The Pentagon Wants to Make an Army of Virus-Spreading Insects. Scientists Are Concerned.

.livescience.com ^ | October 5, 2018 12:57pm ET | Brandon Specktor

[Tax-chick]

[Monkey Face]

Is that a marmalade? I see faint markings but what will it look like when its grown!

[Tax-chick]

Yes, his stripes are light orange.

[Monkey Face]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with such pale markings.

Good morning. Do you have another busy Saturday? And isn’t this the last day of Elen’s “Crucible?”

She’s been in my prayers! (Along with you!)

[Tax-chick]

Yes, according to the schedule, this is the end of the Crucible today. It says “Emblem Ceremony” and “Warrior Breakfast.” I don’t know if that’s breakfast like I’m having, or afternoon breakfast like Harry and Meghan’s “wedding breakfast.”

We’re going on a hike this morning - have to leave by 8:00 - and then I’m not sure what else we’ll do. Maybe I’ll get the floors mopped. Tom and Sally both have work, so they won’t be underfoot.

[Monkey Face]

Since I have about five letters to write this weekend, I’m going to start in a few minutes. Maybe I’ll write six. Some weekends are like that!

Not much else going on. I have to go to Walmart, though I really don’t want to, because I still have to get money from the ATM for laundry. When I went to Walgreen’s to get my prescription yesterday, I tried at their ATM, but I don’t think it likes AmEx because it will never give me money on that card. I’m pretty sure Walmart ATM was out of money when I tried there.

My daughter began texting me yesterday, and this time, she was asking for help. The previous long text session caused a lot of things to come to the surface, and she’s having a hard time. I did some research this morning, and found some herbal supplements that may help her, since she is a recovering addict. (Dang. Being a mom is so hard!)

[Covenantor]

[Monkey Face]

Wow! That is gorgeous! Thanks, Covenantor!

[Silentgypsy]

How beautiful—thank you!

[Silentgypsy]

Adorable kitteh—thank you!

[Tax-chick]

You’re welcome.

[Monkey Face]

I may have to make a trip to CO in the very near future. I’ll know more by the end of the day. :o|

Unnnngh...

[Tax-chick]

Unnngh. We had a nice hike.

[Monkey Face]

I’m so glad!! It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a hike. Since before Igor, anyway! I miss alla that — especially in the High Desert.

[Tax-chick]

We walked along the shore of Lake Norman, which is a very large reservoir. It was up and down, over tree roots, and so on, medium-strenuous. We went a little over five miles. There was heavy rain yesterday, but it was sunny today, temperature around 60 by noon. Excellent day for it.

[Tax-chick]

The final stage of the Crucible is a 9-mile hike from the training grounds to the Iwo Jima flag raising statue at Peatross Parade Deck. Upon completing this challenge, the recruits are handed their Eagle, Globe and Anchors, symbolizing the completion of their arduous journey to become U.S. Marines.

[Monkey Face]

YES! Elen is officially a US Marine! <3

*hugs* to Elen!

[Tax-chick]

Can I stick my “U.S. Marine Family” sticker on the van now, or should I wait for graduation? I don’t think she’s going to do anything unutterably idiotic in the next two weeks ...

[petitfour]

Put that sticker on now, Mom! Congratulations! Semper Fi

[Silentgypsy]

Congrats to Elen!