Aphids!

There is a tree in my front yard that I was "requested" to trim by the electricity mob because they though it was too close to the power lines. No problem. A chance to use the chainsaw.

Obviously, a tree growing in Toilet Town has to be hardy. This one is coming back stronger than ever.

All along the new shoots are what I think are Aphid bugs. The interesting thing is that ants appear to be tending them.

I think that means one of two things:

1. The Aphids secrete some sort of food that the ants like, so the ants protect them.

2. The Aphids are packing handguns and the ants are scared.

I think the second is more likely...