The Journey Continues!

We can't even begin to explain where we've been these last 9 months. Steve was teaching this past Fall at HBS. Karen was at art school in Sarasota, spending weekends with Steve on Useppa island in southwest Florida. Beyond wonderful friends, it's sailing for Steve and butterfly gardening for Karen.  

The winged guests were numerous. As we prepared to depart Useppa for a month of boating on Blue Chip, it is the black Polydamas  butterflies who dominate. 

 

Dozens can be found flitting around the garden  mating and laying their eggs.

 

Their caterpillars of all sizes munch away on our Dutcman's Pipevines, with its plate sized purple with yellow splotched flowers.  

 

This week we had the added delight of hundreds of hummingbirds descending on Useppa, particularly in the butterfly garden where there is an abundance of nectar plants. They've  been playing tag with the black Polydamas butterflies. The green feathered dimunituve birds easily blend in with their favorite firebush. 

 

The exceptional number of  enchanting hummingbirds is the result of a "fallout" having been buffeted by recent storms while on their migratory pathway North for the summer. We welcome them with plants they absolutely need to feed on in order to finish their journey - as we also prepare for our journey North.