Insects Again, I Guess

So I've had this Bird of Paradise bush for about five years now, first in a pot, then planted next to the house.  It never bloomed - until just this past month, apparently.  Notice the big chew holes in the leaves.  I haven't seen what is eating it.  However.....

 

Take a look-see at this cocoon, or whatever it is. 

Now there is some architecture to that sucker!  Looks like it's made of tiny sawed-off sticks, not more than 1/4 inch long.

I was brave (though you'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now) and Googled cocoons and came up with (possibly) a bagworm cocoon (???) that turns into some sort of moth.  I'm not sure.  I can't look at any more pictures online -- too many ookie, gooey, slimey worm stuff; I'm just not down with the whole metamorphosis thing.  Worms are worms and they are gross.

Oh yeah, there are about four of these things hanging in the shrubbery.  If anyone knows what they will turn into, please let me know.  In the meantime, I'll be sending out my haz-mat suit to the dry-cleaners.  --cds

In Which Baby Goes To Its First Car Show

Probably the most coddled of our vehicles was loaded up and trailered (even though it runs just fine) to its first car show yesterday.

 



Here is Jim and his 1941 Dodge WC 1/2 ton with the 218 flathead 6 (I must get the lingo just right!), all set up at the Highland Park Labor Day Car Show.

There were more than 450 vehicles at this show, all types and ages, of muscle cars, Corvettes, hot rods, and other vintage autos.  Early on, Jim's truck won a Sponsor's Choice ribbon.

James talked and yakked so much with visitors, his voice was a little hoarse by day's end.

Shiney fender photos....

And, then, at day's end, TA-DA!!!  Winner of a trophy for one of the Top Ten vehicles at the show.

Very proud indeed.  And I don't mind saying very well deserved, either.  He has put nearly 40 years of hard work into this truck -- off and on work, depending on our finances and kids and work schedules, etc.  However, I foresee many more car shows in my future.  I need to start stockpiling books and knitting projects.  --cds