Backyard friends ~

My grandson and I were checking out all the baby Monarch Butterfly caterpillars on our Milkweed plant when I looked over at one of my rose bushes to find this colorful grasshopper. Ethan took a picture of it with my Samsung Galaxy 5 phone . . . nice job Ethan!

We have Monarch Butterfly caterpillars ~

 

 

I am amazed how quickly I have Monarch Butterfly caterpillars on the Milkweed plant I purchased not too long ago, as I posted about → here.  It's amazing to watch them and I'm excited that there will be many more Monarch Butterflies here.  You can see more photos that I took this morning of the little baby caterpillars → here.  I will keep you all posted on their progress . . . according to Wikipedia (link above), the caterpillar stage lasts about two weeks. They are so cute . . . I never really thought these guys were cute until now!

Asclepias 'Silky Formula Mix' and Monarch Butterflies ~

  

Monarch butterflies are so beautiful and they have a special meaning to me . . . they remind me of my mom (1933~2010). It's my understanding that Monarch butterflies have declined significantly, you can read more about it → here  and according to an article on the livescience site ~

" . . .  The announcement from researchers with WWF and Mexico's National Commission for Natural Protected Areas appears to confirm the fears of some biologists, who said it was likely that scalding temperatures and extreme droughts affecting Texas and other parts of the United States in 2011 would take a toll on the butterflies."

I wanted to do my part (and of course have Monarchs in my own backyard) . . . so I did a little research on what native plants here in Southern Cal would help and found that the Monarch loves, feeds and depends on the → Asclepias aka Milkweed plant. I went to my local nursery right away. When I got home, I transplanted the Milkweed plant into one of mom's big huge pots . . . I wasn't even done transplanting it when this one Monarch fluttered around, landed and has taken up permanent residence . . . she is here every day.

I ended up taking over 132 photos (you can see more of the photos → here, some are not as clear as I would have liked but she was all over the place) of this beautiful butterfly fluttering in mid air, landing, and enjoying the nectar. I am hoping that she is able to find this new home secure enough to lay her larvae . . . our world or at least my backyard could use many more of these beautiful creatures.

You can also enjoy the "Butterfly Estates" on Facebook . . . lots of info and wonderful photos.

Pineapples and Roses ~ Guest post by my grandson ~

 

Baby non-edible pineapple plant ~ by Ethan ~

My grandson's daddy, is a professional photographer . . . I think my eight year old grandson inherited his dad's gift! Ethan is using an older digital camera . . . a Canon EOS20D,  that his dad just recently gave him and was no longer using. We decided to take a "photo" walk in the neighborhood this morning and capture flowers or whatever came our way. One of our neighbors was out washing his car and invited us to photograph the many plants and flowers he had in his backyard . . . turned out to be a photo goldmine and a great place for both of us to practice.

We both took lots and lots of photos . . . our neighbor must have had every plant and flower under the sun. We took as many as we could and Ethan is excited to share some of his photos. As time permits, I will share both our photos here. Ethan even created his photo logo . . . you can see it in the lower right corner of his photo above. He took some pretty awesome photos.

 

~ Pink Moss Rose ~  by Gini

This was my very favorite flower in our neighbors yard (besides his vintage roses) that I took with my new Canon EOS Rebel T3i 600. My older Rebel died on me (which is in part why I haven't posted on my photo blog for a while) . . . I was told it needs a new motherboard and I might go ahead and have it fixed for my granddaughter down the road but I am loving this new camera!

 

Neighbor's Pink Moss Rose in a swan pebble planter ~ by Gini

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Mrs. Winchester's Roses ~

 

Mrs. Winchesters, 100-year-old, Simplicity Rose from the Winchester Mystery House ~  these beautiful roses grace the mansions garden and grounds . . . I fell in love with them.

Tradescantia Zebrina ~ Wandering Jew Plant ~

 

This purple Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina) plant belonged to my mom . . . it (and many of her plants) hadn't been watered in months. It's now here in my home and after a few months of special care, it's finally coming back . . .  it's as healthy as I remember it when mom had it hanging in her patio. Mom and I both have always had Wandering Jews in our homes, they are such a neat plant and hardy ones too! I know she would be happy that her plants are doing very well.

More Sweet Peas ~

 

Sweet peas from my garden in mom's vase on my desk . . . photos of yours truly when I was about six years old, sent to me by an old old friend I grew up with.

Mom's Red Geranium's ~

 

This Geranium is just one of several Geranium plants I brought back from mom's home recently. The deep red petals are so vibrant. Mom's plants sat in her back yard for several months without water . . . they are slowly coming back to life . . . I think she would be happy . . . mom always had a beautiful and well kept garden. 

Last day of Summer ~

We are still having some pretty warm days in 

Southern California . . . I am ready for Fall . . . . 

Old Wagon Wheel

Sundial ~

Horseshoe horse tie ~

We spent the morning up at my brother-in-laws ranch today. I rushed out of the house and forget my camera and there is lots of neat things around the ranch to take photos of! I used my Android smart phone so I am a little surprised as to how well this came out but for some reason all my photos are coming out black and white . . . must be a setting on my phone . . . I really need to sit and read up on the many features this phone has but I just haven't taken the time to do so. Did well in a pinch though.

Several horses live on this ranch . . . I believe this is one of the posts that is used to tie up the horse or hang your hat or coat on while grooming the horses.

Glass garden art ~

This glass garden art piece was made by my friend and neighbor in her Warm Glass class . . . she has made some beautiful pieces. This one sits in the middle of her vegetable and herb garden.

Pretty Two-Tone Rose ~

The Beast ~

My grandson built this guy today and thought it would be a good

 "photo of the day!"

Garden lantern ~

The Twilight Zone at home ~

I used to watch this as a kid . . . now my granddaughter records this show and loves watching it. Brings back some memories!

Fluffy white clouds ~

Pumpkins in September ~

This pumpkin, which belongs to my neighbor, came a bit early in the season but it's great to see little signs of Fall.

In Remembrance ~

~ In Remembrance of September 11, 2001 ~

Never to be forgotten . . . always in our hearts. 

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The special commemorative shield designed for San Diego County First Responders Firefighters, Police Officers, and Port of Authority, in the photo above, is being worn on my husbands Police uniform for the month of September, in memory of 9-11. 

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The Commemorative 9-11 Badge

Many other agencies wanted to join in the 9-11 project but the time frame to manufacture the badges was quickly closing. That lead to the realization. Every police and fire agency across America should be afforded the same opportunity. Starting in 2012, we will be asking police and fire agencies across the United States to join in a national project. We want to provide our EMS brethren the same opportunity EMS personnel had in San Diego in 2011. 

The national badge will be designed so it can be used year after year. Each year additional police and fire agencies will sign up for the 9-11 project. Our goal is to eventually have every police and fire/rescue agency in the United States wearing the same optional badge for the month of September.  

We will never forget. 

The Informant

The Official Publication of the San Diego Police Officers Association

September 11 Remembrance Issue  

Volume XXXI,  No. 9                           September 2011

The Crime Files ~ Page 8