Today we took a chance on Lowes early in the morning, to get a few needed supplies.  Supposedly all businesses are under new, stricter mandates for masking and distancing, since the virus is taking a serious surge.  Of course it depends on how seriously enforcement is actually carried out, in many places not at all.  Maybe half or fewer patrons were wearing masks, though most employees appeared to be at least trying.  It varies by location and demographic, I’ve heard.  It’s hard to believe these people refuse to see the facts right in front of them.  All we can do is take careful precautions, and try to stay alive.

The “prairie” now has drifts of various flower species, many (but not all) natives.  I’m especially happy about the mountain mint (Pycnanthemum, first photo), lacy white tinged with lavender, which is starting to do its pollinator-attracting thing.  The next few photos are also from out there, where pink coneflowers (Echinacea) have joined the blanketflower (Gaillardia).  Black-eyed susans (Rudbeckia) will open out there next.  I suspect some rabbits and birds are also proliferating somewhere in there.

I’m really happy that hummingbirds have finally showed up, after a long delay.  They seem to love the colorful zinnias right outside my office window, as do the bright goldfinches.  It will take some effort trying to capture them in the act, so don’t hold your breath.  I’ve only seen a few tiny butterflies so far this year; everyone has been remarking upon their mysterious absence.  No doubt yet another effect of human-caused climate change.  I haven’t even found any of their caterpillars, but I won’t give up on them.