Swallowtail

The swallowtail has been hanging around for days.I love seeing it since the butterflies we usually see here are notably absent this year. We spread the rug from the porch out in the driveway and this swallowtail explored it carefully but apparently figured out that the bright colors in the rug were not real. I missed my chance to get a picture of it then, but spotted it out in the lantana today.

 OilMan thought Jorge was coming today to sand the porch, so I moved all the cushions inside (again), and emptied the heavy cabinet of all the stuff that has gathered in it over the years. Just as well as most of it has gotten filthy. I was charged with the idea of outdoor serving when we first moved here, and bought sets of plastic plates and glasses. We DO eat out there sometimes, but the plastic plates are always covered in dirt, spider webs and dog hair, so we just use our regular plates. I washed everything and found an inside cupboard to store it in, so we'll see what happens next. 

Jorge didn't appear today. When he thought he was coming remains a mystery, but I sat and tried  to catch a shot of the elusive butterfly. The chairs with no cushions were not at all inviting,  so I took all the cushions back out again. All the pieces of the roof are still out there...we are hoping that Jorge will be willing to deal with them, but OilMan hasn't asked him yet. It all seems to hinge on Jorge...whenever he gets here....

He can take the cushions back inside....

In an ironic sort of way, David, our old contractor and friend just showed up at the door. OilMan talked to him at a party a couple of months ago and he said he'd help take down the old roof and repair the new one....What is that knack some people have for showing up to help just about the time the job is finished....we're always happy to see him though.