What are they? and Other Burning Questions

This is a bush/tree in the backyard.

Does anyone know what this is?

 

Because every summer, I think I am going to look it up,

and I never do.

 

Which leads me to the next question(s)?

 

How busy was my summer

that when I went out to see the boys off to school

I realized that my favorite chairs

on the front porch

were totally wrapped in cobwebs?

 

and

the SPRING flag was still up?

 

We are talking

tulips

daffodils

pastels.

 

 

And finally...

the burning question

of the

day

and

night...

 

What IS the lifespan of a cricket?

Because

there has been one in our bathroom

for almost two weeks
and

I can't seem to find it

and

surely it has to die soon.

 

And now...

off to find a better flag!