November 24, 2024

Here it is - what you've been waiting to see.  Yes, when I got up on November 21, there was already a light dusting of snow around the Pond.  Within an hour, the snow was melted and we didn't get any more that day, but this is what counts as the first snow of the season! We're sure to see much much more of this white stuff as the Winter progresses.  I have a feeling I'm not supposed to call this little breach of evidence Winter, but stick to Fall, but in my own idea of how the world works, Snow means Winter, so I'm going to call this the first moment of Winter!  

The colors of Autumn, though, have been softening.  I didn't realize how much of that Euonymus had spread around the whole back yard - I'd thought it was a decoration for the entrance to the house.  In picture 2, you can see an Eastern Grey Squirrel searching for treats under the leaves.

Back to the Front yard Euonymus, before losing its leaves and leaving only the delicious red seeds.

Back to the Graph Hyacinths in the tiny front yard; also the Primroses or Poppies or some of each.

Another possible Trichocera genus Fly.  These were so popular in the past couple of weeks!  This week I've only spotted this one.  Let's see what Bugs or Beetles life is throwing at us this week!  Here's a possible Drymus genus bug, followed by a Leafhopper of some sort.  Number 4 is another Leafhopper.  Number 5 is an Oak Gall Wasp of some kind.  

Here are a few possible Barklice.  I'm not at all sure what they are, sorry, but the last one looks like a Nymph of some kind.

Here is the Pond with the net moved off so you can see the Water Lily plants that are still alive down there.  I will still be clipping off the dead and dying leaves and stems before putting the heater on top of the Pond.

The Fishes were spending their day down at the bottom of the Pond.  I'll still try to get you a last picture for the week (or maybe longer!)  In the meantime, please enjoy your nature and help working for its preservation!  Love, Martha