Friends Not Often Seen

  We usually tend to think friends are those folks who visit often.  Those folks who can drop in unannounced, linger over a cup of coffee and chat as if time is not of essence.  Sometimes, however, friends can be not often seen.  Years can pass before a unplanned event throws folks together.  Friends can pick up where they left off so long ago as if time and distance make no matter.  Then, there are friends of a different ilk.  Those are the ones that are seldom seen but make a huge impact on one's life.  It often make me wonder if those are the truest folks.  They go about life without ever expecting anything in return for the kindness they give.

  With all of this talk of friendship, you knew this writing was going to eventually turn to critters.  It all goes back to the idea that I have far more critter friends than people friends which suits me fine.  Critter friends do not dwell in drama.  Today's critter friend is one of those "rarely seen" ilk.  One may catch a fleeting glimpse of something scurrying beneath the leaves or in between grass blades but getting a long visit is often unheard of.  This morning, I had a quite lengthy visit with a Little Brown Skink.   I was honored that the critter trusted me enough to lounge near where I was sitting. It made no effort to hide nor run away even though we were inches apart.  We just sat and enjoyed each other's company.  

  What makes this a true friend is that the skink is always lending a helping hand.  This little one scurries about the leaf litter in search of small insects.  It pokes its nose under leaves or mulch seeking things such as fleas, spiders, roaches, ants and termites....all which are considered to be pests by most folks. This applies to me, as well, except for the spiders.  In my mind, spiders are good.  That said, this little friend is a friend indeed albeit one that goes unseen by most folks.  The Little Brown Skink...a hard-working friend that lends a helping hand even to those who do not appreciate it.