Now I am no entomologist, but I believe this is Coccinella californica, also known as the California ladybird beetle, as my guy looks just like the ones in the photo. (You know, a ladybug, but not one of those evil invasive Asian varieties.) I think he may be native. Yay for native species!

I also had a little green inchworm on my lettuce this morning, but the camera was not handy. I love you, little green inchworm, but please stop eating my lettuce. Thank you!

Knitting, knitting... you know, it is hard to knit when it is 50 million degrees outside. But, block 16 of Absorba is finally done, all 20 purl ridges of it, and the next side is picked up and ready to go. 80% complete. I just have to keep reminding myself that the end is in sight. I can't wait, because there are a couple of other crafty home improvement projects I am keen on starting, but I will not start something new while so many other projects languish. I won't do it. It's all about willpower.