Ssssssnakes

Sunday afternoon, Paul went outside to mow the prairie (our lawn). At first I refused to participate in the mowing of our lawn because Paul really wanted this half acre lot while I wanted a smaller one closer in. And because Paul refused to buy the riding mower from the previous owner (for a mere $400!) instead insisting that mowing the lawn himself would be good exercise. Now, however, I have better reasons for staying inside.

When Paul opened the door to the shed behind the house to get the mower out, a snake fell on his head. He related this to me later and I tried to get him to admit that he jumped around and freaked out a little bit, or at least startled becomingly. "No," he said, "it doesn't really bother me. I'm sure it surprised me the first couple of times it happened to me this year but I'm used to it now. It's just a garden snake."

(!!!) It's OK, I'm told. They don't really live in the shed, they just hang out there. They live under the shed, which happens to also be right under our bedroom window. I am not a nature gal. I would like for my house - and yard! - to be insect, arachnid, rodent, and reptile-free (inquire within for specific exemptions for pets).

Also, there are incredibly large and durable carpenter ants swarming around outside (and occasionally sneaking in through the chinks), giant bumblebees dive-bombing the windows, and I think there are mice in the bedroom wall again. Make yourselves useful, snakes!

Anyway, the house next door is for sale, if you're a herpetologist.