Friday, May 22, 2009

Au Revoir, Mon Papillon

Today was the day. This morning, when I checked on Herb, his little green case had begun to turn dark gray. I thought I'd seen some grayishness showing through when I put him outside the other day, but I suspected myself of wishful thinking--you know, how you might suspect your little boy's voice is dropping, but then he clears his throat and it was just your imagination? (I dunno, I'm kinda making that up, but you get the idea, I hope.)

This evening, I got home early, and dragged Rosie out back with me to check on the little guy. (She couldn't have cared less about him, but there's always the possibility of rabbits!)

I eagerly stepped up to the sage plant, and peered down into it. There, on the stick, was a faded, papery, empty cocoon. Stupidly, I lifted my eyes and scanned the yard, maybe thinking he'd just left and was still hanging around the garden. But nope, he was gone. Didn't even leave a note. "So long, and thanks for all the parsley." Just an empty casing; insect trash.

Somewhere, around the neighborhood, is something that looks a little like this:


Good luck, Herb! Thanks for stopping by!

I didn't get a chance to snap a pic of the empty pupa before dark, but I'll add one to the bottom of this post when I get a chance.

6 comments:

  1. Here's hoping Herb comes back for a visit at some point...

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  2. So, your little one has grown up and flown the coop! Er, cocoon. You did a good job of caring for him!

    Nancy in Atlanta

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  3. hehehe! You made me smile today :)

    Bye Herb!

    ~Lisa

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  4. Just wait until he loses his job or his first marriage doesn't work out....he'll be back! LOL

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  5. Flar - I've had company and am waaaay behind in my blogging and blog reading. I've missed you!

    I have much catching up to do, which will probably take me a while, but I can't wait to find out what's new. Can't believe Herb flew the coop already. Wow, that was fast.

    Empty nest syndrome?

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Thanks for dropping by--please share your thoughts!

"Every time we get comment mail, Rosie wags her tail!" (Seriously, you should see that puffy thing go.)