Yesterday. Two More Days,Two Golden Hours, Carolina Summer...

 5:39 p.m. Leaving the office. I've been seen.

5:55 p.m. In the yard, leaving for Jay's soccer game. Oops, now they've seen me too.

 6:49 p.m. The stadium's filling up. This guy's not full yet, but he looks like guano.

 6:59 p.m. Kickoff's been delayed by a few minutes. Just enough time for a snack!

 7:02 p.m. We're officially behind schedule, but this fellow doesn't seem to mind.

 7:03 p.m. Sundown is minutes away. Don't block my rays!

7:42 p.m. The beautiful game, Southern style. The blog can wait 'til tomorrow!

Still Life at Sunset - Carolina Mantis

Day yields to night on the pond margin. One final wink from the sun. Fade to black.

Carolina mantis watches in silence.

Somewhere near, another mantis waits. His body senses her presence.

It is nearly dark. For now, he must eat.

But then they will meet. And they will mate. And then, ... fade to black.

Eye Spy the Butterfly

The greenbrier leaves have lost some lustre. Glossy green gives way to yellow and brown. Summer winds down. Spots play games with the eyes. 

The mantis meditates, motionless 'midst the green and brown and yellow, one with its milieu...

Some sources say its raptor's spikes can strike twice in the blink of an eye.

Fly, Buckeye, fly!