FYI: mystery spider no longer nameless...

   

Araneus gemma, cat-faced spider

According to MOBugs:

"I've been doing some research for you on the spider and finally have an ID for you from a spider expert....it is Araneus gemma or sometimes called Cat-Faced Spider."

Bugguide.net's page for it is here, and another site they recommend for more information.

Sure was a honker!

Thanks, MOBugs, I really appreciate it. =)

biobabbler