Watching A Spider

   Well, one storm is behind us without ever making itself noticeable.  The weather was beautiful today with only one late rain shower providing us with some much needed moisture for the gardens.  I had hoped for a bit more rain but the "tropical system once known as Marco" played itself out without much ado.  Now we await the other which is predicted to be a tad (or a lot depending on who is forecasting) stronger.  We shall see.

  While out and about, I noticed a large spider in her web on the back of the shed.  I decided to pay her a visit.  As I watched her carefully remove a leaf that had become caught in her web, I had to think of how the spider had to be happy that a hurricane did not come.  If a small leaf could rip a hole in her web, imagine if a hurricane had whipped debris in on her.  As it was, she meticulously removed the silk from each part of the leaf then, literally, tossed the leaf free from the web.  It was amazing to watch.  Then, Ms. Spider went about her business of repairing the damage much like we would repair the Little Bayou House if it had received hurricane damage. 

The spider's five foot in diameter web was so intricately woven that it reminded me of the netting we use in catching fish.  How in the world did a spider have that much patience and finesse to spin such a creation?  It is funny how as humans, we tend to think we are so much smarter than any other creature.  Here, this spider with her eight legs created a web by using "building material" she formed in her own body.  Who of us can do that?  Each leg of the web is incredibly strong and has thousands of cross bands to create the mesh.  Even with multiple repairs, the web is beautifully made and functions remarkably well.  While I was watching her, a horsefly became ensnared and the spider left her work to go bundle it in silk.  Doing that kept the fly from damaging her web even more and also kept it in a safe place until she had the time to dine upon it.  Watching the spider almost made me feel insignificant and pathetically inept.  I stand in awe of her ability.