Wow, I just saw something so horrible and fascinating, I have to write about it.

The garden is drooping again, over a week since we had the one inch of rain we had all month. I was scooping water from the rain barrels and pouring it on the things that need it most. I heard a scratching, scurrying sound. I am afraid that I frightened an anole into the arms of a praying mantis! It is glorious to see a giant praying mantis, guarding my vegetables. And I love the little anoles that also eat insects. Would you think a praying mantis would kill an anole? The answer is yes, it will, and it was. I wanted to save it, but I was sort of transfixed, watching the struggle, and not sure I should interfere. She was choking him, holding his head with her arms and mouth; he struggled less and less. Then he was lively  for a minute and I thought he might escape, but started to fail again. Even his color changed. I didn't have my camera and I didn't want to watch any more. Cruel nature! I am upset, even queasy and bordering on hysteria. I took a bath and I am trying to breathe and get over it.