Butterflies, family and friends

 

 

 

After the spring flood two years ago, the river deposited milkweed seeds that sprouted by the sandy beach. It created a natural butterfly garden, specifically attracting the Western Tiger Swallowtail and Two-Tailed Swallowtail. According to Google ID, there is a slight difference between the two pictured above. 

It's amazing how butterflies zero in on a little patch of their favorite food. They are so intent on the flowers, you can take spectacular up-close photos.

 

I got caught up in the 4th of July parade and didn't take many pictures. The parade started with a mounted color guard on stunning Western horses, followed by lots of small town sweetness, blessedly free of blaring politics. It was also longer than parades in the past. The parade has become a highlight of the summer, with crowds of people enjoying the ArtsFest at Twisp Works. 

 

But we walked home after the parade to rest and get ready for the evening party. There were 9 of us--Amanda, Tom and the girls, my brother Dave and friends Bruce and Karen, who are becoming part of the family. It was a perfect evening to eat bratwurst on the deck with baked beans, salads, and watermelon finished off with a blueberry pie John picked up at Lone Pine.  

We went to the Twisp Saturday Market this morning and just taking it easy on this hot afternoon.