spring bugs

this post is alternately titled, "we're lousy, in a good way."

they say you should start small with pets, and work your way up. i really want a dog someday, but i'm reminded that we need to wait for a more permanent residence first. that could take forever. in the meantime, i have not disabused ally from the notion that bugs can be pets. she's partial to roly-polies {whose real name, i am sorry to tell you, is wood lice} and caterpillars. there is much disappointment here that the spring caterpillars are gone, even if there are butterflies to console us. there is an unlimited supply of potato bugs, tho. also earwigs, of which none of us are very fond. a friend who noticed ally's bug fascination brought her an insect book--it has been lovingly pored over these many spring days. as i write this, liv is dropping a 'wood louse' down her shirt. 'it walks!'

our canyon is in bloom and so is everything else. i might disappear into one fantastic sneeze. atchoo, baby.