Spiders And Flowers
Out in the yard today, I came across a couple of amazing spiders. So I grabbed the camera and proceeded to try to take some photos.
I love spiders. Spiders are noble creatures. They do not feed off carrion, or the leftovers from the labors of others. A spider builds a magnificent web, symmetrical and shiny and deadly. He works so very hard to gain a meal for the day. I love the glistening sheen of the morning dew reflected from an intricate web. And there is equally something fascinating about watching the beast methodically move in for the kill, it's prey hopelessly entrapped. The spider knows it, and thus has no hurry.
This lady fashioned her handiwork across my front porch. She had an interesting marking upon her belly, red and looking like an even more menacing version of arachnid. I try to avoid disturbing a web, because I'm aware that it takes the better part of the night for the tireless production. Besides, a spider is simply doing what it does best, and who am I to disturb the task and accompanying work of art? But this web has been woven in a busy place, and could entrap the mailman or a visiting friend. So for human sake, the web had to go. I was careful not to hurt the little creature. Her displeasure was obvious as she spewed some kind of venom generally in my direction. I used a stick to transplant her to the corner of the yard.
Now, this lady lives in the corner of the house, a safe place for her and my fellow humans. She did not like my meddling presence, and proceeded to shake her web in a rhythmic and strangely mesmerizing manner. I watched for a while, and then left her alone. I'm sure she soon forgot about my intrusion, and resumed the task of insect vampirism. Yes, it is strange, but I like spiders.
Here's some pictures of flowers that have somehow, amazingly, survived the drought to pop up from last year's planting. I think they are pretty. Not as pretty as spiders, of course.
10.18.07 (10:06 pm) [
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posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
10.18.07 (8:40 pm)
I wish I could say that I share your appreciation of the spiders, but I just can't. I don't consider myself 'scared' of them, I just don't like them. I think it might have to do with the multiple times as a child I'd accidentially run through a web and be forced to take a bath in the middle of the afternoon! lol
posted by:
LadyG (
reply)
post date:
10.18.07 (9:06 pm)
Nice pictures PD.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.18.07 (10:54 pm)
Great pics.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (5:47 am)
oh PD. you are truly a sick, sick man. LOL
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (9:05 am)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Their place is not in our homes, of course. But outside, doing what they do best and bothering no one, a spider is a great creature to observe. So busy. They come in amazing colors and variations. And the webs can be spectacular.
I remember, when a kid, some relative from somewhere far away advocated using spider webs as medicine/sealant for cuts and wounds. I wouldn't do it, of course, unless stranded in the jungles of Cambodia with the Khmer Rouge hot on my trail.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (9:31 am)
Reply to: LadyG
Thanks. My camera is nothing spectacular. Family and friends have more expensive ones with more bells and whistles. Mine's a 4 mpx Vivitar, with 3X zoom. But it works quickly, takes clear photos, and is merciful on the batteries.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (9:32 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
That's what my probation officer tells me.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (9:34 am)
Reply to: surrogate
I'm still awaiting my prized photo, yet to come: PastorDave & surrogate, smiling, next to a golf cart.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (11:44 am)
I bet you wouldn't admire spiders as much if you were a bug! Any idea what varieties these are?
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.19.07 (3:14 pm)
I'd guess that'll happen after the draught is over... probably sometime after Christmas. Can you pull a bunch of PastorDave strings and get us on East Lake?
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
10.20.07 (5:02 am)
"The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
And the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again!"
The perseverance of the spider ~ just keeps on working, minding his own business, trying to fend for himself ...
I enjoyed your photos, or 'snaps' as referred to on a British show I saw the other day ~ not that we are British, it just caught me offguard!
Hope you and yours are doing well ~ have a good day!
posted by:
emerging (
reply)
post date:
10.21.07 (8:54 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
I'm all for perseverence, but wouldn't it be better to learn from your mistakes and find a new place to crawl? :)
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
10.21.07 (10:26 pm)
Reply to: emerging ~ yes, but it is just a spider!!!
:D
posted by:
IntricateGirl (
reply)
post date:
10.23.07 (3:44 pm)
If that one in the third photo is the one with the red marks, I'd move her a little farther out in the yard. It looks suspiciously like a black widow from what I can see.
I'm afraid I don't share your appreciation of spiders. They have way too many legs for my comfort level.
