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When I was a baby, my mother, who is an extreme arachnophobic, would play the "little spider, big spider" game with me.  This game consisted of her, with a spider-shaped hand, lightly tickling my belly or back while saying softly, "little spider, little spider, little spider...".  Then unexpectedly she would jump her hand up and down, saying gruffly and loudly, "BIG SPIDER, BIG SPIDER!"  I would giggle every time.  

I now love spiders...especially big ones. 

Now if only someone had played "little snake, big snake" with me...

Maevia inclemens or common jumping spider

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I really need a IR converted camera.

This large Common Garden Spider has a fleur de lis on her back, not so common after all.
To give you a sense of scale, imagine her gripping a quarter. She's a big gal.

 

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Just wandered around the yard this evening.

Broccoli in bloom

Ripe Ground Cherry

our monster Blackberries

This one's for mom

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This gorgeous little lady recently took up residence outside my dinning room window.

Arrowshaped Micrathena, Micrathena sagittata

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I'm having major PC issues.  I think my desktop knows I have a sexy little super-powered laptop on order and is extremely pissed.  Every time I sit down and turn on the monitor I'm greeted by the blue screen of death.  I may be uploading directly from the camera via the wife's laptop soon.

This one's for Mom.

(don't worry...it jumped off the lampshade and ran under the bed)