Above, we view the wing drying process, as the monarch rests from its arduous task. Then, after visiting the garden mums, along with the ornamental cabbage and kale, our monarch seems to have formed an affinity for one particular member of the garden center staff. Jackie, longtime member of the plant sales team, is seen having an up close and personal "Kodak moment" with the monarch, as wings are tested and goodbyes are said. Do you suppose she sang, "Born Free," as this coddled monarch flew through the bedding department? (I might have been tempted.)

Anyway, this has been an absolutely delightful sequencing project and one which I hope you enjoyed following. This was the most ambitious project, since the six-part July/August "Swallow Connection" series, which began July 27th (just click on the date, if you missed it). Again, thanks to everyone involved. What a perfect reminder to us all... "Ain't nature grand?"

©Deb Lambert 2007