After The Storm!

A Bit Tattered
Mary, Mother of the Arch Angels, power loss for not more than ten seconds, with lights blinking throughout the morning. Mr. Electric, letting us know how very important he is! 
Many others not so lucky in the area.
A couple of trees down in the backyard away from the house. Branches scattered about, a small price to pay, considering the devastation elsewhere. 
Thankful, cleanup starts as soon as daughter and son-in-law return from Aruba. 
Irene, just a big bully here in our neck of the woods.
Somehow this sweet butterfly survived the storm, ravenous, as she sat atop this coneflower for quite a while. Looking a bit tattered and weary she flew off to seek sustenance elsewhere. Can you see the very small worm resting on the flower petal as well? 
As far as hurricanes go, the one the older folks still talk about here is the !938 Hurricane. 
Weather predicting in those days not available, my mom and her sister walked two miles home from school in the pouring rain, jumped over downed wires, laughing as the wind pushed them about. She was fourteen and her sister thirteen.
 Be still my heart, they must have had a fleet of guardian angels around them.
Over six hundred people were lost in that storm, according to mom. 
Glad we were only taunted this time around and grateful for all the media coverage and fair warning. 
Have a wonderful day!

The Debutante!

The Elusive Monarch click photo for larger view
This photo was taken at the Butterfly estates in Fort Myers, Florida. I never really gave the butterfly much thought until my friend Cynthia started her own butterfly garden and greenhouse. The process these little creatures go thru to become a reality is amazing. Cynthia, cares for several different species, researching their habits and all the different plants that they breed and survive on. Thank You Cynthia, for teaching me to stop and be kissed by butterfly wisdom.
The link to Cynthia's website is: http://cynthiasbutterflygarden.com/
Several blending modes and textures were used in this photo.