As I mentioned in passing a few days ago, we'd been catching glimpses of mantises in the garden, but today while he was weeding, Fernymoss discovered just what we've been waiting to see and managed to spend some up close and personal time with him and these photos give a good representation of the encounter (the shots of him scurrying off weren't the greatest, so I left them out). Here, he's clearly spotted Fernymoss and seems to be saying 'Hello there ... what are you doing in my territory?' Since we love having these guys around, we give them plenty of respect and space when we encounter them, and so far we have cohabited peacefully (and gratefully on our part). 
I suppose one could debate the utility of having Praying Mantises in the garden, because they are voracious predator insects and will catch and eat anything they can feasibly ingest, and as such, they might also be preying upon some other beneficial insects. But overall, we're convinced that their presence is beneficial and most warmly welcomed in our garden, and we're glad they're here! Here, our little friend appears to be returning to what he was doing, but still keeping an eye on that huge creature pointing some strange object at him and moving menacingly too close ... let's keep an eye on this situation. 
Finally, he has warmed up a bit to the situation and returns briefly to his business, before being hounded even further by Fernymoss, who took probably another 10 shots of him, before he really rejected posing and took off for other parts of the front bed. I'm sure, though, that we'll see more of him and his family around as we move into the late Summer and Fall season, when they were most predominant last year. And of course, all quality Mantis sightings and photo shoots will be appearing here!Friday night, we finally caught up with a series I've been recording that the Logo network has just begun airing, Sordid Lives: The Series, and it appears to be every bit as promising as the 2000 film version of a play by Del Shores (that originated in Los Angeles), which chronicled the indeed sordid lives of a bizarre extended terminally trashy, family, friends, and enemies in a small Texas town. Yes, it's pretty high camp, but it's done so lovingly by those involved, it's hard to not be drawn into the absurd dramas of these people's lives... Like many of our favorites, it's not for everyone, but for those whose tastes venture into the realm of John Waters-esque trash comedies, this could really fit the bill. The movie version features the likes of Delta Burke, Beau Bridges, Bonnie Bedelia, Olivia Newton John (also in the series ... she must really need the work), as well as lesser known, but equally eccentric characters who make it all come together so hilariously. If that sounds up your alley, check out the links (Logo has extended clips of the series you can watch) and take a look. Very lightweight, but funny stuff they're doing.
Here's a quote by 'Brother Boy' from the original movie:
Brother Boy: Well I did it. I walked all the way down that hall with one less piece of female attire... that is, if you consider a wig attire.
