I was similarly skeptical a few years ago when people were saying that the 17-year cicadas damaged many trees the previous time they were here. I reasoned that since adult cicadas don't eat anything, how could they possibly damage a tree. However when the massive brood emerged, the resulting damage looked exactly like susan_wv's image. As you say, the females do cut slits in twigs and deposits eggs therein. When the eggs hatch, larvae drops to the ground to begin the cycle anew. The key is when the 17-year cicadas emerge, there are lots of them -- as many as 1.5 million per acre. Each female proceeds to lay about 500 eggs choosing branches that are about 1/4 inch in diameter. Consequently in heavily affected areas all of the branches of that size are completely covered with slits to that point that the branch dies.

Yesterday morning I heard a noise from outside like someone periodically spraying something with a hose. When I finally looked out the bedroom window, I saw a hot air balloon -- right there. By the time I found the camera it had descended behind the trees behind our barn. I walked over and by the time I got there they were already deflating it. Apparently they landed in my neighbor's back field, our neighbor and her sister came out to watch, and the balloon company offered to tether the balloon and take my neighbor and her sister go up a short way before bringing the ballon back down to deflate it. After it was put away, the balloon company offered the traditional bottle of champagne, and my neighbors invited everyone (the pilot, the chase guy, the balloon guests, and me) in to their newly refinished kitchen, for mimosas and fruit and toasted raisin bread. It was a great way to start off a Sunday morning.

Cruise ship off Portofino, Italy. 2nd photo is a more distant view of the city. It was a beautiful evening as we sailed away on our ship and as we left, many people were strolling around on the pier enjoying the view.

Our lilacs were in full bloom back in March. Interesting how much difference there is in the climates from one place to another, but the lilacs are beautiful no matter where they are blooming.