Ghost in the Garden (Phasmatodea)

Jimmy became startled by a giant bug on his porch this afternoon. I walked over to investigate. As I fearlessly approached, (remember, I've been through 3 black rat snakes inside my house and a few bats, so a bug outside is cake in comparison...) yet, he warned me it was the biggest bug he had never seen. Very cool. I recognized it immediately, it was a walking stick, also called a Phasmatodea - “phasma” means “ghost” because it easily camaflouges on trees due to its peculiar stick-like shape. It's been years since I have seen one up close. I was fasinated by it's heart shaped head, and if you looked carefully, you could see it's eyes, the size of two black grape seeds. I learned from the internet that "they see clearly and in color". He (She) got a good look at me today, for I looked into those eyes for about 5 minutes!

Jimmy seemed impressed that I knew what it was, but now having looked it up, I gave him misinformation. I thought this bug was endangered, but apparently not, though they are more common in the tropics. I even prompted him to get his camera, and we took several pictures - I joked that maybe they would be worth something...Then, as we questioned whether it flies or crawls, we found out as it took off and landed on my porch, where I took more photos. The way it flies resembles a dragon fly.

While I finished up the gardening which may have been what stirred up it's habitat, I kept watch on him...thinking perhaps that it had been spying on us all summer long as if a ghost hidden in the garden....

If you like bugs, I wrote about another bug discovery this summer. Click onto "Today's Beetle Discovery" from archive:
http://michellerosenbaum.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html#5101394324130498078

If you like snakes, I wrote about a snake discovery this summer. Click onto: "Snake Encounter" at http://michellerosenbaum.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html#836694817079095875

Still feel like I am in summer mode despite this being the last week in September. Honestly, the weather is still too hot for me. I used to dread how nighttime would fall earlier each day this time of year. But now I sort of like it. Tonight, Alan and I took a walk and it was dark - it was only 7:15, but the weather finally cooled off, and it was very pleasant. Alan enjoyed being out at night. It's also fun being on the porch at night (either with the porch light on or off). The trees aren't close to those fall colors yet, but it won't be long. Alan has two favorite phrases "Let's talk about Fall" and "Let's talk about trick or treat houses." Pretty soon it will be too cold to take nighttime walks. We'll go driving instead at night to tour the Christmas lights.

Other news...

Earlier this week, Alan told Nick that he was going to be Elvis for Halloween.

I watched Baby Stella this morning for a few hours. It was fun seeing Alan "share" his toys. He gave her a bus, and Stella said "car!" I was excited to tell this to her parents.

Alan ate broccoli tonight.

Big A Little a

Alan can identify most of the alphabet thanks to the letters floating in the tub, letters magnatized to the refrigerator and to the many alphabet books that exist...(Dr. Suess ABC, et al) as well as Sesame Street. Specifically, I saw the wheels turning and something click with him when I referred him to the pictures in the Dr. Suess book to help him figure out the letters when he got stuck. I know all you teachers know about such strategies, but for me this is a first, and it is really fascinating. At one point, I waited about 30 seconds watching him figure out a lettter....he also is making connections with the sound of letters and words that start with a letter. For example, he'll add examples...(M for Mama, etc)....
Other than that, today I finally weeded the front yard and planted the mums - thanks to Jimmy for all of the tools! Fun visit to the park and dinner with Portia. Alan was very excited to see her!

Shopping Cart Mishap

Weeds have taken over my front yard so I took off tonight to Adams so I could get some Mums. My cart went into overdrive and crashed into the curb and purple and yellow mums ended up down the hill in front of the store. It was pretty steep, so I had to climb down and jump back and forth several times to retreive the flowers which were all knocked out of their planters (all 10 of them). Got them home safely but no time to plant yet....
Other news - Don't forget this weekend is the garlic festival!!! Guitar playing is progressing slowly...Spending time with friends from the neighborhood...back on track with the gym....still eating too much chocolate! Missing camera/cell phone found, so I'll be able to post some pictures soon again...

I'm still processing the intensity and importance of tonight's poetry reading at the Colony Cafe which featured Vietnam Vets reciting prose and poems about their experiences. Proceeds from the War Vets Poetry Anthology published by Dayl Wise/Post Traumatic Press 2007 will go to an organization called Veterans for Peace. According to their website, Veterans for Peace "draws on personal experiences and perspectives gained as veterans to raise public awareness of the true costs and consequences of militarism and war - and to seek peaceful, effective alternatives." Tonight's event definately fulfilled this mission.

I'm only 38

Quiet birthday celebration this year. Waiting till I turn 40 for the big bash. Just you wait! In the meantime, I spent time with my sister Suzanne. We now have tons of apples to consider....We went apple-picking with Mel, Ivan ("and Nick!") at the Stone Ridge Orchard. Apple pie, apple cake, apple sauce, apple crisp...all things I have been thinking about making, but the bag of apples is still on the counter....
Then the following day Suzanne and I met in Poughkeepsie and went to the Dutchess Arts Festival where we discovered a very talented bluegrass/folk band called the Powder Kegs. Local kids - probably ranging from 21 to 25 years old - the fiddler was a Vassar student who had an entourage that danced around the waterfront. Their website is www.thepowderkegs.com. The other "suzanne" - that is...Suzanne Vega played at the Festival and boy was she BORING! We actually left early to return to the bluegrass stage to see the second performance of the Powder Kegs...better energy. Lots of kettle corn, more havla and we split a slice of pink cake. I made (requested) my sister and her friend Christine sing me happy birthday. Also, thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes!

1:53AM

It's the middle of the night and Alan woke up briefly but now I can't get back to sleep. Gave up trying, so to the computer/television...too tired to read. Franklin my cat is asleep on my lap. Watching a Julia Roberts movie.....Looking forward to a relaxing morning in the apple orchard tomorrow. Hopefully I won't be too tired. Picnic lunch to follow. (but now a midnight snack)