I'm Late!

  Earlier today, I was out sitting by the little Frog Pond when a sudden blip of red crossed over my shoe.  When I looked, nothing was there.  Well, now!  Am I seeing things?  Perhaps I had been in the sun a bit too long.  My time outdoors has been limited for some time now but surely a half hour of sunshine is good for healing.  I looked again.  Nope.  Nothing.  What was that?

  A few moments later, another flash of red but this time, it was under the plum tree.  Aha!  I know what you are and I am elated to see you in the small gardens!  A Cow Killer Ant or Velvet Ant was making her rounds in the gardens.  Scurrying, scurrying!  I had to giggle!  Ok, Mrs. Velvet Ant, you remind me of a certain story rabbit.  "I'm late, I'm late!  For a very important date!  No time to say hello, goodbye, I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"  The Disney version of "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll started playing itself out in my memory.  My little Velvet Ant was doing a good job portraying the White Rabbit's hurried antics.

  I find that I am delving into memories and fantasies on a greater basis as I have this extra time on my hands.  With everything pulled out from under me, I have to resort to something to keep the mind occupied.  Going from the full days (4 am to 5 pm) of hard work landscaping the place to full days of zilch, is mind-boggling to say the least.  I am bored.  There is at least one more week...maybe more depending on my progress...of this idleness.  I am limited to "light-duty" jobs like picking the scuppernongs or making jelly.  Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the ability to do what I am allowed but that does not make it any less boring for someone who is normally as busy as a bee...or wasp, in today's case.

  Yes, the Velvet Ant or Cow Killer Ant is actually the female of a type of wasp.  She has no wings and greatly resembles a huge, furry ant.  The male actually looks just like what we know as a wasp.  He is more docile but she is as busy as a bee!  Scurrying, scurrying!  I'm late!  I'm late!!!  I'm late!! ...While I sit...bored.