June 21

Greetings and Happy Solstice!

Litha is the celebration Summer Solstice. The Solstice is the time when the sun is at the height of its power. It is the longest day of the year, midsummer. This is the time when the gardens are producing fruits and vegetables of summer. Wildlife is flourishing and the trees are covered in green leaves. After Midsummer, the sun begins its yearly descent. The days will get shorter and shorter until the Winter Solstice when it begins its rise to power again. Midsummer is also a time when it is said that fairies abound. They bring their playfulness and merriment, especially at Midsummer’s Eve. It is a day to celebrate life and focus on positive things for the future.

While in my studio last night, sewing at midnight, I was thrilled to see a Luna Moth. I felt honored to be in its presence...and by morning, it was gone.

Luna Moth Facts
Luna moths are one of the most unusual and beautiful of the North American moths known as Saturnidae. They are well known for their green-yellow colors and long tails,and although they are often seen in pictures, they are a real surprise when found in nature. Although they are common throughout the eastern U.S., their night flying habits and short life span as an adult moth, only about 1 week, combine to make them a rare find. The luna moth, with a wingspan of 4.5-5.0 inches, is one of the largest moths in North America and is very common in many of the eastern states from Maine all the way to Florida. They usually are seen less as you go westward to Texas and the Great Plains. It is also found in southern regions of many Canadian provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

My mother-in-law spent the week in the hospital, making it a rough one for the family. We are tired and drained tonight, but glad to be home. This will however postpone our trip to Maine, so there will be bags a week from tonight. I've added another link, she's a talented maker of lovely earrings, and my sister and I are very fond of her work. Be sure to see her Etsy page.

Sunny and rainy today, just when I thought one would stay, the other came. Delightful really. And I walk tonight is a must.

Thanks all...be good and knit on!

Martha.