Eyes of Blue

Now that I've tried to figure out what dragonfly this is, I realize I didn't get a clear enough picture of the requisite parts. At least it sat still for me--usually they're flying just out of reach. Amazingly comfortable outside with (what else?) a cooling breeze.

Lavender's Blue

We yanked the huge pink marguerite daisy out of the corner of the garden and planted okra in its place. Smaller marguerites, offspring of the first, are still there. And the bee-luring lavender is too, of course.

Progress

Cooler but overcast and humid--as humid as it gets around here, that is. And we have proof that the bees indeed made a showing: numerous baby lemons are swelling in size. This one isn't quite an inch long.

Shades of Sherbet

It's been a while since we've had a striking sunset. There haven't been many clouds until today. Hot but starting to mellow out.

Blossoming Even As We Gaze

The heat has returned but the sunflowers look pretty darn good against the clear sky. These particular flowers are about seven feet high. The bees were incidental to the shot but, since I'm a bug nut, they get to stay.

Female of the Species

Ms. Carpenter Bee this time around. They sure are huge and distinctive critters plus it's fun to say Xylocopa varipuncta. Warming up outside again.

The Lost

The nest fell sometime this weekend. I don't know what bird built it or if it was ever occupied. But today was a beautiful holiday and day for remembering.

Doddering

Dodder has wrapped its parasitic self around the riverbank willows and twisted through the wild roses. It's such an odd color that it stands out immediately. Saw another creepy coyote today and wondered about making willow whistles like my grandmother did.

Cabbage White

Butterflies, bees, and dragonflies flying just in front of me. Quail crossing the path, a snake disappearing into the grass, and jack rabbits romping about. A gorgeous, breezy day that I enjoyed both along the river and in the garden.

Rheumatism

I barely made it outside since I had so many chores that needed to be done. Blue skies and gentle breezes apparent through the windows. Tomorrow I'll walk by the river.

Let It Bee

I believe this is a long-horned bee of the Eucerini tribe. Saw several species of tiny-to-small bees on the coreopsis with this being but one example. The variety of nature is mind-blowing when I pay attention--glad I've been paying attention!

Hangin' Out

Just as I approached, this carpenter bee touched down for a moment. He hung by one leg and scratched his abdomen with the remaining five. Then he took off and resumed his hovering routine.

Nasty Old 'urtium

I've never been a nasturtium lover but they're in the hummingbird seed mix that I scattered in pots on my deck. So far they're the most recognizable of the seedlings. I hope they are attractive to the hummers when they bloom.

Oh, The Calla Lilies

It's a wonderful low seventies temperature outside at the moment with a strong breeze. So much appreciated after yesterday's 102. We were being tempered for summer.

Red Hot

Already well over ninety degrees (97 actually) and we haven't even gotten to the hottest part of the day yet. I watered the garden early this morning and I won't be going out there again today, that's for sure. We already have ripe zucchini.

Pirouette

The car thermometer read 101 degrees this afternoon. It's decidedly hot and the air conditioner drones. Luckily we got most of our activities done this morning while it was relatively cool.

Aye, Aye, Skipper

Our tomatoes are now caged. The skipper butterflies are fluttering about. And, we're enjoying our day off.

Afternoon Glory

Flowers cheery and perky. Me: cheerful but not so awake. A heat wave approaches.

On Thyme

Ladybugs make me happy so their pictures appear here as often as possible. They've been hanging around in the garden all spring. That's good luck, one hopes.

Goldbug

At last (though blurry): a picture of a male carpenter bee. Seriously, these guys never land. Makes me think of Richard Scarry books and the pleasures of childhood.

Sunning

Moving slowly because, after all, it is Monday. I think the turtles have the right idea: hang out and soak up the rays. Warm day with a delta breeze tonight.

Bee Happy

I didn't know bees had such a taste for oxalis flowers but the plants were abuzz. Warm but comfortable day. Spent it with my mom.

Growing

Home again and checking in on the ducklings. They're all feathered out and so much bigger. They're used to me taking their picture by now, I guess.

Desert Moon

Full moon and cooling with a gentle breeze and grass underfoot. Violin and accordion accompaniment. Smelled like I remember from childhood evenings in the desert.

Aloft

The earth was a patchwork quilt but the billowing clouds were the real show stopper. Clouds look like snow and then there's the real snow on the peaks. A fascinating view.

Theophilus Thistle

I don't think this ladybug has thumbs so it can't thrust 3000 thistles through the thick of one. I'm loopy from lack of sleep. And, it's warming up again.

Overblown

The peonies can barely hold themselves up after all the rain. Humidity reigned today and more heat than expected. Party on!

Persistence

Dark and humid but no rain as of yet today. Recent rains induced this cluster of mushrooms to squeeze its way up through a tiny crack between the sidewalk and a brick wall. Amazing organisms, mushrooms.

Tiny Dancer

Pitifully little watery sunshine peeked through the clouds late this afternoon. My plants think we're living in Seattle. I want some sun.

Hover

Another soggy and dark day in the neighborhood--unusual but not unheard of in May. This hummingbird risked it. Too bad I had to use a flash and washed out its color.

Orchidelerium

Significant rainfall which is good but makes for a dreary day. Fortunately, a couple of my orchids are starting to bloom. And the garden will enjoy the moisture.