Atlanta Gas Light worksite on Wood Trail Lane

The Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) worksite on Wood Trail Lane is in full swing. The project will replace older pipes to ensure safety and continuity of service. We first heard about this project last fall (October 2011 MANA community meeting).

Ongoing work at Wood Trail Lane. Click to enlarge.

AGL shared the information below for distribution to our neighbors. AGL representatives will attend the MANA community meeting next October 22.

Blessing of the animals @ NDPC [Sept 30]

Click to enlarge.

Lost Cat [Sept 17]

Stevie the cat is now safely home. Yay!

Puppy found on North Decatur Road [Sept. 17]

via the neighborhood Facebook page...

Can't touch this

I believe this critter will eventually become an American Dagger Moth.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Wasp Wednesday

Wasps, bless their hearts... no one ever has anything good to say about wasps. While it is true they can sting, many species just mind their own business when away from their nests and are not overly aggressive unless threatened. So here's a little information about a few of our most visible wasps in hopes of reducing the chance of a negative encounter.

N.B. CDC has a document on how to deal with insect bites as well as an identification key to stinging hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants). CDC also offers this link on how to handle insect stings (how to administer first aid, knowing when to seek additional medical assistance, etc.).

Let's start with the pretty blue mud dauber. This is a solitary wasp who, among other things, catches and feeds black widow spiders to its babies. [In case you wonder, yes, we do have black widow spiders in the neighborhood so please wear gloves when working outdoors]. The blue mud dauber nests in underground cavities built by other wasps or by its spider victims.

Pretty in iridescent blue, but fear not, only ~1" long.

Summer's to do's

Of course you don't have to do anything right this minute; these are things to, you know, ponder...

Roof maintenance: (1) check for loose or buckling shingles and address the problem if it exists to prevent moisture infiltration and ensuing damage and (2) clean gutters and trim tree branches and climbing vines that overhang your roofline or gutters (this will reduce clogging once leaves do fall).

Other outside jobs to cross off the to do list while the weather's still warm: power washing, washing trashcans, cleaning windows, painting windows/trim  as needed

Sharpen lawnmower blade: because we still have a few more months of cutting to do (and if you do it now, the blade won't be completely dull next spring)

Driveway repairs: because cement and other repair materials need warm temperatures to properly set

Check for outdoor faucet leaks that not only waste water but could lead to bigger problems once freezing temperatures arrive. If you don't have some already, add faucet covers to your shopping list.

Need to declutter? Set aside a box to effortlessly start collecting items for the neighborhood yard sale [Oct. 6!].

Fall landscaping projects: Start thinking of what you would like to do. Autumn is a great time to plant perennials because we usually get good rainfall and the weather is milder, which helps ameliorate transplantation shock while allowing time for the plants to settle in a bit before transitioning into dormancy. Hardscaping and other heavy lifting is also more pleasant in cooler weather.

Fall gardening: Urban farmers should be thinking of fall and winter crops. Here's a planting guide for our area, includes spring and fall planting dates.

Furnace maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance, because it's nice to know the furnace WILL go on when cold weather hits. This is also a good time to check filters and replace as needed.