Into the garden - Butterflies

 

And just to show where it all began...

It filled in a bit.

But baby, I loves ya!

I guess it is that time of year... but when isn't it the right time for a little procreation?  And I don't know about the birds, but the bees are into it. 

It really has been a great butterfly year and for that matter, a great year for all the gardens.  Plenty of rain and perfect temps, at least where I live. 

I know elsewhere the rains have been destructive.  But for now...

Farfalas, mariposas....

Las Canchas - Hoops

One thing I can do by myself to get some exercise is shoot baskets.  The great thing about Oaxaca and, probably Mexico in general, is that there is a cancha or basketball court in almost every village and neighborhood. 

There are a few in my neck of the woods that I enjoy visiting.  I've always shot baskets, maybe since I was ten and have a good setup in MA.  Here, I have to jump in the car and within minutes....  and I'm home.    

And each cancha or court has a different feel or vibe. And all of the rims are just brutal, no give at all.    But what a setting!  Look at the size of that tree. 

I taught for many years and some of my favorite memories are shooting with students.  "Aw, he's just the music teacher.  He can't shoot." Bang! Bang! Bang! All from downtown! 

Uh... a little help here, please.

Masks done right!

Here in Oaxaca, between 90 to 95% of the people I see on the streets and in markets are wearing masks. 

Out a bit to the north of the city where I live, it is much the same.  It makes one wonder what's the big deal with non-compliance in parts of El Norte?  Imagine a president (Benito Juarez) masked and armed with hand sanitizer!

There, it is Labor Day and the beaches and bars appear to be packed with people not wearing masks.  

Here. it is just another day of labor and everyone, for the most part, is masked. However, it is always permissible to remove your mask to enjoy some mezcal.

Markets in the time of covid....

I am lucky to have the nearby market in Etla to shop for food.  It is eerily quiet these days.  

I am used to the place bustling with people, shoppers, vendors, tour groups, but now.... 

There is hand sanitizer at the two entrances. I always go mid mornings and visit my normal vendors.  I am in and out quickly. I also avoid Wednesdays and Sundays when it is busier, but it is easy to see why I go.

Flutter by, Butterfly

It is a really good mariposa year.  The garden is full of them.

 

I always plant things to attract them and with all the rain this year, everything has just exploded. 

One of the best times of the year. 

 

Do you know the Italian word for butterfly?  Faralla!  A perfect word.  And the Monarchs are migrating.