Tuesday, January 30, 2018

NOT a lady

Today was my last official day at work. Actually, I didn't work much because by design, we spent most of the grant money last year.  That's the way grants work.

But, I did turn in my parking pass, the key to my office, and the laptop I used in my job. I was through by 10 and on my way back home. I haven't had may "last days at work." 

My last day in the Army comes to mind, but that wasn't a sad day. My last day at the newspaper in 1976. I loved that job even though my low salary made me qualify for federal assistance. I didn't apply, but I could have. But that was a sad day.

Then, I worked for the phone company for the next 33 years. And that last day was a sad and poignant one. I've written about that experience.

And today was a little sad. It came on the heels of a rough week. But now that it's over, I'm beginning to find opportunities that will help me in my new job that begins soon. I'm excited about that.

Which brings me to a pressing question. Has anyone else's home been invaded by beetles? I'm not talking about the singing Brits but beetles disguised as Ladybugs. 

I thought for a long that they were Ladybugs. They look just like the colorful spotted bugs that are good for the garden. But these beetles that have invaded our house will bite the crap out of you. I learned that the hard way. I was going to gently capture the little Ladybug and put it on the plants on our screen porch. When I picked it up, I thought I'd been wasp stung. Needless to say, that little beetle's life did not end well. I can tell you for sure, that bug was NOT a lady.


11 comments:

  1. Rick, I've nudged ladybugs off me all my life and never knew they bite. I know they must use something to chew up all the aphids they eat on rose leaves, but until your post I never looked them up and learned what respectable jaws they have. Happily, their bite is not venomous. I sure learn here.

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  2. I've had ladybugs invading my home every year and never once got bitten. Our's must be polite little Canadian ladybugs, lolI didn't know they bit like that. Your ladybug looks bright red, our are more orange in color.

    Hugs, Julia

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  3. I WILL HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR BEETLES I WILL HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR BEETLESI WILL HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR BEETLES I WILL HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR BEETLES etc
    Okay I learned something, gotta remember that. I hope it is just Bama Beetles! Anyway, best of luck on the next adventure, back to a first love!

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  4. Those little bugs lived in my kitchen for many years until I moved. Some how they got in the cracks somewhere and I'd often see them crawling up the wall or even on my keyboard, but I never had one bite. I'd pick one up and let it go outside. You must have a new variety there...I thought they were supposed to bring good luck, not stings.

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  5. THey are supposed to be good luck and some think visitors from a different life...who did you piss off?

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  6. https://www.rd.com/advice/pets/asian-lady-beetles/

    I did not know. They can be nasty.

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  7. Those little imposters are everywhere.

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  8. Oh I just read the article Joeh posted. yikes. I have had lady bugs get under my leg while sitting outside before and they sting like burn. I dont like them. Lady or not!
    Lisa

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  9. When son and family moved to their new place a couple years ago, the house was literally infested - on the ceilings, cascading out the front door and down the steps like a red river. My grands were understandably freaked. These sure aren't the cute little ladies I'd encounter as a child in New Mexico.

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  10. When he was younger Tim never thought there would come a time when he would want to retire but that has now changed

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  11. This was an interesting lesson that I did not know, I followed the link Joe provided and will be on the lookout for ladybug imposters.

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