Cabbage Moths

These are "only" Cabbage moths, the common, unwelcome, non-native pests one sees everywhere. Arent't they lovely?

More Sunflower Happiness

Hurray for the Garden!

Double-posting today out of garden happiness.

One of the seed packets I bought in my wild seed-purchasing this year was a package of convovulus. They sprouted all right, but I've had a hard time setting them out--mostly, I think, because I've been trying to add them to established pots of sunflower and they're not getting enough water.

Anyway, the first one finally bloomed today! I love the little gold heart.

And, speaking of sunflowers, I'm enjoying them to no end, and so are the bees.

No Parking

Really. Do not park there. They mean it. Several times over and in multiple colors, all over the lot.

Creative Carrying

This really does make a rather good carry-case for plants.

Losing the Balboa Fun Zone Carousel

Balboa carousel told to mosey on
This makes me very sad.

The carousel is one of the bright spots by the bay, a joyful combination of music, sun, and laughter.

And now it's only there until September 25.

Ride it while you can.

Just Joey Rose

This is one of my favorite garden roses. It's a good natured and beautiful both.

Katydid

I am pretty sure this is a katydid. I wonder if it's an adolescent fork-tailed bush katydid? Maybe even the same one I saw in an earlier incarnation?

A Squirrel in a Palm Tree

Look who has decided to visit our palm tree.

I wonder, how long has s/he been there? Is this a new resident, or a visitor? Should I do anything about it? Could I do anything about it if I decided I wanted to?

It's a Wasp Eat Caterpillar World

I thought this wasp seemed to be flying a little oddly, so I followed her to her landing point, and sure enough, she was carrying something. I didn't see her nest, unfortunately.

Edit: I asked about this on bugguide (naturally), and it's a Polistes dominula aka the European Paper wasp. The adults drink nectar, but they feed chewed up caterpillars to their young.

Safety Owl

Sunflowers!

It is so good to have sunflowers again!

 

 

Of course, they're sort of in the way of the clothesline, but still... it's great having them again!

Wolf Spider

A SpiderWatch post In which I express my surprise at the amazing abilities of a spider.

Leftover Fourth of July Decorations

Isn't he cute?

This looks to me like the vehicle they drove to the parade. I cannot decide whether that was brave or foolhardy.

Why?

Seriously? People will pay to stand inside a hurricane? Why?

Pictures of the 107th Fourth of July Parade in Huntington Beach

I try to make sure to get to the parade in time to see the planes. I'm not sure how they decide when they'll come, though.

 

My favorite decorations from this year.

Patriotic Yarn Bombing