Thursday, July 3, 2008

The local wildlife

When I started this blog in January, I did so because I was inspired by the many stories women were sharing on their blogs. I lurked for well over a year until I took the plunge and became a BLOGGER. I planned to share some of my crafting projects with the world and perhaps tell a few cute stories. What I didn't realize was how completely enveloped I'd become with this little venture. Every moment (well, many not EVERY moment) is now viewed with new eyes. It's not just something that happens. It's an ADVENTURE. A story to be shared. A photo to be taken. I overhead Lizzie the other day talking to here dad. "She's taking a picture of LEMONS", sounding slightly bewildered, if not a bit exasperated. This blog, combined with the camera Javier gave me for my birthday, has turned me into a blogging machine, or maybe that should be maniac.

My 6-months younger self might have been surprised to read this blog about caterpillars. However, they seem to be a constant presence in our yard these days so how could we not take notice of them during dinner one night this week?

Meet "Caty" (pronounce catty) the caterpillar. In her much younger days (at least 4 or 5 years ago) Miss Lizzie was very fond of caterpillars. They all had the same name. When she wasn't searching for ladybugs, she was tracking down these little creatures. She made homes for them and fed them. She's always had a caring soul. 

There is still a fascination there. We spent a good 20 minutes playing with the little things until I accidently decapitated one when I dropped it one my thigh and had a bit of a freak out. I'm not sure what I thought it would do to me, but I certainly didn't want a little caterpillar crawling around under my dress. You understand, right?

One day soon the caterpillars will disappear for the season and cocoons will show up in every nook & cranny. Seriously. They will be everywhere. I will diligently dispose of them. Yet, miraculously,  the moths to which these caterpillars are destined to become, will still appear. Aaah, the life cycle.

Now, onto some other local wildlife. One reader commented yesterday on the size of my cat. I thought I'd post a picture for comparison. On the left, my completely normal sized cat, Rain. So sweet. So cute. All curled up there on my robe. On the right, Oliver. What can I say? He's sort of big. It might be the hair, but by the strength of his meaty paws, I suspect there's quite a bit of muscle under that fur. And by the way he devours his food, there might be a bit of chubb too. Saturday we will learned his true size as he's taking a trip to the groomers for a summer hairdo. You can expect a posting in the future.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great pictures and great post!
I'm not a "cat person", but Oliver is a very pretty cat!

3rdEyeMuse said...

Those first two Caty pics are FABULOUS! At first glance I atually thought the first one was silver (metal) & the composition of the second one is spot on!

Just wait ... before too long it will be Lizzie taking pictures of ... LEMONS! :)

Anonymous said...

Good grief - that's no cat....it's a horse!

I thought Bert and Ambrose were big....until I saw yours!

Jan said...

I concur with you about blogging opening a whole new aspect of my life. I really enjoy it, and love using my camera. What I've enjoyed most is "meeting", some wonderful people via blogging.

Tara said...

Great post, OR!

Hope you are enjoying the fourth with you and yours!

stephanie said...

I really like the *idea* of caterpillars, too, but having them on my person is not an option.

Great photos! (Our cat has been called GIGANTIC also but I maintain that our vet says he's supposed to be that big...).