Not much going on in the Bistro these days except for my continued career as Aquarius the Water Bearer because it fucking REFUSES to rain. On top of that, it’s been in the 90s for the last week, so I’ve been doing virtually nothing but hauling water, trying to keep the Bistro on life support, and keep enough flowers blooming to feed the remaining MLBs and the brazillions of flutter-guys that depend upon Parview’s Bistro.

I had roughly 75 Pipevine and Snakeroot Swallowtail cats this year, and I did my very best to make sure they got enough to eat, and found a safe place to pupate and spend the winter. Of the 75, I’ve actually found…one. When I was uncoiling the hose to water yet again, I noticed this little dude had chosen a potentially dangerous spot. I think I’m going to try to move him somewhere safe for the winter.

Again, while watering, I accidentally doused poor Cletus with chlorinated water. He didn’t seem fazed by it, but just in case, I quickly got a bottle of water and rinsed him off. He’s been singing off and on a bit lately; apparently Southern Leopard frogs sing in spring and in fall, but don’t have much to say in summer (leaving the stage open for Bully the Bullfrog, who has plenty to say!)

I went home at lunch to turn on the irrigation so I could have the hose free when I get home. P had mentioned the asters I got from J earlier this year, and for him to notice, they must be remarkable, indeed! These are in bloom, a few more NE asters are in bloom, a little boneset, goldenrod, and blue mistflower. After the god-awful dryness, I have no idea how, but I’m glad for the late-season nectar.

…and so are many, many flutter-guys, and bees (and other nectar-loving creatures)!

…and a beautiful Monarch boy. It looks like it’s his birthday, and I wonder whether he’s one of the two little ones I moved over to the honeyvine on the fence. Whatever his origin, he’s welcome!