| CARVIEW |
Not my neighborhood, thank goodness, but just a few hillsides away. It started at 6:30, and by the evening had already begun to expand, finding plenty of fuel in the dry scrub on one of the hottest days of the year. Unfortunately, it was looming over a relative’s house, who lives just below the lower glowing ridge. Thankfully, thus far it seems to be moving away from the homes; I pray it continues to do so.
-o.o-
While the bees have continued to do what bees do, it seems this little colony does not have a fertile queen. It’s been a couple weeks since I looked in on them, and while it was clear the last time that they weren’t exactly thriving, it looked as though at least some of the combs had a little honey. This morning it was almost eerily quiet over there. and peeking in it seems as though there are maybe a quarter of the bees left, and while they were actively walking the comb they don’t seem to be buzzing around at all. On the one hand, it’s a relief, as they are not in an ideal spot for human and canine interactions. On the other, it’s also a little sad. Like all things marvelous, it’s been a gift to be able to glimpse a bit of their life cycle.
-0.0-
It’s become a yearly practice to buy a couple of mantis pods to help keep the aphids in check. Each pod releases an army of tiny mantises, but it’s impossible to say how many survive for any length of time. They do keep the aphids down, though.
-o.o-
Half flew away after a week or so. The rest have decided to stay on and set up a home. At some point, we’ll have to relocate them, but for now it is amazing to see them in action.
-o.o-
Mockingbirds love the sound of their own voices. Especially in the middle of the night when all sane birds are either sleeping or making very low, subtle sounds like the hoot of an owl. Mockingbirds, though, prefer to show off their skills and daring by emulating the most shrill, obnoxious, attention-getting sounds they have ever heard, over and over again. Car alarms, house alarms, alarm clocks, all presented right outside the bedroom window starting relentlessly at 3 am.
If I weren’t so tired, I’d be impressed.
-o.o-
A Work in Progress