Katy

This is the first Fork-tailed bush katydid nymph I've seen this summer.  I am not sure how I even spotted this as I was walking past the bee balm and this little guy is designed to avoid predators.  I guess I had my "bug eyes" engaged because I looked over and there he was in all his tiny splendor.  I was shooting with my. right hand while holding the flower with my left - not ideal but the image is passable.  And how cute is this little guy?  (Yes, I know he eats vegetation but I honestly don't care - I garden for wildlife, the good, the bad and the wonderful).  

This is Day 2 of our  so called "heat dome" and today's high will hit 96F.  Tomorrow will be marginally cooler, if you consider 90 to be cool.  And Thursday we will be back in the high 70's which is more normal for this time of year.  I am mostly keeping Jax inside because the patio and patio are very hot and I don't want him to burn the pads of his feet.  So quick trips out to pee and right back inside.  We'll do a little extra training to make up for the lack of outdoor activity.  

I ran over to the community where my parents are planning to move to chase down a few details and meet the interim marketing person.  She and I had a great visit - turns out she lived in Brazil for 4 years so was interested to hear about my upcoming trip.  She confirmed that they are holding a ground floor apartment for my parents - it's close to the restaurant and other amenities but also in a quiet location.  And there is a perfect space for a bird feeder in the lawn right now outside the living room window.  

I also spent a frustrating hour on the phone trying to sort out a screw up with a claim I'd made for reimbursement for the typhoid and yellow fever jabs I got for Brazil.  I'm not 100% sure, but I think it may be straightened out - I guess I will know for sure when I get a check in the mail.  I have also started treating some clothes with permethrin spray that repels mosquitoes and ticks so well.  It lasts several months and through multiple washings and is ideal for rain forest environments where the mozzies are plentiful.  So all shirts, hat, pants, shoes and socks will be treated ahead of my trip.  

I am looking forward to seeing all the TinyTuesdy entries - always so much fun to host this challenge.  After this week, I shall be turning the reins over to JDO!

xoxo
Debbi