This lady has lots of nick names, but can correctly be called the black and yellow argiope (Argiope aurantia). Very common and very interesting. Read up on this terrific spider and you'll agree.
I agree. My Grandmother used to call them "Writing Spiders" because of the zigzag pattern the spider weaves into the center of the web. My Grandmother said if you found one of these living anywhere on your property it it meant you were lucky and would be blessed if you did not harm it.
