Making the most of it

This butterfly settled itself in the sun and stayed put for quite a while - long enough for me to get a few standard shots and then add on an extension tube.  

Unfortunately, it had landed quite a way up my hibiscus and at a point where the bins were in the way. Getting this shot involved standing on a footstool, further boosted by two thick books and then leaning in until the butterfly was in focus (and hoping that the breeze kept at bay.)  I had to keep one hand on the bin for balance and hold the camera steady with the other.  

Thank heavens for internal stabilisation!

Unfortunately, the sun didn't last long - Storm Evert made itself felt from about mid-morning onwards with low cloud, followed by the bouts of heavy rain throughout the afternoon.