Sunday, misc.

Hi everybody.

How are you?

There is a lot that is really bad, but this morning, I almost needed a jacket, AND I didn't get rained on this time, so that is something to celebrate. 

I think we've talked about the German word for the feeling of solitude in the forest - Waldeinsamkeit. Here are a few pictures from my morning walk that illustrate that amazing word:

 

Waldeinsamkeit tends to work a lot better for me when I'm not covered in sweat and fending off mosquitos the whole time I'm alone in the forest. Today was such a day, and I am grateful for it.

Also, some good tree news to report.

Remember the catalpa tree that was attacked by the sphinx moth caterpillars and lost all its leaves? *

Well, the tree is already starting to push out a second set of leaves. YAY! 

Attacked by caterpillars and completely defoliated, but nevertheless, it persisted. It was down, but never out. I'll just let you guys figure out where I'm going with this...

* I am leaving out a photo and part of this story that involves zombie caterpillars because I found one and then traumatized Kev when I told him about them. But check out this link if you're not squeamish "catalpa tree parasitic wasp zombie caterpillar" because it is FASCINATING. Nature is so weird. Who will be the wasps in our Catalpa tree metaphor? I wonder...

Rufus had a big time when his friend came for a sleepover on Friday. 

He did a good job of sharing his toys.

We took them out for ice cream.

Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day.

She was ready to go home but she's welcome back any time.

I have been playing around with my watercolor set that Kev got me for Christmas. It is very relaxing and makes me happy.  SHEEP!

And I wasn't there to see it, but all three of our monarch butterflies at work have come out of their chrysalises, healthy and beautiful and ready for their next adventure. 

So, not EVERYTHING is terrible. And today we're going to see the Fantastic Four movie, which is supposed to be good.

Hope you are ok and finding things to keep you going. 

Onward.