My fall "garden"

The weather has been so beautiful lately and I've enjoyed spending a lot time of out on our deck when I'm home. It's a great study location (so as long as none of the neighbors are outside and wanting to chat) for me when I'm home. We don't have a whole lot of outside to call our own, so I really make the most of what's there. Anyway, here is what our deck and porch look like this week:


Of course, my little shadow Gracie wanted to be out with me taking photos...


Yesterday I found this little fellow on our porch. I believe it's a praying mantis.