Ladybug Conundrum

Since the days when the weather outside was a sustained

overnight freezing, we have experienced a ladybug infestation

in our apartment. I understand that this is common here.

For me, it is a bother to have bugs sharing our small space.

To give you a better idea of what I mean, here is a flurry

of what we deal with every day:

in the bathroom on Vince's toothbrush;

 in the extra bedroom/studio on the wall clock;

again in the bathroom, as a pair on the sink ledge

(we often see them in multiples - this morning there

was a pair on the bathroom crystal light bulb cover,

seemingly in contention, with the little one 

harassing the larger one).

Most typically, they seem to like to crawl up into

the crease where ceiling and wall join.

I remember one that I spotted there, who didn't move

for three days - I thought he was dead, but then he "awoke".

  Vince has studied bugs, and is fascinated and somewhat

enamored. He kind of likes them "up close and personal".

My response usually culminated with flushing water!

Until I decided the water use could no longer be justified,

and then I called on Vince to "remove" them for me.

His overly-kindhearted approach was to capture them by hand,

or now more regularly by knocking them off the wall into a cup.

Then he diligently walks them to the outside vestibule

or to the warmer-temp-day deck and sets them free.

Of course, they probably know the direct way back into

the apartment (likely through the bathroom air vent).

When I protest, he patiently explains that lady bugs

are NOT really pests because they eat aphids and

are therefore beneficial. I ask if there are any aphids in

the apartment . . . and around and around we verbally go.

Elder Warner even used our "Lady Bug Conundrum" in a general

email to the Elders and Sisters in the field to illustrate some

principle of kindness - obliquely suggesting that because I

want them eliminated, I am the villain in this scenario.

* * * * *

Last Sunday, it was somewhat humorously ironic that

Brother Perrin from the Canterbury Ward wore his

ladybug novelty dress tie. It caught Elder Warner's eye,

and he grabbed me to come look, thinking, I believe, that

he could use this as ammunition for his clemency argument.

On the other hand, a different red creature has caught

my fancy during these winter months.

We have a red cardinal couple who visit our environs

on a regular basis. Here is the perky male perched on

the closest crest of the storage "barn" that I see out my

dressing room window.

 Here is another shot, where he has moved to the opposite

end, as though staking out his territory.

 And here, below, is a closer view.

eEnclycopaedic information informs me that these

red birds are associated with winter viewing because

they are often heartier and don't fly south.

I also think their rich and vibrant colors make them less

invisible during the bleak winter-colored landscapes.

 Vince has hung a bird feeder on our deck balcony so that he

can watch the "show" of many birds. We have seen the cardinals

feed there, but they are so skittish that I haven't been

able to snap one. When any other birds fly in to feed,

the cardinals immediately leave, even though they are larger.

Surprising. 
Guess red plumage doesn't have priority as I assumed.

* * * * *

I have harbored this fascination for quite a while - 
to create a 3D cardinal from card stock as a published design. 
Finally got that done this week.

Perhaps this one can celebrate those we see through windows.

Here's how I will connect my observation and interaction

with these two creatures of nature to "filling of my lamp":

Behaviors I have taken note of suggest to me that

bugs and birds are seeking comfort. The lady bugs want to be

inside when the temperatures drop. They like the ceiling angle

which may feel protective. Cardinals stay safely out of range

and isolated, and are quick to flee, even when 

the movement nearby is caused by other feeding birds.

This idea links in my mind with comments made last week

in the Canterbury Ward conference meeting.

Though I was answering a phone call in the hall when it happened

and didn't hear it first hand, it was alluded to:

young woman Sister Astoria Campbell included in her

invocation a request that we would all be blessed soon to travel

home "safely" where we could put on our "comfortable" clothes.

Later in his address, her father Bishop Duncan Campbell 

spoke about his hope that we would all be "comfortable" 

when we come to worship together at our Sunday meetings.

Sharing his feelings of "ward family" and common acceptance

and ministering to each other, he delivered a quote:

"We should leave those uncomfortable things we have

overcome where they belong - in the PAST. 

Experiences should, instead, be considered as

LIFE LESSONS and not LIFE SENTENCES."

Brother Makechnie also included in his remarks a reference

to the feeling of help and succor that we should look forward to

when we join together on Sunday to worship and learn.

"After all" he said, "this is the hospital we are coming to,

where we should expect to be healed and comforted."

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.

So . . .

I will try to endure the ladybug infestation until the weather turns

warm outside, and they re-discover their more "natural" habitat.

And I will relish sightings of those glorious cardinals 
whenever they come.

While ladybugs will surely be on 
my "WILL NOT BE MISSED" list, possibly catching a glimpse 
of one [outside] will bring fond remembrances of 
other things that WILL BE MISSED.

Like the friendships we have made, the acceptance and love

we experience with our Canterbury Ward family,
the sweet witness we feel as individuals find
the peace and hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,

the lush and ubiquitous forest land, and

the rich feelings of being here in New England.

Drop by drop. Burning strong!

PS: we also have beautiful blue jays in the neighborhood!