August 11: Butterfly, storm

Cracks of thunder, the kind that feel like they're vibrating your chest, took me outside this afternoon. After letting the cat in the house, I stayed out and watched the butterflies in the zinnias. What would they do before a storm? One I had my eye on landed on a pink zinnia, folded and unfolded its wings a couple of times, then opened them and pressed them down flat, almost bending them backwards along the flower. I'm not sure it was related to the storm, but it was a little strange.



The storm was impressive. I stayed out in the yard with my face upturned until enough big drops had plonked onto my head to make me *feel* wet. Then I watched it from under the porch. The gusts were almost frightening at times.