Took a look outside today.  It's the first day of autumn and there is  change in the air.  The scent of  smoke and spice fill the air and the ground is cool beneath my feet.  This is my favorite time of year with lazy golden afternoons and cool, crisp nights. 

I found two visitors in my garden today.  One is flagrant and the other is less conspicuous.  I'm not a bug person, but have to admire their unique characteristics and place in nature.  That's as long as the place is outside my home. :)



Big spider, not sure of it's name.  I do like the lacing effect at the bottom of the web.




Nope, not a twig.  It's a walking stick insect.  As of this afternoon, it's traveled a whopping distance of 10 inches.  Wow!