Well, maybe not new, as we're not sure exactly how long she's been here.
In any case, a few days ago we spotted her
Folks, meet Erika:
Erika, perched above a doorway in the front hall where she can more easily launch a surprise attack partake in the warm familial atmosphere.
I admit, we're just guessing on the gender and as for the name itself, it just...kind of occurred to one of us and has stuck. It has no specific significance.
But, just possibly, personalising our new eight-legged friend helps one of us to cope better with an almost paralyzing fear of arachnids (we won't mention which one of us it is, other than to note that he remains convinced that said phobia does not in any way serve to undermine his otherwise virile masculinity).
And it also occurs to me that our practice of naming the critters that wander around (and, far more rarely, into) our house allows us to feel a similar sense of animal companionship enjoyed by actual pet owners without...well, all the hassle of actually being a pet owner.
Perhaps.
Erika, by the way, is no longer in the front hall.
She was seen later hanging around in the corner where the wine lives in the Wohnzimmer.
She has since set off for parts unknown.
"She's probably moved into your coat", said The Wife, helpfully.
I'm not sure, but I think this may explain why I've not been out of the house for three days.
