Of all the wildlife I expect to see in the mountains here, ladybugs are not on the list. But this year, as late-season rains turn spring greenery even greener, they have appeared. There are so many that the plants are dotted in red. I've even picked a few from Walt's fur. They sit on your finger for barely a second, barely enough time to summon up a wish before their shell parts and those improbable wings emerge and whir them away.