For the last few years I have refused to walk through the grass – especially in the morning – without first closely inspecting it. I’m not looking for landmines or “Littles” (remember that cartoon? “We are the Littles. We’re living with you don’t you know…”) I loved that cartoon.

But I digress. I am looking for Grass Spiders. (WARNING: Viewing this link may have you scratching and itching for the rest of the day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grass_spider) In case, you couldn't’t muster up the courage to open the link, these buggers build webs with a funnel at one end on top of the grass. I discovered the little bastards a few years ago. Every morning my bus passes by Lake Calhoun. If I sit on the left hand side of the bus then I get the spectacular view of the lake, the sun shining off its surface. It brings a smile to my face every morning. If I sit on the right hand side of the bus, I get a view of Lakewood Cemetery (I totally want to walk through that cemetery one day. They have the biggest, most ornate looking tombstones-like works of art) and the Trolley tracks. On most mornings the sun shines just so on the rocks and grass that border the tracks. And that’s when you can see them; rows of spider webs that line the tracks. One after the other of hundreds of webs. EEEWWW! Unfortunately for those unaware of their presence, they have no idea that they are stepping on, over and around hundreds of little fast moving creepy crawlies. This morning when I passed the section of tracks there was a couple walking along the tracks (with sandals on). A shiver traveled through my body. It took all my will to remain composed and not open the window and scream “Get off the grass! (I swear I’m gonna be the old lady sitting on the porch yelling at the kids to “get off the grass”, but it’s not going to be an attempt to save the integrity of the grass, rather I’ll be protecting them from the eight legged devils trying to bite their feet or leap on to their legs!)

And be careful of bushes too! There is a colony of them that have taken up residence in a bush by my bus stop. Sorry for my crappy low pixel camera (yet another reason to get a new cell phone)– this picture does not give a clear picture of the freak factor that this bush provides. It is COVERED – top to bottom – in webs. (Notice how, unless the sun hits them just right then you can hardly see them.) It's like freakin' Arachnophobia. Upon closer inspection, you can see all of them sitting in their funnels just watching. I’ve had devilish thoughts of getting some bug spray and going and dousing the bush, but can you imagine what the exodus would be like? Hundreds of spiders flowing out of the bush! ICK!! So, I dropped that plan and just walk next to the street when I pass the bush!

Watch your feet!

(Grass Spider)
Sorry, I just had to share a picture. I know that was cruel! But you know I can be a little devil sometimes. Besides, I can’t be the only one freaked out and feeling their legs on my skin all day!