Thursday, February 6, 2014

E A R T H W O R M S A N D V A L E N T I N E ' S D A Y

I seem to know quite a bit about earthworms. Lumbricus terrestris is the Latin name for the common nightcrawler. It isn't native to North America but was introduced from Europe. Lubricus is one of the animals that was commonly directed in college zoology labs to learn about basic organs of invertebrates. At least it was when I was taking my first comparative zoology classes in the late 50's.

It is early February, and already I'm thinking of VALENTINE'S DAY and earthworms. I know that earthworms have five (5) hearts and that its esophagus passes through those five aortic arches. I think that is very cool. I remember that old saying that "the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach." That was a long time before I had learned about earthworms.

Speaking of hearts and Valentine's Day . . . I love my sweetheart Elizabeth with every beat of my heart. It is time to scour the greeting card aisle of local stores for just the perfect card for the special day! I am somewhat hesitant to look for the "just right" card when there are others in the aisle as I most often cry a little (just a little whimper) as I read over the various verses. I try to time it so there are at least two other "whimperers" in the aisle as well.  That way the store manager leaves us alone to our card selection ritual.

Elizabeth has had some difficulty in reaching down to put on her street shoes and lace them up. So I help tie them. I am so grateful that I can do this - and hope to do it for a long time.

I'm sure glad she isn't a millipede. 


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