Butterflies and Suz is flying across the world.

It's been a banner week here with my butterfly lifestyle hobby.
I've released 22 healthy and happy monarchs.
How do I know they're happy? 
Well, a better question is how do I know they aren't?

I've even found TWO queen caterpillars in the garden and rescued them; I'll share pics of them when they eclose in a week or two. They also feast on milkweed. 

My life revolves around keeping my milkweed supply healthy and plentiful or else the natives become restless. 

Monarch on left, queen on the right. 

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Y'all I'm so excited! I'm in the midst of planning the trip of a lifetime. Well, of MY lifetime.
My girl Kelly and I are going on a 13-day journey through New Zealand in September!
Never EVER did I think I would make a trek that far; but we're both so excited. It's been fun and a bit daunting planning it all, but it will be worth it.
Leaving on a Wednesday and arriving on Friday is kinda weird....I'm still wrapping my brain around that part.


In case you don't read the news, Kelly and I love wine. And specifically white wine from the
Marlborough region on New Zeland.
She and I may solely be responsible for the vineyards/regions success.
You're welcome New Zealand.

We're going to our homeland. Surprisingly, that is not the first reason for this trip, although it's a good one. There is a real reason this trip planning started and I'll share that little tidbit later.

While there, we will be on a road trip for most of our visit. Picture Thelma and Louise....minus "the driving off the cliff" at the end part. *fingers crossed*

Has anyone been to NZ? 

But before then, we've got some exciting stuff happening...*someone* is graduating from college (woot-woot!) and we have a huge fundraiser for Veterans that we're super excited about.

Happy Humpday!

XOXO

Twenty Five

Our sweet little nugget Lolo is officially 25 today.
I'm not going to go on and on about how that blows my mind, but my mind is officially blown; therefore I have a huge mess to clean up.


Lolo was a sweet, but challenging toddler.
I thought I'd lose my mind between the ages of 1-4. The child didn't slow down. Ever.

Lauren is one of those rare types that has so much knowledge of so many things; very well rounded in her intelligence. Of course, she also amazes me with her quick wit.

She and I both appreciate a nice (cucumber) margarita.

We couldn't be more proud of the young woman she has become.

Wishing her a super special day and year to come and Lord, please keep her safe. She's working tonight and she says Fridays that fall on the 13th are always interesting.


XOXOXO

This, that and the other thing

I'm never quite sure if my blog post title should all be capitalized or just the first word? This is a grammar quandary for me.

1) The Coach and I had a nice, quiet July 4th. We had lunch at the boat marina, checked out some really BIG boats and spotted the resident Bald Eagle. Then we spent the evening listening to the neighborhood send 12 million bottle rockets into the sky. But hey, they started 4 days prior, so why slow down now? Do you know how terrifying fireworks are to pets? Very. Also, I learned they're also frightening for butterflies.....I know. I just can't stop it with the butterflies.

2) Our girls went on their big trip to Seattle and Portland; this was a gift from us for Christmas, but they just found the time to go.
While they were gone, we took care of our granddog Max. Max hasn't heard of personal space.
The girls are home now and they loved their trip. They were more impressed with Seattle over Portland; said Seattle just have a really good vibe. I think I know where I need to go next....I love a place with a good vibe.

3) We had all the trees on our property trimmed this past week; hurricane prep. We have about 49 palm trees and 8-9 oak trees. Some of our oak trees have NEVER been trimmed or thinned out.
This is our favorite tree and now that it's thinned out, I have MORE room for orchids in there. :)

It looked as though hurricane Irma made a reappearance until all was cleaned up.

Happy hump day!
XOXOX