can you see how tightly bound up those branch tips are? not to mention the burdock burrs below, that have grabbed some of the branches and some of the caterpillar web in their velcro grip? what should be waving free in the wind is constricted and confined and a little sad looking. yes, family can do that to you sometimes.

webbed silken nest of the fall webworm caterpillar

arden hills, saint paul, minnesota

all the roadsides in my neck of the woods right now seem to have been dusted with gold. it appears almost every wildflower is yellow and showing off. goldenrod, goldeneye, black-eyed susans, hawkweed, sweet clover, jewelweed, and everyone’s favorite allergen, ragweed.  the dainty blue asters i showed yesterday are hiding out in the woodland wings while the scene-stealing september  yellows hog center stage.

a bouquet of yellow september wildflowers

north oaks, minnesota