Future Entomologist or Serial Exterminator?

You know what I spent this morning doing?

Researching spiders and praying mantis.

Yeah.  Life in the fast line!

But it is FALL and the spiders and insects are really big now and every.single.one.of.them is

LIVING IN MY BASEMENT.

I do not lie.

This praying mantis is pink.

They are.

I am not frightened of spiders however; I do not want LBM to get bitten because he picked the wrong one up.

Yeah.  I said, "...picked the wrong one up."

LBM has two responses to insects and arachnids.

1.  The squat and follow

This technique allows LBM to enjoy the little critter for as long as his interest lasts.  He crouches as close as possible and stares, sometimes employing the "blow on it slightly" agitation technique.  If the critter is agitated into movement, LBM simply follows slowly behind and crouches again.  This series can repeat it's self over and over as the critter and attention spans allow.

2.  The see and squash

This technique does not allow for much appreciation of the critter and is often the result of LBM's failed attempts to pick up the critter.  Once the critter has been spotted, LBM moves in to attempt to capture it.  If the critter successfully evades capture several times LBM will attempt to immobilize the critter to aid in capture.  This is often accomplished via the bottom of his shoe.  Even after several explanations regarding the effects of one's shoe bottom on such a small critter, LBM refuses to discontinue this observation technique.  (I attempt to thwart this technique as often as possible)

For now I attempt to teach a distanced appreciation of all the little critters that we find along the way

...and stay current on my insect identification, just in case.


9 days to the big race.

Taking Notice

Arigiope Aurantia ~ Garden spider

I love fall.  The cooler temperatures.  The foggy mornings. 

The increased chance of seeing critters of all kinds along my journey.

You don't have to be a very faithful follower to have picked up on the fact that I love all things nature.

I love trees.  I love creeks.  I love rocks.  I love wildlife.

That includes spiders.

Day 127 ~ a.m. run 3.5 miles / 28:08

I have been watching for them for a few weeks but it wasn't until this morning that their webs were filled with dew and I could more easily spot them.

The lovely garden spider.

She (and her many many friends) have been here all summer long however they we just too small for me to really see them until now. 

I just love how running provides me with the opportunity and perspective to see my little piece of the world in a different way.  Running give me the chance to see just how closely I share my world with so many other living things. 

There were about 20 spiders just along the road in front of my house. 

They all eat the many bugs that are so abundant this time of year.

So I will tread lightly as I run this fall.

And I'll say a few thank yous along the way.

Tread lightly please.

Tall Mom is hosting a Five Cherries Giveaway.

No!  You won't win fruit.

Five Cherries is the name of an Esty shop

run by a mom of Five, yes that is f.i.v.e. children.

Can we all say a prayer for her together?!
Stop by Tall Mom and see what it is all about.

Racing with Babes is hosting a Race Day Memories giveaway.
What is Race Day Memories?
It is exactly that.  A wonderful way to keep your race day memories from becoming unvisited files on your computer or dusty prints filed in a shoe box.
Tell TBM that I sent  you by.


Trish at Endurance isnt only physical is hosting (my favorite) CEP Compression socks giveaway!
We all know that my current pair are being put to some extereme use.
I am cheap so I need to win a new pair.
and I bet you could use some help recovering too! 
Stop by and let her know I sent you.