A few days ago, after an early evening deluge, as the sun dropped behind the trees, it sent shafts of light into the mist rising from the clearing next door, creating a golden earthbound cloud.

Pretty to look at but hell to breath.

Yes, summer's here in all its hideous humidity. And there are insects. An hour ago a large, stinging insect, activated the office defense system -- a can of bug poison we keep handy. It took only about half the can to knock the monstrosity out of the sky. Mary reckoned the long, pointed bit wasn't a stinger but a wood bore, or an egg depositor. (I was shaking too hard to focus my eyes) As if it'd be OK to be drilled or used for a larvae host.

Later, when I went to tie back my sodden hair, a small spider fell out. I kept thinking I was glimpsing something moving out of the corner of my eye. I need to get my hair cut before autumn.