On Saturday, Joanne and I took a trip to three Lakeshore sights to view the remaining ice buildup along the western shores of Lake Michigan. We stopped at South Haven, Douglas, and Holland. It was a delightful day. Here is some of what we saw:

Flutterbys are what I told my grandkids I called butterflies. It seems a better word to describe them to me.

Last week my spouse and I joined three of our grandkids, their parents, and one of our daughter-in-laws at the Frederick Meijer Gardens to see the coming out party of the butterflies (or flutterbys). These pictures are from that visit. They had butterflies in all stages of their metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.

Many transgender people relate to the butterfly  image due to their own metamorphosis from who people thought they were through the transition to who they are. Whether transgender or not, I hope you enjoy these images.

caterpillar

chrysalis

wounded wing

orange

procreation

lunch break for cucumber

in sunlight

The mums are showing off their Fall plumage right outside the entrance to our condo. So is it Mums, Mum’s, or Mums’ the word? This photo image makes a nice Fall background for computers. Feel free,

My sister may be part Hobbit. Her house has a Hobbit look to it and her gardens (both floral and edible) occupy over 400 square feet. Due to a stroke when she was 50, my sister is unable to use power tools or even standing tools. She created and maintains her gardens with a spade on her hands and knees. She even turned over sod this way to add new garden space for fruits and vegetables. Typically she works in her gardens from 6 AM to noon, weather permitting. I am very proud of my sister.

I found myself thinking of textures and computer backgrounds during Wednesday’s photo outing. These photos show various textures, but also make good photo backgrounds. Feel free to make any your own computer background.

On Wednesday, Pat and I meandered along delightful gravel roads – including one Natural Beauty Road – on our way to Hidden Gardens and Tecumseh. The journey was even more fun than the destination. Here is some of what we saw:

A couple of monarch butterflies graced our Wednesday photo outing. The size and color of this royal milkweed butterfly make it the most recognizable of all butterflies. Perhaps that it is why it is king. Here are some images of this winged monarch.

The King

Ascending to the Throne

The Royal Robes on Display

The King’s Dragon

On the Throne

The Throne Room Hustle

The Kingdom