How big was that spider?

A few days ago I was sitting in the backyard and opened the umbrella to block the sun because even though I love being outside I don’t want to be in direct sunlight. As I turned the crank I discovered 5 big spiders had been hiding in the folds! I was kind of expecting this, our backyard is spider central.  

Their presence did not stop me from getting my fresh air. Sitting under the umbrella I was paranoid that one of the spiders would parachute down and land in my hair. Luckily that didn’t happen, but I was worried for a while there!

Why didn’t I just give up and go back inside? It was too nice out, dammit! I have to enjoy the backyard every chance I get during a foggy San Francisco summer. I absolutely love being out there.

The hoosband and I have a general rule not to kill spiders. Whenever we find one in the house, we usually try to grab it and move it outside. Or just leave it, depending on it’s size. 

I love spiders, they help kill my mortal enemy, the mosquito. 

What do you do when you see a spider? 

I’m reminded of this fun drawing I did from my daily doodles back in 2015.

#138 A Tarantula Fighting a Scorpion
Watercolor and ink, 9×12 inches