Yesterday afternoon was a little bit too exciting for me. After writing in my blog, I went outside to enjoy the sunshine. I walked over to the berry patch beside the garage and stood looking at the ripening berries with my arms bracing me on top of the rail. For some reason something caught my eye, drawing my attention to the lattice work fence hubby had put up around them
I did a double take and backed away yet keeping my eyes on the fence. Son Mike drove up and I called him over. I said, "Mike, it's a Copper Head." It was a young one, wrapped around the lattice work. The coloring wasn't so pronounced yet so I took a closer look. Mike told me it was only a Garter Snake but I was sure I was right. I moved my hand toward the snake's tail and up that head came. Red tongue flicking and ready to lash out. Mike pulled me away and agreed with me after seeing the shape of his head and his readiness to strike.
With heart beating faster than usual and backing away, all the while keeping it in sight, (damn, where's my camera anyway?) I thought I would just leave it alone to go on with it's daily sunning. Son had other plans and came running with a shovel. The snake let loose of the fencing and dropped into the heavy berry patch. Where there is one you will usually find more.
I thought that was enough excitement for me for one day and came in to do paperwork. Hubby was in the garage and said that Mike kept going back to the fence to look for more. LOL, now I have him paranoid. Kert is burning out his flash light batteries every night checking on the skunk's where abouts and now Mike with the snake. I can't help it, I find it hilarious. Hubby tells me I'm just plain nuts to go outside when I know the skunk is around. He has never bothered me so I sing when going out so he is forewarned. I like to keep things on a friendly basis with my wild friends here.
Then, this morning upon waking I went to look out at my Asiatic lillies which were just opening up. Two a deep burgundy and one a very pale pink and yellow. I couldn't wait to see them wide open so I could take a picture. I was upset to see that they were gone. Along with my flowering Mock Orange Blossom tree that was struggling to find it's place in the crush of small oaks, elms and sassafras. I also noticed that all my blue heather was eaten to the nub. The deer...MY deer. Grrr, if only there was some way to keep them away from the things I hold dear.
They didn't get my three Mandeville Pinks yet but I noticed one leaf and a stalk missing so know they are next. I guess it's time to plant silk flowers for color next year. All that work and money spent only to be eaten by my little friends. I won't be feeding them this coming winter. I need for them to go live in the wild and I don't mean sleeping under my pines and begging for food. Those big soft eyes won't melt my heart this year. I'll stand fast. Ya, you betcha!
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