The Summer of Ladybugs

Mountain Living #2

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This past summer we saw an infestation of ladybugs. They were everywhere. The air was thick with them. I couldn't walk from the house to the car without having to pick several out of my hair.

At first it was awe-inspiring--I had never
seen so many ladybugs in one place.

They would congregate together in huge bunches (apparently mating) when the sun was in and then take to the air en masse, filling the sky, when the sun came out.

The local news did a report on the phenomenon and said they would disperse in a few weeks.

They didn't.

The nights started to get cooler on the mountain and I was sure they would depart for greener (and warmer) pastures. They didn't.

We got a foot of snow last week and endured many cold, snowy days. Surely that would take care of them.

Au contraire. They are as numerous (if not more so) than ever and are still at it, eager to reproduce.

Now that the sun is out again, they are still filling the air!

I wonder if they will be around all winter??

A few videos from the summer

Winter Comes Early in the Mountains

Mountain Living #1

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        First Day of Fall: September 22, 2009

Winter has come early to the mountain. Our first real snowfall dropped more than a foot of snow--and it's still coming down. It's lovely to watch--but I admit that I'm not quite ready for winter yet. The aspens haven't even started to turn here at the house.

And it's always strange to see snow clinging to green leaves. . .