counselor-elijah

[counselor-elijah]

[counselor-elijah]

:}

Our dearest host boy has been going “Elijah, when I get you, Elijah.” since we’ve received this result. It seems I am yet to find out what will happen when he “gets me”

[counselor-elijah]

A little over a month until I see him.

7 weeks until I get to hold him in my arms.

42 days until I get to cradle his face and kiss his cheeks.

[counselor-elijah]

Autumn has finally began to settle itself within my home. The leaves have browned and fallen, the cold is seeping in, insects are beginning to grow scarce as they seek shelter of it.

Much like them, I am tucked away, bundled beneath many layers of comfort. Where they lay within the dirt and detritus, I bury myself within my many blankets.

Still, the cold nips at my nose, much like an old friend greeting me once more. In turn, I let it fill my lungs, only for my breath to come out coiling like the smoke of a fire.

The cold is reminds me of home in such an off way. Like the hug of distant family. Like a mother telling you she loves you, even when you both know it’s not the truth. Like a snow day, spent playing outside rather than at school.

There is a danger to the cold. Yet, in this very moment, it feels so serenely safe.

[counselor-elijah]

Uhhhhh….. Bats of some sorts!

[counselor-elijah]

[counselor-elijah]

A Western Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) that managed to infiltrate our place of employment. Also known as Pine Bugs in some areas, these guys apparently… Smell of banana bread when upset?

Very lucky to not have experienced it’s wrath, it seems!

What’s slightly less lucky is that, not only are they a very widespread invasive species, they have a tendency to spend their winters inside of homes…

Let’s hope it was just the one!

[counselor-elijah]

💙🌟⚜️🌟Golden Stars🌟⚜️🌟💙

[counselor-elijah]

Devil’s Coachman taking on a Pale Tussock caterpillar

People being bitten: 1 / 2

As you can see, they really don’t tend to harm people unless provoked. The same certainly cannot be said for other insects, though!

This fascinating little friend is a Devil's Coach-Horse Beetle! (Ocypus olens) Not only does it have a very lengthy name, it also has various other names such as Devil's Footman, Devil's Coachman, Devil's Steed, and Cock-tail Beetle!

As it’s names suggest, it has been heavily associated with the concept of sin. Though, worry not dear campers! While it may look like it’s casting curses upon thee, as far as I am aware, the worst it’s capable of quite the painful bite with those mandibles! They may even draw blood if they must!

However, they much rather prefer fending off potential foes with their stink glands and threat displays, much like the one shown right here!

Not to mention, while these little hunters are incredibly competent at taking down prey much larger than them, humans are just a bit above their capabilities.

[counselor-elijah]

This fascinating little friend is a Devil's Coach-Horse Beetle! (Ocypus olens) Not only does it have a very lengthy name, it also has various other names such as Devil's Footman, Devil's Coachman, Devil's Steed, and Cock-tail Beetle!

As it’s names suggest, it has been heavily associated with the concept of sin. Though, worry not dear campers! While it may look like it’s casting curses upon thee, as far as I am aware, the worst it’s capable of quite the painful bite with those mandibles! They may even draw blood if they must!

However, they much rather prefer fending off potential foes with their stink glands and threat displays, much like the one shown right here!

Not to mention, while these little hunters are incredibly competent at taking down prey much larger than them, humans are just a bit above their capabilities.

[counselor-elijah]

🫵 Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

I've missed waking before the sun.

[counselor-elijah]

[counselor-elijah]

Worry not my dear! It seems my days of sustaining myself off the forest alone are behind me now! Also,,, I’m not much of a fan of eating any sort of mushroom, let alone the potentially deadly ones!

Some friends of decay? What kind…? Not a clue! There are…. Many umbrella shaped brown mushrooms

[counselor-elijah]

Some friends of decay? What kind…? Not a clue! There are…. Many umbrella shaped brown mushrooms

[counselor-elijah]

You’ll never guess it! Another fox moth caterpillar!

[counselor-elijah]

Full moon by astronycc.

[counselor-elijah]