sputniks and gardening

I wrote the other day about: Critters: cats of different stripes. There were 14 monarch caterpillars in site that day! 

I popped this leaf into the aquarium. I don't know what the eggs are, they were on a rose bush, and I was afraid I would knock them off. 

The question mark caterpillars have gone into their chrysalis. Now we wait.



A pretty little bug, perhaps Dicera tenebrosa! It looks copper. It was crawling on the sunflower plant, then got mad at me (privacy!) and fell to the sidewalk.


Update on the monarchs: another has gone into chrysalis. After a bit more research, I realized that when they morph, they do that within the outer striped shell. Then, as they turn green and expand their size within the shell, the outer casing/shell falls off. You're never too old to learn!



In other news...
We cottaged in Bala for 50 years or so, and we all have fond memories of the sputnik buttonbush on the lakefront. Here is was, to the right of the white lawnchair.

My brother and my dad moving dad's sailboat, preparing to put the docks in. Again, the buttonbush on the left.

The new homeowners have put sod in, and I presume the buttonbushes are gone.


Caitlin and I liked the sputnik plants we used to have at the cottage, where we lived in Muskoka. We both bought one. Now, mine was up on a rock garden in the front and it wasn't doing well. Hers is amazing. Hers is beside her rain barrel, and got the overflow water. She took a photo for me to compare the size. It's her 40th birthday Friday. I don't know where the time goes!


You can see why it has this name.

 

Mine was facing serious issues. I did some gardening Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and moved the bush. Here is my piddly little bush! You can see the dead, brown branches. Cross your fingers for me!


Well, I paid for gardening in flip flops. Again.

I shall donate the flip flops to Isabelle, who quite likes them! She is 8, now, and she is growing.

Between this, and my worsening cataracts, it's getting frustrating! JB has been amazing.

Safe biking - 'tis the season

In a battle between a bike (or motorcycle) and a car or truck, we know who loses. Sadly, a 60-year-old man died on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2015, turning left across the highway, when a car tried to pass.
We did a 100km drive, and found two groups. Which one is safer, do you think? The law says, ride as close to the curb as possible. This clump of 4, on a highway where 80km/hr. is the law, but people are doing 120, and passing us.

The key is to be predictable, while following the rules of the road. Unfortunately, there are many on two or four wheels who are not predictable and risk all of our lives.

Sunday, June 28th, a hit and run:

Cyclist dies after struck by vehicle on Leitrim Road

Shortly after 6 a.m., Ottawa paramedics responded to a call for a cyclist struck by a vehicle on Leitrim Road, west of Albion Road, south of the airport.

Dangerous out there on the roads

In Muskoka, during Safe Motorcycling Week,...

Two motorcycle deaths Sunday as Motorcycle Awareness Week starts

(May 4 10am BRACEBRIDGE) Two men died in separate motorcycle accidents yesterday... 

Bracebridge woman dies in motorcycle accident near Bracebridge, the second death this week

(May 7 11am BRACEBRIDGE) Another motorcycle rider has been killed on Highway 118 east of Bracebridge...

Whether you are driving or riding, you must be vigilant. I find it so frightening on the roads, when the road warriors get out there. We can follow the rules of the road, but if others do not, they risk life and limb. There are too many ghost bikes around.

This sad memorial haunts Ottawa

There are issues on the paths, as well. I know many who are afraid of cyclists 'hellbent on election,' going far above safe and legal speeds. Quiet walkers have to jump out of the way. Dog walkers are another issue!

Toronto trail Etiquette is sadly lacking

Egan: Path rage – NCC should create bike-only lanes in new river park

COLUMNISTS MAY 6

The National Capital Commission is looking for ideas to create a linear park along the Ottawa River. Here's one: kick the bikes off the bike path. Yes, I absolutely mean that.

I'm not sure how safe it is, riding a motorcycle in flip flops, but there he was, passing us on a double line! The 2nd photo was on a Port Carling road (curvy and winding roads), on a hill.

Ontario Highway Traffic Act: Bicycles

 Cyclists must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.

 Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the right curb of the roadway, except when: •travelling at the normal speed of traffic
•avoiding hazardous conditions
•the roadway is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to travel safely side-by-side
•riding alongside another cyclist in a manner that does not impede the normal movement of traffic 
•preparing to make a left turn, passing another vehicle, or using a one-way street (in which case riding alongside the left curb is permitted).

Here are the Ontario rules of the road

Toronto Cycling

What is biking like in your part of the world?