A moment of hope for Australia

Yesterday, there was a small moment of hope and respite for me amidst the carnage here in New South Wales, Australia. Not only did we get some sweet, sweet, beautiful rain (not enough for a deep soaking, but enough to at least damp down the fires somewhat, although there are still 150 fires burning).

I went in to the garden to feel the rain on my skin and look who I found enjoying it as well. First I've seen in a long, long while as insect and arachnid sightings have been well down for me. She's so beautiful and I was overcome with emotion as I thought about our world without treasures such as this.

Female Argiope keyserlingi 10 mm body length