Wishing for butterflies?

Is it cold where you are now? Here in Central Virginia, a big cold front will be pushing through in a day or so and we're in for some abnormally cold temperatures for the next week.
Are you wishing that it was spring and that your flowers were starting to bloom? You would like to see some early spring butterflies? Well, here are a few suggestions on how to get through the winter, even though the snow may be deep and the ice on your windshield tells you something different.
Visit a butterfly exhibit. Search for one on the internet close to you. Many stay open year-round and you will appreciate the warm temperatures inside, along with the tropical atmosphere and of course, all those beautiful butterflies flying around. My first experience years ago in a butterfly exhibit was at Callaway Gardens in Georgia. It was like a wonderland! I could have spent hours there. Since they are so popular, many are opening all the time.
Buy a field guide to butterflies. Filled with valuable information, as well as stunning photos of butterflies, you will almost feel like you are outside, with your camera, searching for native butterflies in your yard or the nearest park. A terrific book for all ages is The Family Butterfly Book, by Rick Mikula. I use mine all the time. It costs approx. $15, plus shipping. Buy one now through Social Butterflies' website: www.socialbtrflies.com.
Start planning for next year's butterfly garden. Think about adding another butterfly bush and appropriate host plants to your yard. Host plants are those that butterfly caterpillars eat. You will be able to observe the entire lifecycle many times if you have a garden filled with host and nectar plants.
Use your computer to search for butterflies and butterfly information. Learn something new about those butterflies in your area so you will be able to identify them next year.
Think warm! Enjoy the quietness of winter's beauty. Observe the birds. Look for tracks in the snow. Make a snow butterfly!