Clearwing Sphinx Hummingbird Moth

This little guy was visiting a floral booth during our recent trip to the Waukesha Farmer's Market. At first, someone said, "Oh, no - a wasp!"  Then someone else chimed in, "No, it's a hummingbird!"  But upon further inspection, we realized it was a Clearwing Sphinx Moth, also known as a hummingbird moth. My camera could not quite capture the wings because of their constant high-speed motion, but you can see its long beak-like tongue as it drinks flower nectar (below).  It also has a cousin in these parts called White-Lined Sphinx (or Hawk) Moth.

Bright Bikes

These two cute bicycles were parked outside our local Starbucks on a pleasant day earlier this spring.  Love the color and they look pretty comfy, too!

Fireworks!

One of the splendid fireworks displayed over Pewaukee Lake on the Fourth of July. So many communities around here in southeast Wisconsin had their celebrations canceled because of the near draught conditions and increased chance of fire.  However, since Pewaukee shoots theirs over the lake, they were allowed to continue.

'29 Chevy

A very nice old black '29 Chevy from the car show mentioned the other day. Reminds me of those old gangster movies!

Car Show

Recently there was an old collector's car show in the parking lot of the Seven Seas restaurant in Delafield. While certainly not the oldest model there, this bright blue Ford Mustang caught my eye!

Gator Guard?

This "faux" alligator is just guarding a friend's pool and keeping the birds at bay.  Well, that was the initial plan.  She says they're too smart - since the gator never moves, they just ignore it now.  Still - at first glance - kind of a scary image!

Breakfast!

Every so often, we go out for breakfast at The Crossings, a cute little diner located where Pewaukee meets Waukesha meets Brookfield... at the intersection of Hwy M and Redford Rd. and the railroad tracks. It's only been around for a few years, but already has a loyal following. My "usual" is the Greek Gyros Omelet, loaded with feta, lamb, and tomatoes, served with a side of Tzatziki sauce. Highly recommended!

Uncle Sam

This friendly, elderly gentleman was posted outside our local Pick-N-Save grocery store last weekend. In honor of Memorial Day he was selling "Thank You Veterans" yard signs, with proceeds going to the local Knights of Columbus.

Skywatch Friday: Storm Front

This view is looking west down Capitol Drive between Brookfield and Pewaukee.  You can see the rain storm above (note the few raindrops on the windshield) and the clearing and sunshine ahead.

See all Skywatch Friday images here.

Tu-Lips? No, Tree Lips!

The shelf mushrooms are back again this spring, growing on an old tree in our backyard.  There are two, one growing on top of another... they kind of look like a big pair of cartoon monster lips!