Tiger Bee Fly - If you have carpenter bees, this fly is your friend. Parasitoid of Carpenter Bees: Female Tiger Bee Flies lay their eggs near the nest entrances of Eastern Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa virginica). When the larvae hatch, they crawl into the nest and feed on the carpenter bee larvae/pupae. Because of this, you’ll often spot them hovering around wooden structures, decks, or eaves where carpenter bees have drilled their tunnels. (AI Identification - Gemini)
 

 

Eastern Black Swallowtail - The dark coloration of the female Eastern Black Swallowtail is a form of Batesian mimicry. It mimics the Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), a toxic butterfly species that birds avoid eating due to the poisonous acids stored from its host plant. By resembling the Pipevine Swallowtail, the palatable Black Swallowtail gets a measure of natural protection from avian predators. (AI Identification - Gemini)

 Gladiolus: Gladioli are famous for their tall, dramatic flower spikes that bloom sequentially from the bottom upward. The trumpet-shaped blossoms feature ruffled petals, and they come in almost every color except true blue. (AI Identification - Gemini)

Evening Primrose - True to their name, standard evening primroses typically open in the late afternoon or early evening, staying open through the morning before wilting, though some species (like sundrops) stay open during the day. (AI Identified - Gemini)

 Closeup of Garden Phlox.

Helichrysum italicum, commonly known as the Curry Plant, Italian Strawflower, or Immortelle.  Clusters of bright, golden-yellow disc florets with a papery texture that retain their color even after drying (hence the name immortelle / everlasting).  (AI identified - Gemini)
 

Margined Calligrapher Fly - Notice the two large compound eyes and single pair of wings typical of flies (rather than bees or wasps, which have four wings). The distinct pattern of black markings down the center surrounded by a continuous yellow outer border along the abdomen gives this species its name. (AI identified, Gemini)

Garden Phlox - another blessing of summer flowers. A classic perennial native to North America. It is celebrated for its huge, fragrant flower clusters that bloom from mid-summer into early autumn, filling a gap when many spring flowers have faded.

 I didn't leave the house for the 4th. I was dog-sitting. The 4th is NOT his favorite holiday. PTSD for canines. Here is my 250th celebration photo! And the words that kept the dream alive...

The American Crisis (No. I) — By Thomas Paine

Published December 19, 1776

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER"; and if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God...

I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood, and are yet determined to stand the matter out: I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake.

Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.

It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.

...By perseverance and fortitude we have the prospect of a glorious issue; by cowardice and submission, the sad choice of a variety of evils—a ravaged country—a depopulated city—habitations without safety, and slavery without hope. Look on this picture and weep over it! and if there yet remains one thoughtless wretch who believes it not, let him suffer it unlamented.

 At the shore. Air quality. Not good. Yes, there is room for you at the beach. Still inhaling residue from forest wildfires many, many miles away. Nevertheless - good enough for Bob to keep on walking...

 Sometimes, as we watch the world go by, there is not much to see. This day - lazy, hazy, crazy with a touch of Canadian smoke.  Lesson - "Make your own kinda music."

This is not the world's longest mile, but for me, it was. It defines the distance between two points. My bladder and relief. The closest comfort station seems to be the one on the horizon. I appreciate the walkway. I appreciate the availability of running water to rinse my feet, but... the boardwalk's sheltered stalls don't seem to be closer. Again, a motivator for me to keep walking.

 Took an outing to Cape May. For me, it was a grand experiment. Can I get enough walking in to strengthen my back and legs?  Rehab after an accident can be very taxing. Fortunately, Cape May was just what I needed. There was enough eye candy to keep me occupied and walking.  The best walking exercise I've had all year.  This fence caught my eye with its combination of shadow, light, and sand.   

 Karen Calastri is a remarkably gifted artist whose oil paintings and watercolors masterfully capture the play of light, dramatic shadows, and rich, physical texture. Transitioning from a corporate finance career into the arts—first through textured ceramics and later through intensive training at the Wayne Art Center—she possesses a unique ability to translate the tactile world onto canvas. Whether painting evocative plein air landscapes, historic barns, or whimsical animal portraits, Calastri’s creative gift lies in her vibrant use of color and her capacity to infuse everyday coastal and rural scenes with warmth and depth. Today, her highly sought-after work is celebrated throughout regional juried exhibitions and fine art shows across southeastern Pennsylvania and the East Coast.     https://www.karencalastrifineart.com/

Today's photo was taken during a thunderstorm. The rosebud was safe on the porch. Beautiful indirect light.

Love the blooms of Spring.

 It is the season for summer flowers like this volunteer Black-eyed Susan.

Overlooking one of the approaches the British might initiate an attack from. The troops were on high ground which was a strategic advantage.

 After many years, I returned to Valley Forge.  Came for the wild flowers. But there were few to be seen where I was trekking. This is one of the barracks that the troops stayed in over their winter at Valley Forge.

Renee Good - ICE Protest Lansdale, PA 01/11/2025