Fall fashion for caterpillars

Fall is here, and all the fashionable caterpillars are modeling this season's hottest trends.

This trendsetter, a tomato hornworm, is shunning the mundane browns and reds of autumn and sporting a hip little green number. A single spine on the front provides a tasteful, understated statement.

Diagonal stripes are 2010's horizontal stripes!

"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Photographer"

Next on the catwalk (in this case, the Kat-walk) is the woolly bear.

Again, stripes are making a strong fashion statement, this time in a slimming and more traditional autumnal brown color.

Last, but certainly not least, we have this strange little fellow:

Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Aw, don't be shy! It's just you and me. Well yes, and some spawning salmon, but their eyes are averted and their attention diverted, I assure you.

Such lovely tresses, and three spikes!
Wow!
Ladies and gentlemen we have our fall fashion caterpillar queen!
Or king?

"I'd like to thank the little people, I mean worms, for this great honor..."

UPDATED 10-18-2010 to add that this guy is an Acronicta dactylina, aka a fingered dagger. They are uncommon but widely distributed, feed on alder (the same type of tree we found him in), and are very drab when they eventually become moths.

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Embracing autumn

Okay, I can handle it now.

A big storm came through right after that last post. The world was dreary and dark. It seemed like we'd never see sunlight again.

But, as they always do, the storm passed and we're now in the magical time of autumn. The sun's rays are hitting the yard in a new angle, illuminating the grass and garden and trees in a new way. The dew sits on the grass longer each morning, and the lawn is thicker and greener in the new cool weather than it was during the hot dry summer.

This morning, while mowing the lawn, I noticed the first fall crocus poking their heads up through the mulch. I love these little guys, and have trouble finding them for sale anywhere. That's an understatement, actually. I've NEVER seen them for sale anywhere!

Woolly-bear caterpillars are making their way across the roadways everywhere. I need a bumper sticker that says "Caution: brakes for caterpillars." Because I do. I admit it!

Grapes are ripening, tomatoes everywhere, pumpkins turning orange. It really does look like the season has changed in my yard. I'm glad, really.

Does anyone have a great recipe for zucchini bread? I have a decent recipe, but not a great one. I look forward to your contributions!