Baby Praying Mantis

 

Maddie took a picture of this tiny praying mantis today, and it brought Mom a bit of happiness.  While she was gardening she had another friend visit the flowers down in the back yard, a hummingbird flitting from one destination to the next.  It didn't notice Mom until the last minute, and then went off about its way.  

We were out shopping for clothing for our Oz series, still putting things together for this weekend.  The writing is done, and the graphics are done too.  We're doing "the Wisenheimer invention" game, a so-called mind-reading game that the kids always like.  But the skit should be fantastic, with all the characters from Oz up there once more.  The thrift store journey has been fun too, as we're picking up other items along the way, including new Christmas music and some vinyl records.  

A lot is going on at the church, from youth to upcoming camps to our ongoing series and more.  Lots to write today, but we have to take it one day at a time.  It's been busy, and even a little stressful.  It's stressful at home from time to time too.  Wimbledon has been ongoing, and the trips out keep Nana busy, but she's longing to be home, and we don't blame her for that.  Travel restrictions are tough though, and it's not like the three of us can go at the moment.  I don't even have my passport.  But the pandemic has been limiting. Besides, even if she did go over there, we're not sure if she could stay.  She's just not happy here, and it's not really anything she's used to, so there's that.  But we're doing our best to live together.  It's hard though, as it's been very limiting, and we've felt confined to the house more often than not.  

Anyway, we'll be okay some day.  We'll have it all figured out, I suppose.  I keep promising Mom and Maddie a big cruise.  And we owe Maddie a trip to Galaxy's Edge.  And maybe Tennessee too.  I myself would love to go out West, where I've longed to go revisit for well over twenty something years now.  I get miserable looking at these pictures people post of their trips up Pikes Peak or off to Zion or Yellowstone.  Some day we'll get to do all of this.  

Tonight we read from Kingdom Keepers, and the story is moving along with extra villains and also some new heroes, like Ariel and even Mulan.  Maddie has been enjoying the reading, and honestly, I am too.  It's been a nice little getaway in itself.