Not exactly certain as to the etiology but definitely not scale.

@EliGray Hi Eli, When I sprayed the scales they loosened their grip (I'm assuming die) and fall off or you can spray them off with the hose. You're correct, it's been 2-3 yrs. since I started spraying WD-40. The scales came back in less numbers last summer and I sprayed them again. I sprayed conservatively because too much will dry out and split the bark. The following summer (this summer) I have been unable to find any scales. The tree is growing very well. It's about 12ft now and grows full. No more black drops of scale honeydew (secretion) on my patio and no more wasps. I'm very happy. My only problem now is how to control the growth. The tree is getting too big. I'm not familiar with pruning a magnolia. I'll have to do some research. Like I've said before, I understand the hesitation and environmental concern of some here in this forum when it comes to using WD-40. However, I was at the end of my rope with the scales and wasps. I don't claim to know what WD-40's active ingredient is. All I can tell you is that it worked for me. Try a test patch and see for yourself. Of course the choice is yours. Best of luck which ever way you decide to go.

Check out Lee Industries sofas. They have classic sofas in "apartment size", ie: tightbacks, English roll arms, casters for feet, etc. Lee makes sofas for Crate and Barrel, and as far as I've read their quality is very good. Ask if the legs are screwed on or are part of the frame. That is one telltale sign of a well-made sofa, along with eight-way hand-tied. Approach the cushion separately. One commenter here noted natural latex cushions as being the longest lasting and most resilient, but you'll pay and arm and a leg for them. Ask if they can make your cushion with Bayer Ultracel foam, and then, depending on the firmness and density you want, pick your specs. I have a Hickory Chair Olivier sofa arriving mid-Oct., and Hickory Chair (great customer service, btw, but very pricey) was able to make the bench cushion at my request using Ultracel foam with specs 2.5/25. The latex commenter says this is a medium firm, and I checked with Hickory Chair and they say it is very firm and resilient. There is no upcharge by Hickory Chair for the Ultracel. This is where I got the initial info. about the Ultracel, and you can Google it further: http://www.letstalkfurniture.com/interview-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-furniture-cushions/ Also, to me, the seat height of a sofa is very important, and most are 18 or 19 inches, which is pretty low, in my opinion. Hickory Chair's are 21, another reason I went with Hickory Chair. I don't like my knees in my face! Good luck!

I strongly suggest that you mix a solution of isopropyl alcohol (70%) and water at a fifty percent (1:1) dilution rate in a plastic spray bottle. Keep it handy to mist your plants every few days in order to gain control of the thrips and other tiny, soft bodied plant pests. You could use a 1:2 (one part water to two parts water with good success, too. The mist can get into the nooks and crannies. Great pictures, by the way. Thanks for making the effort.