Of butterflies and spiders

The stock photo above represents the vision I have for my butterfly bush — big blossoms covered with beautiful butterflies!

In reality my bush has been slow to flower and I haven’t seen much in the way of butterflies (as in none, although bumblebees are regular visitors to other flowers in my container garden).

So, I was thrilled the other morning to notice a butterfly on my butterfly bush!

Until I realized that the reason I could get so close without it flying away is that the butterfly had been captured by a spider and was already a goner.

Oh well, I guess spiders have to eat, too.

No place like home

I’m starting to feel like I’m really, truly back.

Went to the office for the first time this afternoon, where I was greeted with a lovely “welcome home” message and had a chance to connect with team members I haven’t seen for two months.

But I really knew I was back when I glanced down and saw this humongous spider on the floor by my desk. We hardly saw a spider in two months of living in Sacramento, but we’re definitely back in the country now!