First things first–yesterday’s blue gin and tonic, the perfect summery drink.

Next, lots of life is happening out in the prairie–masses of goldenrod covered with pollinators, and spreading native wildflowers.  Birds and rabbits are making it their home.  I think more milkweed volunteers are coming up!  New tree saplings are appearing all the time; it’s going to be a forest out there!

Closer to home, lots of flowers continue to feed bees, bugs, birds, and butterflies, including my latest exciting find–this gorgeous black, orange, and blue butterfly, probably a pipevine swallowtail.