Saving the critters

Every time I mow the lawn, I tread on the grass very carefully. There are so many little creepy-crawlies which are in danger to become minced meat under the blades of my lawn mower. Whenever I see one, I usually pick it up and take it to safety in the hedge. So far, I've saved numerous blindworms, praying mantises, snails, grasshoppers and crickets this way. And every time I do such a noble deed, my generosity does not go unrewarded.

I got rewarded again last night - for the first time this year! Sitting on the balcony and waiting for MacGyver and Pete (for those of you who don't know them yet - they are my two hedgehogs), a cricket began to sing his evening serenade. After a couple of seconds, an owl joined in with its vigorous hooting. It was beautiful! I just sat there and listened. Mack and Pete didn't show up, but I enjoyed a couple of blissful moments very much before going to sleep...