Vacancy

Yard work has yielded yet another delightful surprise! Whilst attempting to clear out a climbing ivy off a tree, I discovered the vacated house of some moth (most likely) shifting about in the summer breeze. Though it's not a colourful cocoon, it's certainly intact to the point where you can see the hairs still there.

Floating Tulip

When the tulips bloomed, they threw such the vibrant show of colors against the drab garden. The braggarts. ;) Nevertheless, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by their simple beauty. Amid the green leaves, this appley-red tulip head appeared to be magically floating. Within, a little bug has nestled to "sleep" in this floating castle. Most certainly it was attracted by this flower's magical display. If its male counterpart were to arrive and kiss her, would she wake up? Would they then live happily ever after?

Storm's Aftermath

The remnants of Hurricane Ernesto blew through the area last night. After a pretty fierce storm with lots of wind and rain, the aftermath were the typical leaves and branches and power lines. One home I didn't expect to be likewise affected was a hive of wasps (black and cream/whitish striped). The swirl pattern of the hive was just gorgeous and reminded me of the geological patterns found in canyons. The shape could have been straight out of modern architecture or the Guggenheim Museum. Perhaps architects looked to nature for their ideas.

The poor hive was a mess though. Helpless grubs were laying out in the grass drying out and getting cold while the adult workers tried to salvage their home. Clearly, the home was ripped from the anchor point to reveal some of the 'rooms'. Many of the wasps were sluggish most likely due to the cool temps from the storm plus the damage to the hive which was now unable to maintain its toasty temp as the insulating walls had been breached. It was a sad state to witness, yet it's a universal experience for all creatures on this earth to go through and understand. There was nothing I could do to help (certainly without getting stung I'm sure), but nature is best left to her business.

The picture does not do this hive justice as these insect architects created a colorful home that the camera did not quite capture (this photographer's fault). Though wasps can be a nuisance, enjoyment and appreciation of what they and nature are truly capable of should be done before you bring out the insecticide.

Praying Mantis Blessings

I found a praying mantis in the house (not mine). What a treat! I had just come in from the back yard picking a ton of mating Japanese beetles off the peach trees when I spotted it above the door. I'm glad I was the one to see it because I'm sure it would have otherwise been killed for sure. They're not as accepting of bugs...even if they're beneficial. Anyhow, it was the 'boxing gloves' and pose which made me do a double take and go...is that a...??? =O of course, I let it out. =) Maybe it'll invite his friends over and a make a good meal of the other Japanese beetles I couldn't get to. I believe they are a sign of good garden! Maybe not...?

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz a Woolly Bear?

I happened to have come across a woolly bear caterpillar in the yard today. Supposedly, the relative thicknesses of the black band will predict how severe the coming winter will be. Alas, there's no truth to it. Anyhow, I decided to take him in from the cold for a little while. In trying to photograph him, I accidentally turned him over. The poor guy has got all of his little legs up in the air trying to right himself back. Awfully cute though. Eventually, I let him back out, but placed him in a protected area so he could reacclimate to the outside temps and have a better chance of survival...weather-wise. No idea where he'd find food...