Monday, 5 August 2024

BBQ, butterflies, bugs

😷COVID isn't done. Thankfully, we are done with it. We've both tested negative. That said, we've still tired, easily fatigued, and pacing ourselves. I'm still coughing. I tried reducing my meds yesterday, but that didn't go well. I was up coughing at 2 a.m. 

It's 7 a.m., and I have garbage out.  That is a good start.  My garden is a mess, but looks good from a distance.  

Since we can't have a bidet, due to wiring and plumbing issues, I created my own solution! This continues to be a problem for me. I don't know if it is the meds or stress. Thankfully, I can do laundry without coughing.


My goal was to exchange the BBQ canister on Sunday.  I did it, wearing my N95 mask. They sorta gave me a side eye, but I was coughing. They have no idea! 
Notice the cherry tomato some↑ one stole?!

🎥 We watched STHL Blackout (2024) for our evening entertainment. A bit slow to start, but once we got into it I liked it. A good plot, with comedic bits. It says 'comedy' but it uses comedic relief to ease the tension. It's dubbed, as it is in Swedish. It's pretty good dubbing, though.

Here we are, in the country, with cherry tomatoes that need watering, usually twice a day. It is wonderful seeing actual fruit.

Dense Blazing Star – non-mental note!

My hops vine didn't do well this year. Neither did my fuchsia. I think I should have watered the Hops during a dry spell. Non-mental note for next year. 

The first photo↓ is yesterday, the next from another year. Maybe I should have given it more sun even thought the tag says sun/shade. 

The hummingbirds love them. Thankfully, we've other wildflowers and garden flowers that they love.


I sat out back and read my book. Then – got distracted by critters. The definite-marked tussock moth caterpillar finally showed me the full stages. I didn't know what was making these cocoons. Now I know!


The adult. (I think!)

The Eastern Comma isn't as prolific this year. I've only seen one chrysalis. We had 8 last year in the eaves, at least. 



I wrote this a couple of days ago. As I was sitting out back, an Eastern Question Mark flew up from below the deck and landed on the bench. It had to have been newly eclosed, since it sat there for a good 15 minutes. 


There was a pop-up rain! I had to pull back under the eaves for shelter. It cleared, and I went back to my book.


9 comments:

Barbara Rogers said...

Wonderful to see the new moth. Eclosed is a great term. Hope the cough improves, and I remember little peri-pitchers for cleansing in the hospital after my first childbirth. I've taken advantage of knowing about that many times in my life. Have a great week!

Anvilcloud said...

Congrats on the -ve tests. As for flowerpots, Sue pretty well waters on a daily basis. I don’t know if she has to do this, but she does.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Man, that is hanging in there! I hope you are back to 100% soon. Love all those caterpillars!

Divers and Sundry said...

I'm glad you're testing negative. Recovery can take a while 🫂

I've looked at bidets online, but installation looks complicated.

Your garden looks good to me. It's been a hard year for some of my plants. Some of them will certainly not make it. We still haven't had rain...

Tom said...

...your tomatoes look great, I'm still waiting. Be well.

Elephant's Child said...

Loving your garden and your moffs. Hooray for testing negative.

DeniseinVA said...

Good news on the Covid but sorry you are still tired and fatigued. It does take quite a time to get back the stamina. I wish you good sleeps and the return to 100 percent energy very soon. I may be a bit behind but I haven’t heard of STHL Blackout. I’ll do a search. Your cherry tomatoes look so good, as does everything growing in your garden. I would love to get a fuchsia, just to see the hummingbirds, but they are a beautiful flower and I love their combination of colors. Always fun to see all your critters and it must be lovely having a porch where you can sit and watch the rain. I would find that so peaceful. Continued healing to you, still sending those good energy vibes your way.

Jeanie said...

Great nature photos. I'm sorry the cough is hanging on but at least finally being negative is a positive thing! YAY!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Hope you are over Covid soon...yes I guess that would be a bidet...hope the water is warm:) Getting older is not for sissies:)