In Memory of Bentley

Bentley died in February. I think of him often, especially when I explore our yard. When he was healthy, Bentley would go outside with me and scout out all "points of interest".

I his honor, today I went on a tour of our yard and took photos of the critters Bentley might have discovered.

He loved to hunt lizards. . .



. . and he spent lots of time on the back porch checking out the visitors to our pond.


I found this beautiful black snake . . .



when I walked over to look at this tree because I saw insects flying around it.



Upon closer examination, I discovered it is a honey tree - look at the bees!



And finally, I convinced this butterfly to stop long enough for a photo op.



I thought that was a fitting end to today's exploration since it is Easter Day and the butterfly is a symbol of rebirth and resurrection.

Although it seems far too short, I'm grateful for the time Bentley was in my life and the pleasant memories I have of him.

Goodbye, little buddy. You are missed and fondly remembered.

What's in your yard?

Last weekend Naturewise, a local native plant nursery, held an "open house".

A walk through the rows of plants sent me on flashbacks as I recognized flowers I'd gathered while playing in the yard as a child.



It was also nice to be able to verify that the plants I've let move into my flower beds are indeed natives: beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), and Spanish Needles (Bidens alba), among others.



Today I planted the natives I "adopted" last week. I like my "Florida Native Plant Garden".



As I finished planting, a butterfly fluttered past as if thanking me for providing more food and shelter. Glad to oblige, neighbor.

The hitchhiker

As I turned off the main road on to my street a flash of color caught my eye. It was a butterfly making its way across the street. I carefully moved to the right side of my lane to avoid hitting it.


I didn't hit it, but . . . because my window was open, I suddenly had a butterfly hitchhiker! It rode down the street with me.

As I turned in to my driveway, my newly acquired passenger gently climbed up my arm and onto my shoulder. When I opened my car door, the butterfly startled and flew into the back seat. I caught it and put it on one of the flowers in my garden so it could rest from its adventure.



When I checked later, my new friend had resumed its travels, leaving me with a lovely memory.