I encountered this Yellow Jacket on our porch. I was able to get a reasonable photo because it seemed rather lethargic and not too interested in stinging me (as I approached to within an inch with my macro lens). I did a little research and learned that they are members of the wasp family and that males die shortly after mating. I believe this may have been the fate of this otherwise healthy looking fellow. Not a bad way to go, all other possibilities considered.

This evening, Nico and I completed an interview with a reporter from the Concord Journal regarding Nico’s Challenge and our experience at the Mountainfilm Festival. A question which keeps coming up is “What’s next?” Leading the life of a normal teenager, Nicolai’s true ambition, does not seem to satisfy such inquiry. Perhaps the “what’s next” chapter of this story will be written by another child who is inspired by our film to do something amazing and raise money for a deserving charity, much as Nico was inspired by the movie Emmanuel’s Gift. When we met Emmanuel I asked what inspired him and he told me it was his mother’s love and the story of Jim MacLaren (story here) who refused to quit despite great challenges in his life. Maybe the tale of our adventure will light the flame for the next carrier(s) of the torch. Whatever happens next, we are grateful for our blessings and pleased that all of our children have embraced social action and community service.