Bugs

This looks like a cross between a wasp and a wood bee.
Any idea what it is? It look so evil, doesn’t it?

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In the garden

In Austin, TX the air is on fire. Almost daily highs over 100F since the beginning of June. Many record breaking days. Wishing it wasn’t so hot outside. I want to enjoy my garden a little more. Here are few things that are doing well in spite of  (maybe in some cases because of) the heat.
Surprise, my [...]

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Tree Trimming

I called a tree service on Sunday.

Got an estimate on Monday.

And got the trees trimmed on Saturday. The broken one is now significantly shorter and no longer a threat to our house.

Of three hackberry trees in the back, two were topped and the middle one was removed. This stump was cut level to the ground; [...]

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Surprise Expense

I looked out my backdoor this morning and saw this. Interesting how that tree has grown so close to the little pergola over the trough planter. 

Wait a minute. Something’s wrong. I went outside to inspect and sure enough the branch was really low. These branches are usually high over head. (Even Wally’s head.)

Then I saw [...]

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Baked in a pie

Meet what’s-her-name. I think she’s a wren, but I’m no good at naming birds. She lives in my back yard. Actually, in my back patio. Well, in the outdoor ceiling fan, with her babies.
Can you see the babies in the top of the fan? They have white throats and bellies. I spotted this family about [...]

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