Praying mantis, birthday child

Dennis found a lady in the yard. The first one we have seen in this neck of the woods. She is large , plump- about 3 inches long. 3-D vision and a wide wing span. Such a lovely girl.

Speaking of lovely girls, today is Stella's birthday! The very best October child! She will be here soon , we are going out for dinner and a bit of this and that. Cocktails are good for birthdays! Not too many- I am taking care of Flora tomorrow and the next day- I am one lucky Grannie, but have to be in top form to keep up. Baby girl walks like a run away train!
 

In the hedge hog package - things for Stella's trip to Finland in the summer. Back to her mother land to search for family stuff. I reckon she should stay there, but the very cold winters would likely put her under. So, guess not. Climate change may make Finland another California- just give it a couple more years.  Finnish wine tours, climate change not all bad?

Miss Mantis's face looks a little messed up- maybe that is just how they are- we have never had such a large one hanging around. I hope she finds a fly, or several- by her roundness,  looks like she has been a good hunter. 

An article about her .