More Critters

Caterpillars have been everywhere this month. 

First there were the ones that coated the tree outside the dining room window. 

Then came a horde of small black ones that, practically overnight, devastated our lawn. Now, our lawn was nothing precious to behold in the first place, but at least it was green. By the time these critters were finished with it, there was nothing left but dry brown stubble.

This morning, as we were finishing up our writing project for the morning (getting some long overdue notes ready to mail), Ed called from outside where he had just finished hanging out the laundry. 

"Do the boys have a minute for me to show them something?"

"Is it gross?"

"Um, yeah."

And out they were like shots, ready to see what was there!

Ed had discovered this caterpillar just outside the kitchen door, and it was a doozy. Thick, plump, multiple-waisted. We have no idea what kind of caterpillar it is, or what it will become. But, look at the size of it!

Bigger around than Ed's index finger, it made me think of a well stuffed cigar which, if nicked in the right place, would spill its stuffing all over.

I wonder what other amazing critters are hiding just outside my door? I wonder if I really want to know.