snakes on a sidewalk

For the record, I do not consider myself a "snake person," nor do I feel 100% comfortable around people who have and/or collect snakes (or  lizards or frogs) as "pets"

THAT BEING SAID

This little buggar was trying his best to catch some sun yesterday when I returned from moving a few things into the new condo. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but I didn't think it was poisonous because the shape of the head and rounded eyes are non-viper. I might have also texted a picture to Rob for safe measure before entertaining further contact :)  -- this is a baby Rat Snake

I tried to shoo him into the bushes but he was determined to stay right there on the sidewalk, no doubt hoping for a few rays of sunshine to peep through the clouds. Maybe he just ate a little lizard and was stuck in the open trying to digest. Maybe the recent sharp drop in temperature left him feeling too aware of his cold blooded existence...who knows.

And I would have just left him there except I knew one of two things would probably happen: 

1. The neighborhood cat (and avid snake killer) "Puddles" would take it as his next victim (until now the only snakes I've ever seen here have already met Puddles), or 

2. another person passing by would have the ever so common reaction of "KILL THE SNAKE!!!" and the same sad fate would occur

So I scooped him up in a glass bowl then transferred him into a small bucket with leaves and some water. He seems to be a very perceptive little snake and would look right at me even if I wasn't moving around or making noise. 

He may not know it (or appreciate it) but spending a few days in our apartment until later in the week when it warms back up might just save his little reptile life. Or at least extend it somewhat. 

Having had the experience we had with rodents in our last abode, I'm more than happy to support the rat snake population on this island!

Rob said he couldn't believe I caught it and honestly, it was just a spur of the moment thing but it had a lot to do with the fact that he was clearly somewhat disabled. Which reminded me of a time when I was little (really little...like, 5 or 6) and was playing in the yard while mother was humoring the Jehovah's witness who had just stopped by the house. I discovered a little green snake and picked it right up to take in and show mom. I was so proud of myself.

(they look like this)

The Jehovah's witness nearly fainted and of course fled the scene. We've since joked that she probably though I was Satan's spawn bringing the serpent to tempt the unfaithful.

Mom saved it in a shoebox until Dad came home from work, at which time I was educated on exactly what kind of snake it was and on NOT picking up ANY snakes even though I not only felt I would sense which ones were bad or good (haha) I also loved all animals so much that I truly believed they would sense this and never hurt me (but I've always thought children are so much more in tune with the world than adults...so there's still a chance I might have been on to something ;)

(UPDATE:...umm...the snake died anyway. so it goes)

AD WINNER OF THE MONTH (possibly year)

KMART - Ship My Pants

praise be....I finally finished my damn taxes. I even made myself (and Rob) wait on dinner so that I had them done and submitted.

I realize I could have waited a few more days to really maximize on the experience, but in a moment of weakness I felt inclined to get it over with.

I've struggled for weeks with my returns, convinced I've missed something. And, well, knowing I surely have because I haven't had or made the time to earn the degree in forensic tax and finance required to file a really impressive return...sigh.

but it's done! wooooo!

(and now my thera-flu is kicking in)

I did it....

a few weeks ago as I climbed out of my car after work to head into our condo (aka 'the cave') I had that "hmmm, feel like I might get a cold" feeling....you know the one. really hard to describe. it's sortof a back-of-the-throat / sinus / head thing...weird

that night I dreamt I woke up with a cold, and the next day....you guessed it....I woke up with a cold--sore throat and everything.

I only left work early one day of last week (though I probably should have been out -completely- for two...hey, I'm no whiner...I had to go in and prove to others I could be at work sick -- if you don't at least infect one or two others you're just faking it)...seriously, there is no compassion for the cold in the workplace--all my working years (all of them. hah) I've never understood why that is.

anyway, the last few days I have suspected my cold had evolved into something that may or may not go away on it's own...I have probably had two or three true blue [bacterial] upper respiratory infections in my life--but one thing I have never had and never want to have is an ear infection, so all morning and early afternoon as I wobbled around at work thinking the floor was surely going to come up and smack me any second (there's no way I'm passing out between my office and the front desk...especially not in this dress...) I thought about it. I don't feel all that bad, but I kindof do....and finally when a trip to the boss' office seemed downright perilous, I did it

I made the call. And it was much easier than I thought it would be (or perhaps should be). I called my doctors office and told the nurse what I thought I had/needed. I even offered my very sincere rendition of why I don't think people should arbitrarily take antibiotics...I gave him multiple opportunities to turn me away, even offered to come in for a listen...nope, says he, the doctor is sick too....which pharmacy do I use

so. off to CVS I go.

(walks delicately away from computer...I wonder how driving will be?)