June 14, 2026

June 14, 2026  --  Coming up fast upon Summer (June 21)...  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!

The sudden appearance of so many Thistle-loving Tortoise Beetles has been something new and fascinating this year!  Well, it's evening and I think it's time to give everyone a rest.  

I slept on this blog and am getting it out to you on Monday morning instead of our usual Sunday afternoon.  Thanks for your patience!

Love, Martha