You can believe me when I say it. When the mantis sets up sentry duty on my Echinaceae, it's after nothing but butterflies and bees. I saw one the other day on some of my blooming Autumn Joy sedum. Guess which plant is literally swarming with all kinds of pollinating insects at this time of year? In my gardens, with so few pests, the praying mantis doesn't have much to do other than make me irritated. I've released them into the garage upon occasion, where black widows have made themselves at home. I'm not sure who would win that battle, but I'd be rooting for the mantis! mandi, the egg case of the praying mantis is designed to withstand winter weather of all kinds. However, I don't think you want it on the inside of your screen door! I've never tried to move an egg case and they seem to be fairly securely attached whenever I find them. What's the situation with yours? Does it appear to be loose or tightly glued down? If not, you should be able to gingerly move it to an outdoor location where it might have some protection. Use a dap of super glue to secure it in place.

Nice match! If I'd have known about it earlier, I'd have put down money on the cat! In most cat/dog matches, the cat is a shoe-in to win! LOL! Great photos! Even in the aggressive world of bulldogs, there are exceptions to the rule... many years ago, we sent a pair of brothers to live with a dear friend... the two were inseparable, sharing all aspects of life... the feed dish, the bed, the owner! I don't have pictures... we lost a lot in the fire... but at one time, she sent us several shots of the two curled up together in their crate, eating dinner together from the same dish, playing and wrestling in the back yard. And then there are those that fare better alone... Bones, an Olde Bulldogge female, cannot be trusted with other pets... she likes to have her kennel to herself, and God help the poor animal that enters her space! She will only put up with company when in season, and even then, there's the initial beat-down of the male to put him in his place! Once he cowers before her, belly up, she will allow him to share her kennel... but only until she is properly bred! She does make excellent babies, though, and is super-sweet with people. My own two personal dogs, Maia and Huck, share everything except meals... they are constantly supervised, and when I must leave, they are crated. It's not that they can't get along without supervision... it's that I never take a chance... an argument over a toy can quickly escalate when the participants are as powerful as bulldogs, and so, responsibility is always number one. It's funny how different breeds and different animals care for each other, and it's very interesting to watch the interaction and the hierarchy within a group. I don't know how I'd fare without at least one dog, preferably more!

Secret is delightful! Beautiful bird, too. A cardinal was killed in our backyard in early June, probably by the barn owl that frequents the area. Just made us sick. Wish he'd get the rabbits. We have had some kites in the neighborhood the past few weeks, and other birds have been careful around our feeders. Even the squirrels have laid low. Mockingbirds nest in our photinias every year. The jays and mockingbirds warn the neighborhood when hawks are circling. Gary

Thanks ladies : I hope this is ended, because I Don't like it at all. I don't know what the problem was, with " Matt " May have been away at that time. I'm sure she didn't mean to cause any ill feelings. As far as my feelings I could care less. Like I said before, I can give help where it is appreciated. If I left the CF. There are some who might like that !!! I just don't like having to defend myself, because someone wants to make themselves look better. Like the hatchet is kept handy to come after me. I've even tried talking very nice to certain parties but apparently the Hatchet is still kept handy. It's not true that the members Post Recipes and don't expect to be recognized. Everyone that Posts here here expects some recognition. That's what it is all about. We are not shouting into a Vacuum. Everyone wants recognition !!!!! Ann C, Mama Mia , Cathy,Kathleen, Shawn, the list can go on forever. It's nice to be recognized for your efforts. I realize that my Posts are not for everyone to like. and I usually state that, when I put in a Recipe, that I've come up with. I don't like it when I'm made to look like a Dummy, for doing things my way. And when it is found out.I was right all along. It is never acknowledged That's OK too !!! - - - - - - - - - - When I first joined the CF, I was warned about a Wild Animal and to be on Guard. I must have recieved 25 emails congradulating me and saying just about the same thing. I answered them " Don't worry, I was reincarnated as a Wild Animal Trainer." Problem is people don't like to make waves, Just sit in the boat and go with the flow. If they get knocked out of the boat, because of Obsticles, Just jump back in and go again. I'll do that too; for just so long , then I have to knock the Obsticles out of the way. In conclusion,I have to say, I think I have made many friends on the CF. And there are those who don't like me. That's OK !!! My Grandfather used to tell me " keep trying things, eventually you may acquire a taste for them " That may go for people too !!! LOU