Yard Bugs

It had to be a bug again today.  The garden was teaming with interesting creatures and the only thing that interfered (for me) was the heat.  Still, I managed to spend a fair amount of time lurking around in the garden, poking about for new and/or interesting creatures.  This is a Transverse Banded Hover Fly, in the Syrphidae group of flower flies.  They are designed to look very much like a bee which makes them undesirable to many of the usual predators.  They are a relatively large species, slightly smaller than a honey bee, and they have a special fondness for rudbeckia (black/brown eyed Susans).  There were at least 3 on the little patch of flowers I had staked out when I took this shot.  

I also found a couple of my favorite species of bumble bee on the salvia in front of the house, Bombus perplexis.  Look for a blip soon.  

Our new sofa was delivered this morning and it looks really nice in the living room.  Also very comfy with two sections that recline.  Jax hasn't seen it yet (he's at Day Care) but I am certain he will approve.  We will look for a suitable movie to watch tonight to give it a proper test.  

My besties are all coming to the house this weekend so I've been doing some menu planning, cleaning, etc to get ready.  Arrivals start Thursday so I better get my act together!  Thankfully, it won't be quite as hot this weekend so we might even be able to sit out on the deck and patio.  

Dark with sea salt today.  

xo
Debbi