Flutterbys and class project

Here are some photos from the butterfly house at our local public garden.

Is there a tail missing on that Giant Swallowtail? Is that part called a tail?

I'm guessing one of these Queen butterflies is a male. Hmm, a male Queen?

A small vase...

And below is my version of the class project for the session that just ended. We were to alter the lower part by scoring it and manipulating the clay with our fingers, superballs, whatever would work to push it out. The clay had to be just the right consistency in order to do so. Sometimes it required rewetting or use of a wet sponge. The instructor said he wanted it to be fluid-looking like, well actually like rolls of fat.

The funny thing is, the skinny people didn't quite get the look that he was wanting. I, on the other hand, was able to get closer to the look he wanted. Who would've guessed?

Black swallowtail and what happens when a grub grows up

Do you notice the little bump on its abdominal area? I'm not sure what's up, but it did fly away after an hour, so it must not be harmed much.

Yes, that's a chopstick or what I use for a butterfly ladder to let them climb out.











This June bug is a lot prettier than the grubs I find in the soil.

An hour in Lindsborg

Last Saturday, I was in the area of Lindsborg and got to walk downtown. Lindsborg is a Swedish community in Kansas. I went in the Small World Gallery and met a National Geographic photographer whose wife designs jewelry. Then I went into Courtyard Gallery and saw some pieces from my favorite potter who comes to the Wichita Garden Show, Carol Long. It's amazing what she does with slip (liquid clay)!

Yes, that's "Salvador Dala" in the picture up there.

More blue vases

I wanted to make little vases to put my mini daffodils in next spring.

More pictures

Here is the view of the bridge they are redoing between Omaha and Council Bluffs.


More train pictures of Kenefick Park.







Council Bluffs has the Union Pacific Railroad Museum...



and a cool park and veteran's memorial area.



Did you know it was also the home of Amelia Bloomer, inventor of Bloomers? Oops, that's not correct according to this. I just assumed so since she was wearing them.



p.s. I'm counting down...two more months! Until what? I'll be sure to share in two months!