June 7, 2026

June 7, 2026  --  A lovely start to a new month!  that blue Columbine is still in place.  It was a quiet week - but let's see what we CAN say has happened.

What a strange week it has begun and continues to be. I'm clueless on the first picture here.  But I suspect that the second picture, like the third, is one of the Thistle-loving Beetles (Thistle Tortoise Beetles) that have begun appearing on the Thistle plants that are taking over the front yard gradually.  You can see the sharp prickles on the plants in both of these two last photos.  Note: in picture 2, you are seeing TWO of the Beetles, just as you are in picture 3; but in picture 2 one Beetle seems smaller than the other, whereas in picture 3 the two Beetles seem about the same size.  I'm hoping to understand this phenomenon before too long!

Here is another of those Beetles (apparently a Thistle-loving Tortoise Beetle) that seems to like the Thistly plants.  And one of the Thistle plants that is quickly taking over a section of the yard. 

The Peonies are still blooming.   And this young Conifer is still puzzling me.  I don't know where it came from!

what is happening here?  Another (or the same one) of those Thistle-loving Tortoise Beetles?  Yes, I'd say so.  One or the other...  Well, it's evening and I think it's time to give everyone a rest.  Maybe tomorrow there will be some new action.  

I'll probably sleep on this blog and get it out to you tomorrow morning.  Thanks for your patience!

Love, Martha