Speaking of crawly things...

Dear Diary,

They are back!  The Tussock Moth caterpillar makes an appearance each year in mid-August.  I was out checking on the progress of my Helenium and there it was.  Cute to look at but don't touch!  Those spikey things can cause an awful skin rash.  Children are especially susceptible since they can't resist touching them.

So glad most of the tent caterpillars are gone.  Those things just make my skin crawl.  I haven't seen my locust or grasshoppers yet but the crows have started to patrol the field in back so I suspect they are there.  I love how you can almost tell the date by the activity in the yard.  Nature has a schedule and she keeps by it!