THE CICADAS ARE BACK IN TOWN. Here's one on the lamp post at the end of the driveway. The block it's perched on is 1" thick.



The last appearance, if I remember correctly, was in 2007 so this is Brood II of the 17-year cycle pests. They're beginning to show up everywhere, but haven't peaked yet. Outside it sounds like a diesel engine idling in the background. Right now, the engine sounds about two blocks away; before it's over, it'll be right outside the door.