Orb Weaver

I was outside assessing the damage of a recent visit to our cedar shake siding from a Pileated Woodpecker. Michele heard the . . . "pecker" . . . from inside the house since it sounded like distant gun fire. Boy, can they peck. 

For 3 months out of the year it's dark when I leave for work and when I come back home. As I was walking around with a flashlight I spied this gal in front of our garage door. Yep, a gorgeous spider specimen of a group called orb weavers. I haven't had time to research her specifically, but I did have to post her pix tonight. I think it is a "she" because of her size; females are typically larger than males. 

Sleep tight . . . ;->
Andy