Not a Toucan

When I left home 4 days ago to fly 4800 miles to Brazil, I was fully expecting to be photographing toucans and hummingbirds and other exotic birds of the Brazilian cloud forest today.  But as you all know by know, the trip blew up when the ground operator apparently took off with all the money (from our group as well as another) and left us with no reservations and no way to rebook at such late notice.  So last night, we all flew back to our respective homes.  I will confess that I've shed a couple of tears today.  But this is not the end of the world.  And I will probably try to take this trip next summer.  

Meanwhile, I arrived in NJ at 5:30 this morning after flying 9 hours.  Cleared customs, got my bags and waited curbside for about 10 minutes for Hubs and Jax to pick me up.  Then an hour drive home and the sad task of unpacking.  But I had a very happy brindle dog, a very fluffy ginger tabby and a very loving husband to make the task much easier.  I pottered around the garden having my tea and then took a long nap.  I've flown nearly 10,000 miles in the last 4 days and while I don't have jet lag, per se (only an hour time difference) I am definitely exhausted.  

I checked in to make sure Hilly had made it home safely - she had a much longer trip as she had to transfer through Frankfurt.  But she is safely home now and no doubt going through the gamut of emotions that I've gone through today.  But onwards and upwards.  

Today's feature is a Great Spangled Fritillary, one of several in the milkweed patch.  I also saw three skipper species, a great golden digger wasp and several other fun things.  Very hot today - 88F/31C - which makes for good insect activity.   Not a toucan, but still pretty.

Thanks for hanging in with me these past days and being so kind.

xoxo
Debbi