Winter Day in the Hill Country

I grew up in Northern Virginia, a place where winter was a time to await the snow. Things are different here in Texas: winter is a time to await the butterflies.

The last week has been filled with unusually warm days and the plants are celebrating. Salvia, skeleton leaf goldeneye, and Copper Canyon daisies receive attention from clouds of insects, it seems. The garden sings. It amazes me every year. Just when I think I should be cutting things back and preparing for the winter, the yard springs to life.

While decorating for Christmas, i stumbled upon a green treefrog nestled on top of a juniper branch. What a surprise! I love moving through the yard slowly, peering into all the cracks and crevices.

Peace grows within from mornings spent in the company of these plants and animals, especially those that are easily overlooked. I feel as though I have stumbled upon hidden gifts. There is something about the butterflies . . . some glide, some flutter, some skip from flower to flower. I spot more than five species at a time hovering around the raised beds. Patiently, I wait and capture (with my camera) a variegated fritillary perched on a dew covered daisy. This is the first time I have seen one so close to home.

A tropical leafwing shares my morning coffee.

A holly flower, smaller than my pinky nail, sits on a branch. I don't think I ever noticed the holly flowers.

I discover what looks like a bee is actually a fly in disguise. The yellow petals seem to shine through its body, illuminating the entire insect.

This is a winter morning full of joyous curiosities.