The backyard sanctuary finally got rain. Typically for Texas, we got lots of rain and wind all at once! As I went out to observe the results of the rain after so long without it, I found hidden beauty. The spiders had been busy building their webs, and the morning light reflected off the webs and the water drops. It was mesmerizing. I hope you like some of the shots I got of the spiders’ masterpieces! Click on the individual pictures to see a larger image.

I have been waiting to cut back the milkweed until I stopped seeing caterpillars. That plan is not going well, as I continue to see caterpillars crawling all over the milkweed plants. I have been monitoring them and found four chrysalises hidden among the quiet wild. One of them is under the lid of the shed, which requires me to check on it every day. If the butterfly hatches while the lid is closed, it will not survive. It’s a risky business finding a good place to make your chrysalis!

So, the plan now is to wait until these butterflies hatch, then cut the milkweed back to encourage all the monarch butterflies to move on to their winter homes. They are understandably confused, as it still feels like summer around here!

This little caterpillar is the last one in the quiet wild for this year. Once he makes his transformation, the milkweed will be cut back for the winter. Looking forward to many more monarch butterflies next spring!

I will leave you with a powerful quote by Mother Teresa, who was able to convey great spirit and understanding with so few words. Her life was her message. I hope you continue to find beauty and joy wherever you go and let your life be your message.

What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.

Mother Teresa