smell heavenly, but also create a surreal environment of beauty. Hundreds of these were blooming all over the property. The pale pink outer petals really make them fun. If anyone wants cuttings please let me know. I’m a strong believer in planting native in your garden because it creates a fun environment. If you want to see birds and butterflies, you have to give them food and habitat. That little bit of rain we had a week ago really made things come to life. In these photos, I show the flowers early this morning, last night on my walk walk with a dog and before when the cactus still just had their buds growing. I read online there are people in Asia that eat these blossoms tempura style or grilled like asparagus. Sounds interesting. I’ll let you know if I give that a try!

Every winter to spring humpback whales can be see close to shore. Moms give birth in the south and head back to north to Alaska when their young have learned life’s lessons essential to travel. Safe travels momma/baby whales!