Fork tailed Bush Katydid

I find katydids very charismatic and endlessly photographable.  When I spotted this juvenile female positioned with the dark background behind her, I moved in for "the shot".  Of course, once again, I didn't have a macro lens on the camera although in this case it worked out just fine.  I know this is a juvenile because 1) she is much smaller than it will eventually be and 2) her wings aren't yet fully developed although you can clearly see them.  And a female because she's got that giant ovipositor on her butt.  Hard to miss.  I hope she manages to avoid the digger wasps (who use katydids as their larval hosts) and that I catch up with her again when she's fully grown.

I had blood drawn this morning in preparation for my quarterly  visit to the rheumatologist and then a very productive session with my therapist.  Lunch with hubs and then I got on the phone with a woman referred to me by the Cancer Hope Network - she is working through breast cancer and wanted to talk to someone who was further along.  We had a great conversation and plan to talk again next week. Interestingly, she's a psychologist.  

Almost time to pick Jax up from his weekly play day.  We kept him home last week because of the oral surgery so I'm sure he had a great time today.  

Mom and Dad's buyer fell through but there was a second buyer who is still very interested so keep the good thoughts and prayers coming, please!  

xoxo
Debbi