Fall Spiders!

  Fall has just got to be right around the corner if for no other reason than I am ready.  Down here in the Deep South, we don't "get" fall like everyone else so we "make" fall.  Wishful thinking can do amazing things!  As soon as August ends and September rolls in, we immediately "fall" everything! Decorations are put up, spices are hauled out and, oh my, the leaves start to change colors!  No, wait.  That is not here.  We have leaf color only it is green.  That green usually hangs around until about January but our wishful thinking doesn't mind.  It is fall.

  Today, I found another giant orb weaver spider.  A huge, palm-sized beauty had strung her web between the groundsel bush and a pier post.  This was yet another black and yellow garden spider like the shed door guardian.  I love these gigantic spiders simply because, while they appear intimidating, they are rather docile.  I also love them because they are harbingers of fall!  Yep, Pop always said that finding these spiders and the huge webs meant that fall was right around the corner.  Pop was smart with the ways of nature so I am grasping to his bit of wisdom here.  My spiders herald fall.

  As I was sitting admiring the beauty of the latest spider find, I pondered if Pop was on to something. The best thing I could do was look up about the critters.  Sure enough, it seems that the spiders stay hidden until they are ready to mate and lay eggs.  The female spins her large web and waits for a suitable husband to wander by.  After his visit, she usually eats him for dinner and the proceeds with weaving a lovely cocoon for her eggs.  This golden orb will house her babies until the next spring.  Fall is the egg-laying time for the orb weaver spiders.  Ahh, good to know!

  So, Pop was right once again.  The "Fall" spiders are coming into view so all is right with the world.  Those of us that have been fall ready for the past few months are happy to know that "our" time is nigh!  Happy Fall, y'all!  Let me go check for fall colors...yep!  The Fall Spiders are here with all of their beautiful hues!