DD found a caterpillar on the Virginia Creeper vine on the front porch. We’ve raised caterpillars in the past, so decided to give this one a home and watch it develop.
To make a home for the caterpillar, we collected a plastic jar, a small container with a lid, dirt and water for the container, a rubber band and a bit of screen. We punched holes in the lid of the small container, put the dirt in the container, and filled it with water to hold the food.
This particular caterpillar was found on Virginia Creeper, so that is what we stocked the larder with, putting stems through the holes into the watery dirt. Putting dirt in the container, as well as water, helps to hold the stems upright.
Here you can see the caterpillar in question.
Species Alypia octomaculata – Eight-spotted Forester
After putting the small container into the jar (I used a large pair of tongs to put it in place), DD covered the jar with screen and fastened it with a large rubber band. In the past we’ve used fish bowls covered with screen and held in place with elastic. Those are much easier in which to place the food container than a narrow mouthed jar. Keep that in mind if you want to try something similar.
Home Sweet Home…now we wait while he eats and grows. I need to find out if this particular caterpillar will want some dirt to burrow in when it is time to cocoon.
~~Rhonda
Today is the beginning of the Christmas Notebook season!
I teach the Christmas Notebook plan for holiday preparation on the yahoo group Christmas Notebook. It helps members organize preparation for the holidays so they have more time in December to celebrate the season with friends and family. It walks them through each stage of holiday preparation: from evaluating what they want their own Christmas to be, to showing them how to make it happen.
The first introductory article has been posted to the CNB list, with many more to come as the weeks roll by. Membership will be open for a few more weeks. If you are interested, send a membership request via email soon. To do so, send a blank email to
christmasnotebook-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
After a few weeks, the membership will close for the season. Don’t delay!
~~Rhonda 🙂
On July 25, DH celebrated 25 years of practicing medicine (family practice). His office gave him a surprise party, which really did surprise him. 🙂
The table was covered with pictures taken over the years of practice…not only the practice of medicine, but the practice of practical jokes, funny costumes, fun, and frivolity. Dennis commented, "It’s kind of scary to think we’re trusting our lives to these people!" 😉 Carl, seated at the table on the left, practiced with DH before retiring.
DH actually delivered this young woman while he was still practicing obstetrics. Now she works for the hospital.
Once they had a piece of cake, the girls were bored. Out came the DS.
Twenty-five years, and no real plans for retirement. He enjoys the practice of medicine and can’t imagine not working. Maybe he really will make 25 more. 🙂
~~Rhonda
DH got up early Saturday morning to see the mission team off at 5:00.
This is the third team our church has sent this year. In January, we went to New Orleans, Louisiana, and had the privilege of drywalling Gloria’s home. Earlier this month, a team went to Atlanta, Georgia, to aid in community assistance, and this team is going to Fairmont, West Virginia, to roof two homes for those in need. At least one of these young people has made all three mission trips and several have made two trips. I believe this is the 13th year we have sent a team to Fairmont.
Over the years, mission trips like these have not only provided practical help to those in need but have also strengthened the sense of community and purpose among the volunteers. Whether it’s installing a new roof, repairing storm-damaged homes, or simply offering a helping hand, these acts of service leave a lasting impact on both the homeowners and the teams who serve.
DD#1 joined them in Virginia, after her summer of working in a girls’ camp in New York. We won’t see her until October, when we go east for DS#1’s wedding.
As God brings them to mind, please pray for the mission team as they work this week, sharing God’s love with others. Pray for safety, for spiritual growth, and for strength to do the work.
~~Rhonda
A few weeks ago, DD spent about an hour playing with bubbles. She started out just blowing bubbles, having fun, watching them float away on the breeze.
A few bubbles were caught by a web which held her attention for a while.
The railing was wet with rain, so she experimented with sliding bubbles down the railing.
I experimented with catching reflections and color on the bubbles.
She found out she could blow a bubble inside another bubble.
Later, she discovered she didn’t need a bubble wand to blow bubbles.
It was fun to watch her move from one discovery to the next. Lots to think about.
~~Rhonda
The daylilies are beautiful. We are just past peak bloom, but the yard is still loaded with color.
‘Kindly Light’
‘Monterrey Jack’
‘Baja’
‘Shell Drake, MI’
‘Pink Super Spider’
‘Royal Ebony’
‘Elegant Candy’
‘Moonlit Masquerade’
Aren’t they beautiful?
~~Rhonda
While DS29 and his family were here, we took a few pictures (well, OK, we took a LOT of pictures). I am especially glad we got these four generation pictures of both sides of the paternal family.
Our older son, myself, my parents, and the twins.
Our older son, my DH, DH’s mother, and the twins.
My side of the family came over on Saturday to visit with DS and his family. It was a great day. Lots of fun. My sister, with her daughter and family, stayed over night and attended church with us Sunday morning, then stayed for dinner before heading home. Shortly after they left, DS and his family went home as well, after a good week’s visit. We had a great time while they were here.
~~Rhonda
