Backstory: My dad would not let me get a puppy when I desperately wanted one in fourth grade. (Not that I’m still bitter or anything.) He is, however, very entertained by bugs, even when they’re not living in the out of doors where they’re technically supposed to be. Instead, he and his former coworker Casey would set up ant circuses at the office, enticing these and other little critters out of the walls with sticky treats and salty snacks. Having recently changed offices, and with Casey long gone, Dad was in need of some new company. Hence the following e-mail:
Yesterday, in an email correspondence with Casey, we decideded that with no ground squirrels to feed and watch play tag, and no ants to entertain, that I needed to get another praying mantis. Then, this morning, there was one just inches from the door handle at Microgram’s back door where I enter.
He’s a juvenile… about 2 1/2 inches long… very green. He’s missing most of his right antennae, but has all 4 legs and both arms. No sign of wings yet… probably a couple of molts to go. The only problem at the moment is I am cricketless and it’s raining outside. He keeps looking at me wondering when I’ll be serving snacks. Oh, well. Things are looking up in our new digs. I have two desk stations back-to-back separated by a 4 foot high divider. The divider is easy to climb, and Joe likes sitting at the top of it and looking around. He also has been studying his reflection in the chrome frame on which he is now perched. Now, at least, I’m not the only one here in the quiet morning hours.