We had a temporary pet/science lesson recently. 
You must look closely...
...because he likes to lurk up near the ceiling of his temporary home.
Can you see him? (or her, you'll have to excuse me for I don't know which) Its a Preying Mantis (sorry I could not resist that link. The production is hilarious. Horror movie/monster truck show) In this case he is enjoying his supper (as we enjoyed ours) of a fly which was delivered to him live, by Hubs, and caught and dispatched quite quickly with a flying leap worthy of a Ninja. I was a little chagrined that feeding time became a spectator sport. Of course, we are not seeking to shield the Little Dude from the circle of life. We've had enough conversations about death, and how everyone dies and where meat comes from that I'd be hypocritical to pretend that the Preying Mantis does not kill and eat flies. But I had to give Hubs the evil eye, as he in particular was cheering and guffawing a bit too gleefully and Mr. Fly met his necessary end. After all, this is intended to be more of a scientific observation than a gladiatorial spectacle. Thus admonished we observed the Preying Mantis, as he took his nourishment, in a more solemn manner.
(You must forgive the tone of my writing 'voice' tonight as I have just finished watching back to back episode of the excellent BBC drama "Cranford" staring Dame Judi Dench, and now, try as I might, I cannot stop talking like a genteel middle class lady of the early 19th century. Hopefully this affectation will have disappeared by morning, else I fear I will become tiresome to my dear Husband.)
After our evening repast (er, sorry, dinner) we decided to set our pet free. Though he seemed reluctant to go. After all, we had been supplying him with a steady diet of flies and perhaps he liked the ease and availability of the menu. But after a bit of shaking and some gentle encouragement with a blade of grass he managed to venture out into the great green world of our tomato garden.
He was so well camouflaged that as soon as we took our eyes off him, it was hard to find him back. Ah well, he was fun to have around while it lasted, but we soon forgot all about him...
...when we discovered ripe raspberries on the other side of the garden.
Everyone was eager for a taste...
...even if it was only one or two berries. They were as well enjoyed as if there had been a bowl full.
Hope you are all able to get out and enjoy a bit of the cooler evening weather during this heat wave. A bounce on the trampoline during the heat of the day would do me in, but I can be cajoled to jump after seven.
Cool. Kieran LOVES bugs. He'd be so excited to find a preying mantis. Where did you get the big bug house? Let me guess, hubby made it? That doesn't happen in my house!
Posted by: Sheila | 07/25/2012 at 05:30 AM
Actually, I bought that bug house Sheila! I got it at Michael's and better yet, it was in the discount aisle. I don't know if they still have them, but it'd be worth checking.
Posted by: finger thumb | 07/25/2012 at 09:13 PM