Severus the snake

Ah, the country life!  You never know what new animal you will see, in you own kitchen!  I was already tucked in bed reading before going to sleep when a large thunk came from the other room.  I got up to investigate, the dogs all looked at me like 'you got this, we'll wait right here.'  So, I got up and slowly made my way past the laundry room and into the kitchen looking for anything out of place.  

I see that a jar has fallen off the top of the stove and also see snake skin slither past and hide behind the toaster oven.  Reflexively, I shudder slightly.  I moved the pans from on top of it and determined it to be a rat snake, must have come in for the mice that are running wild.  Good, I told that snake last year if he came back in the house a third time I was making him a pet!  I took his pic,  then slid the pans he was curled up in from the toaster oven to the stove top.  At which point he looked up to try to escape, no escape there, then he turned towards the fridge, he stretched over toward it and I told him he wouldn't like it there and he retracted and went behind the stove again.  I moved the stove and no snake, just an old dead mouse in a snap trap who I swept out the back door, trap and all.  But I did see a space between the end of the cabinet and the wall that was covered by the stove. 

I guess he, Severus Snape the snake, returned to under the sink from whence I believe he came.  Seeing no sign of him I went back to bed hoping not to encounter him again before morning.  It was a bit disturbing to sleep with a snake in the house but if he stays out of my bed and couch I think I can manage it,and maybe he will keep the mice in check. Still the floors and under the appliances are getting a good scrubbing this weekend!

Ice Day

Well today is one of those rare day in south central Texas when it ices up and it seems like the whole world stops.  This little ice storm had been predicted for several days.  Last evening it started around 5 pm in Austin, where I work.  Luckily, I live south about 60 miles.  After several stops on the way home, I wasn't welcome at home if I didn't bring dog food and I had several scrips at the pharmacy, I arrived around 7 pm.  Things were just starting to get interesting.  Light rain was just starting.  The dogs weren't very interested in staying outside for a change. I noticed my back steps, which face north, were full of tiny ice pellets, sleet!  After dinner I checked the deck, on the south side of the house, and it too was getting icy.  I made sure all the faucets were dripping and made me some coco and sat down to read my book feeling certain there would be no going to work in the morning. 

The dogs waited until nearly 4 am for their nightly foray outside.  They didn't stay out long!  Icicles were starting to form on the back light fixtures.  When the alarm went off at 6 am I checked my phone and sure enough we got the whole day off!  Arwen and I snuggled back under the covers.  When we got up around 7:30 am there was sleet and ice everywhere and tiny icicles.  The creaking of the ice covered branches in the wind sounded like it was still sleeting.  I made some hot tea, pigs in blankets and eggs.  Watched the icicles grow as they melted and refroze.