and there be Giants in the Garden

Our hottest day yet this year, with temps into the 90's and humidity.  Hubs and I had a fun day trip planned and after dropping Jax off at daycare we headed south.  We drove down to the Sea Girt area at the New Jersey shore where we had a really nice visit with some friends including a delicious lunch near their house.  Hadn't seen them since Covid so it was lovely to catch up.  The drive each way was a little under 2 hours so quite a bit of car time, but it was mostly all pleasant driving.

Before we left this morning, I dashed out briefly with camera in hand and was delighted to find this nearly perfect Giant Swallowtail (Papilo genus) fluttering around the garden.  They are our largest butterfly and can be mistaken for the slightly smaller Tiger Swallowtails when viewed from the side.  A dorsal view (see Extra) leaves no mistake as to their identify though, with the predominance of dark scales on the wings.  

This morning, as we were making our way south, I got a text from Kangazu to let me know that their first monarch had emerged and offering to send it on it's way in Virginia's memory.  A few moments of misty eyes in the car.  Please take a moment to see the beautiful flyer HERE in Peggy's journal.  Have you ever met nicer people than the people here on Blipfoto?

Dark tahini with sea salt today.

xo
Debbi