Late paper wasp

As quickly as the temperature dropped yesterday, it started rising again today, and by the afternoon, we were entering Indian Summer territory. That bump upward into weather that can make you forget what's coming can only happen, according to weather lore, after we've had a killing frost. Yesterday's silvering certainly made the grade, so let the false summer begin! Even in these climate-change days, it won't last long. The paper wasps, in all likelihood next year's queens, weren't fooled by the afternoon warmth, but there were definitely taking advantage of the beneficial situation. The higher temperature made it easier for them to fly and scout out good places that were out of winter's harm's way. I'm guessing that a number of them currently resting on the wood shingles will soon be under the shingles and enjoying the same protection from the elements that the cedar affords the house and its other inhabitants. For now, the queens seem willing to allow close-up photography. They're reasonably docile, but I'm not pushing my luck.