butterflies in fall

Early Fall gifted us unseasonably high temperatures. Many weeds & plants have already died back. It allowed colorful blooms in my wild garden to standout. Just when I thought none of the Zinnia or Verbena seeds I scattered had grown! The last of this seasons Sulpher butterflies caught my attention. They were active! Fun to watch and photograph.

10.12.26

I never saw any yellow wings land on the hot pink Zinnia's.

They seem to prefer the coral ones. Perhaps due to the more open shape of the flower.

It didn't take long for the wings to make their way to the Verbena. There were SO many zipping around. I tried to catch more than one in a frame. I changed my mind and focused on a butterfly that had landed and was backlit.

Just like potato chips, I couldn't pick just one (photo).

I never thought I would be taking butterfly photos this late in the season. It was late September when I saw the last Monarch, and heard the last Whippoorwill. 

Our Hummingbirds left early October. Although I am fairly certain I saw a straggler this morning. My feeders are down, but thankfully blooms are still going strong. For now. The little hummer better head South. Our weather will be changing very soon.

land of wonders ~ sept 2026

September is such a transitional month. For me, it is also emotional. It became even more apparent as I looked back through my phone camera roll, at what captured my attention.

dramatic skies
9.4.26

(good) morning glories
9.8.26

mystical marvel
9.14.26

found in the fog



decide to see a weed or a flower
9.17.26

changes are coming

wondering what is around the bend
9.19.26

pausing to notice what is right in front of you

symbols speak volumes

natures pearls of wisdom
9.21.26

waterfall of brightness



9.25.26



fleeting moments of surprise



signs all point somewhere



remembering to dance



like nobody is watching (?)



appreciating tiny things
9.28.26

living in the moment
9.29.26

animal fall update

We have SO much going on with our animals that at times I think I have the human version of animal anxiety. If there even is such a thing. Our animals are constantly on my mind. Unless something requires focus, like working on Stained Glass. Worrying doesn't solve any thing. All it does is make me feel tired and sad.

This is your cue to run, or in this case scroll LOL.

There is nothing completely new going on with our animals. Cierra's allergies are still terrible, Koda is still lame etc. However, we have added complications. Nothing seems to really get resolved. We just keep trying "stuff". More decisions, and of course more money.

Maybe if I "talk" about it, my mind and heart won't be as restless?! 

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Koda is going the wrong direction. He stopped wanting to go for walks after his last trim. Now his back end (hips?) are screwed up. Could be from laying down, an unfavorable move, over compensating or even standing on the hurt leg while trimming.

His September Acupuncture appointment lasted until he got trimmed.  A short two weeks. I feel terrible for him. He has spent too much of his life injured. After what felt like a long wait, Koda was to be treated for either a Chiro./Accu. yesterday. I intentionally only shared what we observed. Then patiently waited for the vet to give us her own suggestions. She is so wishy-washy! 

The vet thought since he usually responds well, it was best to stick with Acupuncture. She did however place needles in different locations. The four across his hips twitched like crazy. Koda really enjoys his treatments and continues to clearly choose Peppermint. He seemed brighter by evening.

Koda is scheduled to get updated x-rays along with Fall shots on October 8th. I am hopeful Dr. W will bring a machine! I requested x-rays in the Spring with a different vet. We ended up with a worthless ultrasound, and an unhelpful care plan. 

Koda bear during a warm bath

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Hope kicked high, hard and fast at her last trim. Again. However, this time she was not in heat. We are officially concerned about human safety and her well-being.

Brad asked me to come to his lesson at our trainers (Padame update to come) to discuss Hope with our 'er his trainer.

Considering Hope's past, we are unsure if these changes are behavioral or neurological/medical. She has been such a sweet easy horse, and still is for the most part. I would much prefer these changes be behavioral. No one wants an unsafe horse, but that is something that could be worked on/out. Her changes could be a result of strong hormonal heat, added to a three year olds fresh attitude. 

We are looking into sending Hope out for training. To build on the work Brad has done with her. It is not what we wanted, but is needed. For her sake and ours. However, first we need to rule out there is nothing medical going on. I am curious what the vet will suggest. Likely an MRI...ugh.

finding peace in Fall

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Tank relapsed post CHOP chemotherapy. Earlier than the average dog treated with Lymphoma. It doesn't mean it didn't work. It means whatever cancer in his cells remained, grew back faster than expected. 

I remind myself without treatment, Tank would have most likely been gone last March.

Treatment side effects have been almost non-existent. A few days of loose stools throughout the many months. The clinic staff and his Oncologist are amazing! They go above and beyond to make his clinic days less stressful. 

swimming at Devils Lake
9.18.26

He is currently doing a different regression chemo protocol. His body responded well and went right back into remission. We are painfully aware it won't last long. However, long enough to enjoy each and every Fall day with him. Making more memories with our big expressive guy is priceless.

Tank is a very happy dog and getting extra spoiled! Thankfully, animals live in the moment. I could write a book. He is loving his special meals, walks, barn duty, family dogs, endless sticks, stealing socks, vehicle rides and sleeping in our his bed. Between his two people.

Our happy boy

My hope is that our snow dog enjoys life long enough to do his pop up snow thing. It is doubtful, but it could happen. We are taking it one day at a time. 

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With all of the above (and more) Quality of Life is a frequent discussion at my household. I am not looking for sympathy. Everyone has issues. With heavy things to sort and decisions to make. Please know it is far from doom and gloom here! I just haven't found that damn off switch in my head.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Enjoy your weekend!

harvest moon delight

Years ago I scouted local-ish Astrophotography locations. Most are a long drive, making it daunting to return. Saturday night, I decided to go back to one that had been on my mind for over a decade. I had read the Harvest Moon would be the brightest in five years. I don't shoot the moon very often. I checked some data, and decided it would be good to dust off my old camera. It had been a long time since I have gone on a photography road trip. 

Although I never saw the Northern Lights the first night I was there. The trip was still worth it. I remember being in jaw dropping awe, while watching the enormous moonrise I happened upon. Perhaps it would happen again. You won't know unless you try. 

Brad had planned on cooking a delicious meal. However, my wonderful husband changed his plans and decided to go with me. I was extra thankful he did! Later in the evening, a motorcycle passed by me. Shortly afterwards, the guy turned around and came back. It felt odd. I highly doubt he saw Brad sitting in the truck. The motorcycle pulled into the empty (except our vehicle) parking area for a while. Probably innocent. However with Brad there, I could focus on shooting the moon instead of worrying.

Saturdays evening sky was cloudy. I had my doubts. What if we drove all that way and didn't see the moonrise? Thankfully the closer we got to the boat launch area, the clearer the eastern sky became.

We arrived. Yikes! The waterway had overgrown and closed in. I had thought about bringing muck boots. You couldn't even SEE towards the East! Doubt I would have temped fate, in stinky muddy unknown water. 

boat launch 9/26/26

We went over to another spot, further down the road with a wide open view. It was on higher ground. The view was not what I remembered, but at least I could actually see the moonrise!

The best place to photograph was next to a low road bridge, flanked with double large caution signs. I prefer not to stand, walk or even be close to a road. I set my tripod up regardless, and stood back on a wide section of shoulder and waited. 

I was SUPER excited when I spotted a sliver edge of the moon rising over the distant hillside!! I am sure the occasional passing car thought I was completely nuts. 

rising fast

While watching the moon rise rapidly, I started to realize a fun shot *might* just happen. I kept clicking, watched and waited. In suspense.

I played with some camera settings, enhanced in post. The moon continued to rise in the direction of...

...a tree!!! Ta Da! A classic moon shot. My favorite shot/s.

Harvest Moon Delight

wider view with a balanced moon



iphone view from tripod (very bright outside)

I turned around (always turn around!) to shoot the start of sunset with my phone.

the sky was pretty and ever changing

last shot from the road

Mosquitos started getting bad. Time to head home. If the water had been clearer I would have held out while swatting, for some reflection shots. 

moon shot through some weeds

The evening light continued to change quickly. Manual camera settings need adjusting. My camera started picking up the sky as a solid darker royal blue. The moon was more white and defined. The shot below is probably my best shot of the actual moon. Taken with my trusty shorter 70-200mm lens. I used it on all these non-phone shots. In hind-sight I probably should have hauled at least my wider angle, and maybe my 100-400mm w/w-out adapter. Or both. Instead, I enjoyed less fussiness. Less bracketing. Less elusive perfect shot-ness.

All that to say, I like capturing moments with simple less processed photography. However I do crop, sometimes slide a value or two and have to sharpen (I shoot Raw) all my photos.

On the way home, I watched a few cool cloud veils masking the moon. I wanted to shout "pull over" LOL. It didn't last long, and the moon went behind thick clouds.

We were almost home when my phone told me the Northern Lights were active. Whatever. Our area was socked in with clouds anyways. After a long drive and a good night of photography, we were tired and hungry.

g'night!