Just some feathers...

On a Blue Jay.  You can see some minor wear on this jay's flight feathers, but the colors are still vibrantly beautiful.  The group of jays who are with us this summer are very human-tolerant and this one was perched only about 5 feet from where I was sitting on the deck this morning.  Couldn't pass up the shot.  

We are having some much-need rain today, thanks to Tropical Storm Fay.  Our local forecast is for 2-4 inches today - we'll take it.  

Before the rains started, a tour of my milkweed patch turned up 4 tiny 1st and 2nd instar monarch caterpillars!  Very happy.  They've been re-homed into a butterfly enclosure on the deck with a nice supply of fresh milkweed.  Let the games begin...

I have spent a little too much online reading news today - I feel a need to know what is going on, but the news is often very disturbing.  It is hard not to feel horror as I see what is happening in so many parts of this country, and in the world.  I don't know how it is that so many people can have such a disregard for basic safety measures.  This virus isn't going away and it is going to be some time before a vaccine is available for all.  That means that the only weapons we have to fight it are social distancing, hand washing and (yes) masks.  

This afternoon Hubs went to a local store to see about repairs on his bike.  None of the staff had masks on.  It was so disappointing.  And that store owner is losing our business.  We won't patronize businesses that don't adhere to the state-mandated mask rules.  It is exactly this kind of disregard for public health that will keep us in this crappy situation for God knows how long.  Yes, I'm angry.  

(Okay, taking a few deep, calming breaths now - cleansing...)

Please take measures to keep yourself and those around you safe and, as always, be kind and loving!

xo
Debbi