This has been one heck of a summer. First it's cool and drizzly, then a heat wave, then an extended period of extreme humidity, daily rain, but normal temperatures. Now we have forecasts of sun and warmth but reality of thunderstorms.
Not only did we not plant a garden this year, but I haven't been keeping up with the lawnmowing or with any other yardwork. The constant wetness made it impossible to work in the yard. It was very easy to persuade myself that it was too wet to mow, so I didn't. Now the yard is reverting to meadow, with toads and snakes and mushrooms and wildflowers (aka weeds). I plan to mow tonight, but the sky looks a little threatening, so maybe I won't have to...
So this summer we live for butterflies! We try to get out both Saturdays and Sundays to do our bit for the Vermont Butterfly Survey. Most days the sun is out enough for us to get a little time in the field. We have three assigned areas nearby, but we've also gone elsewhere. Mostly the more distant survey sites have been in the Northeast Kingdom, where there are many areas that weren't surveyed in 2002. It's been a great way to see Vermont, mostly from dirt roads among the forests and farms.
Our obsession with butterflies has its downside, though. We will go into severe withdrawal when the butterflies disappear for the winter. By us they will be gone by mid-September(!). Hard to believe that the leaves will turn color and fall in only a month and a half. We'll have to try to ratchet up our enthusiasm for mushrooms, one of autumn's outdoor pleasures.
May you have butterflies and good weather!
Peace,
Terry
8/18/03