I Mostly Do Not Like Spiders

I mostly do not like spiders, especially when they are close to me.  But I admire this one spider that has chosen to share residence with us.  I marvel at his web structure (in spite of being partly anchored to a free-swinging pull-chain on our light) and applaud his location choice as it is largely sheltered from harsh weather (being inside our screened porch) and positioned perfectly to capture invading insects that are drawn to our light.  

And what is more, I think that she is really very beautiful, when you look closely.  This is not what I pictured when I read Charlotte's Web as a youngster -- this is even better!

Out My Office Window

I was looking out my office window the other day,
thinking that the clouds were particularly pretty
because of the light and shadows and interesting formations.

I thought, "I should take a picture,
just for fun,"
when I noticed a smudge out there in the clouds.

I wondered if that smudge was a distant airplane,
and where those on-board were traveling off to.
What great adventure awaited them?

But when I changed my focus,
I came to realize
that the smudge was an
altogether different kind
of adventurer.

"Rest your wings, little bug.
It looks like a storm is about to kick up."

An Unexpected Visit From an Unidentified Guest

This bug was on the outside of my office window. Do you know what kind it is? Read Cassandra's comment below to see that she has apparently solved the mystery. Click here.