Friendship in the making!

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of patience to make a new friend.  Either the intended can be scared, nervous and wary but if you are persistent, friendship usually wins the game.  Even when dealing with critters.

I was once again painting the entryway.  This is seemingly taking forever because of all of the nooks and crannies that require my being a contortionist with a paintbrush to cover all the areas.  While I was painting around one window, a snake fell (dove) out of the wisteria arbor just outside.  He landed with a splat on the ground just below my window.  I made the remark to Michael that a snake dropped in to see me.  (He was in the kitchen preparing lunch. I love my son!)  Anyway, it did not take long before that son of mine was out investigating said snake!  "Where was it?" he asked..all the while standing in the exact spot where the snake fell.  "Uhh, well, he was right there!"  Michael searched the area.  It proved not to be overly difficult to find the snake.  The critter had moved a mere two feet to the coverage of some ivy.  "Hey!  He's a beauty!"  Michael called through the window.  That did it!  Painting was halted and I, too, went snake hunting!

Sure enough, the snake was a beauty!  By this time, Michael was trying to coax the snake out of the ivy.  Mr. Snake was having difficulty deciding if we were friends or foes.  Michael gingerly sat down on the grass with his hand extended toward our future friend.  At this point, I should mention that the snake was not venomous.  It was a Southern Black Racer and is indeed a friend to all gardeners.  They will eat rodents and bugs that damage plants.  This one had just caught a large lizard and while I do like lizards in the garden, I was not about to complain to the poor snake.  He had to eat! After about fifteen minutes of quietly sitting near the snake, progress was made!  The snake's curiosity overcame its fear.  With the two of us within just a few feet of the critter, it made a slight move.  Easing ever closer to Michael's outstretched hand, the snake seemed to know we meant it no harm.  The whole time Michael was befriending the snake, I was snapping pictures! It is not everyday that one can record a friendship in the making!  Soon the snake was just an inch from his hand.  The tip of its tongue was brushing Michael's fingertips but he kept motionless.  Any abrupt movement on his part would have negated any progress made.

We stayed there a good hour..Michael and snake interacting with each other and me photographing the experience.  I do not know who was having the bigger thrill.  The snake did not even bother moving when we decided that lunch called!  I was the first to rise and ease away.  Michael extended his hand a bit more and stroked the snake's head as if to say "See you later, friend!"  This was an amazing interaction between human and critter..one that is not seen often..at least with such calmness and patience that Michael extended and to which the snake responded.  Yep..patience is an important part of friendship...any friendship.