I’m taking the summer off from blogging. All is well, I’m just not feeling it, if you know what I mean. I’ll probably be back after Labor Day. Jean will be home some time in July, and staying with me for a month or so until her husband is discharged; I’d like to give her my full attention when I don’t have to be out earning a living. When she heads out, I’ll be back to enthrall all of you with my wit and wisdom. Have a great summer!

When you have a pest problem, like fire ants, does it really make sense to import another pest, like parasitic flies, to combat it?  Texas thinks so.

Fire ants lose heads over parasitic flies – Health & Science – News & Observer

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Just to reinforce the point that these ants are, in fact, zombies, the video below explains in no uncertain terms exactly what a zombie is:

I planted these two years ago, but they haven’t bloomed before this year.  I’d pretty much given up on them.  I’m blaming ‘transplant shock’ for the first year, and a significant drought/watering ban for last year.  This year, they’re making up for lost time!

Funny part is, I only remember planting one variety; looks like I’ve got three.  Bonus for me!

As always, click to enlarge.

One of my cats (I don’t know which one) brought me a gift.  It’s a lizard.  I have no idea what kind of lizard.  It was dead when I found it on the kitchen floor.  The cats seem to enjoy bringing live lizards, salamanders, skinks, and small rodents into the house, releasing them, and then chasing them to death.  They rarely have a mark on them when I find their little carcasses.

This is a new species for them.  I’ve never seen a lizard quite like this before.  Anyone?  Beuhler?  Click to embiggify.

Alex was released from the hospital yesterday.  The family is thrilled to have him home.  Here he is with Sgt. Fred.  I’m so happy that Fred was able to come home and spend some time with his newborn son.

Here he is with big brother Jonathan.  I think my niece will have her hands full in a couple of years!