Several years ago on a hot August afternoon, I found this Leopard Grasshopper sitting on my quartz stone at my front porch. I guess, it was looking for shade from the sun. For quite some time I sat next to it, while it watched me carefully. After capturing some photos, I left it alone. And when the sun began to set, it left the porch and hopped on its way.
I love August! A lot of flowers in all kind of shades of yellow, orange and reds bloom and attract dragonflies, butterflies and hummingbirds at this time of the year. Here are a few photos of some blooms and the smallest dragonfly, I’ve ever seen before.
A few years back, Kevin and I planted a peach tree in our backyard. Luckily it was producing fruit in the same year. But back then, we had five peaches growing. And Mr. Squirrel had his own way of sharing: Four peaches for him, one for us as a family of four. I quartered the last peach, so we all could enjoy a little slice of fresh “heaven”.
The following year, we’ve got about a dozen peaches. And Mr. Squirrel was much more generous: He took his four peaches and left us with the eight remaining fruits.
This Spring, our peach tree was in full bloom. And we could tell, we would get tons of peaches this Summer. But I’ve noticed they are a little bit smaller this year. I wonder, if the drought has a big factor in it. The tree didn’t get as much water as in the previous years. And I might have to consider some fertilizer for the next season. So, while Mr. Squirrel, the Blue Jays, Mrs. Mockingbird and Mrs. Sparrow are happily munching away my peaches, I had to rescue some for ourselves. On Monday, I filled up a bowl. And when those fruits are gone, I have to grab some more from the tree. In the meantime, Luis keeps Mr. Squirrel in check. Mr. Squirrel is allowed everywhere on our property, but not on the peach tree. As soon as the Squirrel jumps in that tree, Luis is getting havoc. Once he gets outside, he chases the squirrel across the fence. “No, no! No peaches for you, Mr. Squirrel.”
Fresh, homegrown peaches from our tree in the backyard
Last night, Mars was at its closest approach to Earth with a distance of only 35.8 million miles (57.6 million kilometers), this year. In August 2003 the two planets were just slightly little closer with a distance of 34.6 million miles (55.6 million kilometers). The next time, when the Red Planet is closest to Planet Earth will be in the year 2035.
Tonight, I’ve got a good view of Mars on my street. At 10:00 PM CDT it is clearly visible in the southeastern sky. (08-01-2018)
Lughnasadh is the first of the three harvest season festivals. It will be followed by Mabon at the Autumn Equinox. And the season will end with Samhain/Halloween.
