A visit from a big bug
Just settling down to write when a knock was heard at the front door. Checked through the window, saw nothing. Opened the door, and closed it immediately. The largest bug I’ve ever seen on the Island was wandering back and forth on the porch! Son #3 found a Tupperware pot and we had a safer view… long enough to Google, and identify, the visitor.
Giant Water Bug
To give you an idea of size, I’ll make a quick, unmeasured estimate; from stem to stern, about 8 cm. Enough to give me pause before reaching out to handle the creature. It’s been sent back into the night, and let’s hope that this will remain as a one-time sighting.
Today, temperatures rose to just below 20C. Remarkable weather for mid-October. Enough for me to finally get out and hang that ladder that’s been leaning under the deck. I didn’t take on the job alone, and that added time for analysis of the best way to get things done. I favour hooks, but that was voted down. Instead, we mounted a pair of horizontal bars, and the ladder is suspended from that. Not as solid as my trusty hooks, but good enough to get us through the initial weeks of winter, at least.
More signs that the season has changed. My local store now closes at 17h30, rather than 21h00. Learned that while out to get more milk, of course. We’ll have to be abstemious until morning, I guess. Must remember to check with someone in the neighbourhood and see what other surprises await.
