Snakes Alive!

If you have known me for more than about 10 minutes, you know that I don't have any affection for creepy crawlies. No one even comes to check on the blood-curdling scream a good 2-inch Texas cock roach solicits for me. They know the scream and what brings it on.

But snakes. Man, they send chills down my spine just thinking about them.

You can imagine the scream that came out when I ran across this guy while digging in my yard.


He was curled up in the lariope. He didn't mean any harm. He's actually a good guy to have around a garden.



He is a Texas Brown Snake. Clever name as he is a brown snake found in Texas. He was a little guy. Only about 10 inches long.

By far his best attribute, in my book, is that he eats slugs. Go forth and multiply, my friend.

Neighbors

I don't know if I have ever mentioned some of our neighbors. They have been here since we moved in, although I have to confess that I'm not sure if they have always been the same ones. They aren't particulary friendly and they all look the same to me.


I took this from my front porch. The vacant lot across the street from my house is a favorite breakfast spot. You see, we have guineas.

They can be a little noisy, but I don't mind. They are a fun addition to our neighborhood.

The story goes that they used to belong to someone who let them run free. The owners moved and left the guineas. They roam in about a 3 or 4 block area. I don't know where they nest. We lost a couple during Ike. Our count has been between 2 and 5 over the years. There are people who put out feed, but they mostly forage around in yards and flower beds.

I'm not sure if they are considered wildlife. They are more like livestock. Whatever you call them, they are fun to have in the neighborhood.