Visitors

I'm taking advantage of this gorgeous weekend to get some outdoor work done, now that the rain has paused, and observed these visitors:

Orange sulphur butterfly
(Colias eurytheme)

Praying mantis

Sometimes you just need to keep your eyes open.

Inside, one of my houseplants is blooming.

Parlor palm
(Chamaedorea elegans)

Again, it helps to pay attention.

Otherwise, it has been another week of mulching and mowing. Today I even trimmed the yard. All the Halloween flamingos are out, including the new skeleton ones.

I see that one of my elderly neighbors (and by "elderly", I mean older than me) now has a scooter to help him get around the yard. There are days when I am about ready to give up on the house but I don't want to abandon the yard - it's not done yet! (Will it ever be done?) I guess once I can no longer take care of the yard myself, I will consider moving. But not yet. Not yet.

Bugs

I often feel like I live in an insect desert. But there are a few that show up and hold still long enough for me to photograph.

Mystery bug

Grasshopper

My daughter placed a basil plant where the drain from the HVAC exits her house (constant drip irrigation) and this fine specimen showed up. She suggested a water feature might attract more insects in my yard. I have a small, poorly designed fountain I rarely run, but in the past, insects have paused there for a drink, so maybe she has a point. She also has loads of crickets.

Praying mantis

Pineapple sage was an impulse purchase. I forgot how long it takes to bloom. If it weren't for our extended summer weather, it might not have made it.

Pineapple sage

I was under the weather this past week, but once I perked up, I managed to finish deconstructing the pile of not-asparagus that has been ruining the view. Today's outdoor activities were curtailed by some much needed rain. And so it goes.

I'm so excited!

Praying mantis hatchlings!