Florida Bound

Sorry I haven't posted lately. We've been quite busy, collecting and getting ready for our Florida vacation. I'm grateful I have a place to stay, not far from some great places to collect. My mil and fil will have to tolerate us crazies, although I think they are so happy we're coming for a visit. I can't wait :)

Yesterday, Amanda thought she collected an eastern tiger swallowtail, only to discover she collected the Canadian tiger swallotwail (it's a subspecies of the eastern tiger). All the kids in her 4-H club either have eastern tigers or have them identified incorrectly. I believe it's the latter, as the Canadian is very common here.

A lot of folks get upset with me and my involvement in Amanda's 4-H projects. I find insects rather fascinating, and never thought I would be so involved as an adult. They are so wonderful, and I can see God's creation in them. Butterflies and beetles are the ones that interest me most. Amanda would probably tell you her favorites are wasps, ichneumons being her ultimate study. Hopefully she will get to study ichneumons in Florida. Of course that involves going out late at night, with a blacklight and waiting for them to land on our white sheets.

Just pray I don't get eaten alive by mosquitoes, as my mil has told me they are out in full force, even with the fires in Florida. Also, please pray the fires are extinguished very soon.