Day Two Hundred Twenty Two 2011

In the mood for some random shots taken with my trusty cell phone camera in the Solaris color setting. Happy Middle Of The Week, everyone!

Day Two Hundred Twenty One 2011

I think it's called a paper wasp because of the way it builds a nest. Could be a hornet or a yellow jacket. No matter what the name, they've been determined to build right outside my back door. I squirted them with wasp killer and it just made them mad, but they did finally go away. Or so I thought. Neil and I were sitting on the swing on the back porch and I looked up and saw this hanging over our heads. Had my camera with me so I took his picture (with my long lens). I guess he thought if he built his nest under the eave, he wouldn't be seen. Even though they eat other insects, which can be good, I don't want anything with a stinger hanging around my porch. Now, where's my wasp killer....

Day Two Hundred Twenty 2011

Hubby Neil is gearing up for phase two of the ceiling renovation, pulling down the last of the crown molding and ceiling tile pieces. It's not an easy job when you have to balance on a ladder and climb over furniture that can't easily be moved out of the way. The bead board ceiling on this side of the living room is not level in some places (no big surprise in this old house) and will require some thoughtful tweaking before Neil can even begin to install the tin ceiling tiles. It's slow going but it's getting there. Stay tuned.

Day Two Hundred Nineteen 2011

My little hummingbird friend came back again this afternoon. Even with my long lens, it was hard to get a really good shot of him. I didn't want to stand any closer and scare him away. In some of the pictures, he looks like a butterfly or maybe a stealth aircraft. He was crazy fast. I wonder if he ever stops.

Day Two Hundred Eighteen 2011

I was on the deck this afternoon, ready to snap a picture of my colorful Lantana, when this little hummingbird suddenly appeared in my viewfinder. I was already focused on the flower, so I got off one click of the shutter before he was gone. Pretty cool. I think they call this serendipity.