The Owl In The Wall

 The ongoing work to repair the leaky roof and damaged wall is continuing.  Right now, heat lamps are drying the wood so that mold will not grow.  This leaves the exposed brick of the old fireplace in full view.  It is sad to say that I sort of like it this way.  I am sure that come November (post Halloween), I will see things with a different eye but, for now, I find this far too interesting...so much so that I posted a photo on social media.  I wanted to get an idea if others saw what I did.  There is an owl in my wall!  So, maybe this is not a living owl and maybe you have to have a good imagination but there is definitely an owl staring back at me each time I walk through the dining room.  The consensus was, indeed, an owl resided there but, not only an owl, but a whole host of other entities!  I was excited as folks started pointing out other beings.  

  It seems there is a whole following of people who actually spend hours just looking at images to find "hidden" things in them.  I find this intriguing!  How neat is it to see things in a different view?  To be able to view an ordinary photograph and pick out "unseen" items is pretty thought provoking, to say the least.  I sort of want to start taking random photographs just to see if anything "jumps" out at me!  

  It almost saddens me that after a few more days, my owl, a frog on the lily pad, a hairy ghost, a smirking lizard and a few other "faces" will be hidden from view.  Once Son repairs the water damage, my "friends" will be out of sight...not gone...just out of sight.  Goodbye, Wall Friends!

Queens and Fiery Dragons!

  When you are starved for adventure and have no way of exploring for it, you create it.  If you truly wish, most everything can be turned into something different than it really is and even the most mundane find can become that long-wished adventure.  That is what occurred today.  

  While out surveying my queendom better known as the Small Gardens, I came across a fiery dragon!  This was no foul being, however, as this was one of my subjects. As Queen of the Small Gardens, I get to pick and choose who shall be deemed friendly and who shall be considered an enemy of the queendom.  This dragon shall serve a purpose and that purpose being the added protection from enemies of the queendom.   The dragon, albeit still a babe, will fight to save the Small Gardens from attack!  It pays to have such brave subjects!

  A wee babe of a green anole was seeking an equally small insect to have as breakfast.  It climbed about in the potted chrysanthemum plant.  Wow!  This tiny tot must have just recently hatched as it was only about four inches long!   It made me happy to know that it was hiding among the thick leaves of the plant a there were plenty of birds, larger lizards and even a few snakes in the garden that would have gobbled up our sweet friend.  After allowing me a couple of photos, the little one scampered down beneath the plant stalks!

  My fiery dragon will protect the queendom of such things as aphids, caterpillars and even mosquitoes!  The Queen jubilantly welcomes all dragons to her realm!  And so ends today's magnificent adventure of one with limited access to the outside world.

The "Fighting Breakfast"!

  Here on the Bayou, life pretty much goes on as it always has despite being quarantined.  I have not left the place and do not plan on leaving for probably a month or so.  There is plenty of food in the house or garden or Bayou, we are always well stocked on life's necessities and there is more than enough chores to keep me occupied.  In fact, recently, I was told that I have been "in training" for this type of scenario my whole life.  Well, my response to that is "If you call being self-sufficient as training, then I guess I have been".  Growing up on the farm, living on the Coast and being a bit of a "loner" has taught me well.  Farming gives one a "can do" attitude, living on the Coast that has hurricanes requires one to be prepared and loving to be by myself has led me to be easily amused by what is around me.  So, life goes on...as usual.

  Today's amusement came in the form of a lizard.  There are dozens of green anoles that live in or around the garden area.  The idea of having so many delights me as I know they will keep down the garden pests.  I am all for having lizards of any sort hiding amongst the plants.  This morning as I planted yet more tomatoes, a lizard could be seen stalking something in the garlic patch.  This is a raised bed that once held herbs but has been now taken over by garlic and onions.  The lizard slowly inched toward the fence post attached to the raise bed.  Then...zap!  The lizard had its prey!...and a fight ensued.  

  The lizard had decided that a bee looked like breakfast.  Well, lets just say that the bee did not take lightly to being munched.  The lizard twisted this way and that as it tried to swallow the bee.  The bee, in the meantime, twisted this way and that trying to avoid being swallowed.  Suddenly, the lizard jerked back and almost gagged.  The bee, in its fury, had stung the lizard!  It is a scary thing when your breakfast fights back so violently!  Still, the lizard refused to lose its prey and kept on trying to swallow the squirmy bee.

  While I was saddened to see that the lizard had actually caught a bee, I was delighted to know it was on watch.  It had, indeed, caught a critter out of the garden.  Too bad it was not one of those dreaded squash bugs!  Tighten Up, Lizard!!

Not Today...Not Today

  Life is fragile.  We can appear tough and ready to take on the world when one tiny slip changes the whole pace of things.  Here on the Bayou, life in general is rough and there are days that make me want to crawl back in bed and not face the challenges.  I do, however, because I have to even though, sometimes, I do not want to.  I get up, carry on and meet the challenges and rarely ever let the world know that it almost did me in.  It almost beat me.  Just not today.  

  It is like that with critters about the Bayou, as well.  Life is tough on them, too.   They face daily challenges just to survive...some do....many do not.  Earlier this morning, I was out doing yard work when I noticed a delicate damselfly sunning on a fig leaf.  It was so frail looking that I pondered how the bug ever survived with predators at every turn.  Then, the damselfly took flight and headed toward the Frog Pond.  She was going to lay her eggs near the water's edge so the life cycle could continue.  Well, there was another critter at the pond and things did not end well for our pretty, little damselfly.  She became breakfast for a skink.   The lizard, however, did well for itself and would live for another day.  

  Days are like that.   We are like that.  Some come, some go and others just wander through trying to survive.  Right now, I am wandering.  I am trying to make it through each day while handling everything that should really not be my problems.  Too many things have been dumped in my lap and I am going in circles trying to deal with them.  This, too, shall pass...at least, I hope.  

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.

Just A Relaxing Moment Between Friends

  It is no secret that I have a certain fondness for the critters of the Bayou.  We seem to share a deep friendship.  In fact, I like them a lot more than most folks.  People tend to dramatize everything.  They are too eager to get their shorts in a wad and stomp around like flipping brats.  For this reason, I prefer the company of animals.  You know where you stand with them from the get-go and they are as easygoing as one could want. 

  Take this morning, for example.  While I waited on the old dog to finish his business, I ventured to the shore end of the pier.  There, I watched as a broad-headed skink scampered about trying to catch his breakfast.  This skink had no problem with me watching his every move just two feet from him.  The skink knew that I meant no harm so he went about his chores without a care in the world.  Then, as the sun warmed the pier planks, the skink plopped down to soak up a bit of that warmth.  To assure that his full belly was on the board, he started twisting his feet up over his back.  First one, then another until all four were up.  The two front feet grasp each other as did the two back.  The skink was so sure that he and I could remain sociable, that he had put himself in a vulnerable position even though I was a possible predator.  

  The skink seemed to be letting me know that all is well between us and differences matter not when true friendship is there.  Life on the Bayou is good.

I'm Miffed!

  Now I have just about seen it all!  I am used to having people get miffed or even downright mad at me for things I do.  It is not that I go out of my way to irritate folks but I sure seem to get the job done and well!  I guess I am just good at what I do!  More likely, folks are probably upset with me because I do not hold things back too well.  But this??

  Then, there are the critters of the Bayou.  I never thought I would get one of them upset with me but I have or, at least, that appeared to be the case.  Yesterday, I was doing a bit of trimming of weeds when I decided to walk down the pier.  Son and I made a quick trip to check the old skiff.  While he was in the boat repairing the pump, I watched a lizard.  A green anole was sunning on the pier planks.  I figured I would get a few photographs while we were there and the lizard was a handy target.  I eased my way closer to the critter only to have it ease a few inches further away.  This creeping and crawling went on for a good ten feet before the lizard decided to show its disdain for my actions.  It turned and glared at me!  I never knew a critter could show how miffed it was by a single glare!  I certainly got the message that the lizard was not please with  me following it.

  The green anoles seem to love the marsh.  There, they can feast upon the millions of insects that also live in the reeds.  That is not to say that life is easy for them because even though they are a predator, there are larger threats to them hiding in the marsh.  Snakes, turtles and birds all would love to dine upon a fat lizard.  I suppose the green anole thought that I was just another predator out to get it and shot me that look as a warning to back off!  "Hey, human!  I can run faster than you!  Leave me alone!"  

The Mummy!

  It has been rather hot here on the Bayou but chores still need doing.  After making another gallon of fig jam, Son and I headed out to do a bit of yard work.  Even with the heat and lack of rain, plants keep on growing.  A wisteria vine was just about to put the house in a choke hold so it had to come down.  When it came, so did the arbor that was hidden beneath all of those vines. Instead of just trimming and hauling vines, we now had to undo the mess of broken boards.  It was all good and that corner of the yard looks so much better.  Since we were ripping out things, I decided to remove a few of the raised garden boxes.  That is when I found....the MUMMY!!

  Yep, in the corner of one box, a partially skeletonized, partially mummified lizard was covered with leaves.  Ripping out the boards, exposed the corpse.  Ok...so I am not like most folks.  I admit it.  I had to examine that poor dead lizard.  Not that I have any great forensic inclinations or even cared to know how the lizard perished.  It is just not too often that one gets to see what a lizard skeleton looks like and I was curious.  I recalled Granddad telling me to look at everything and learn.  So I still try.

  It saddens me that the little lizard met its demise as they are great to have in the garden.  Hopefully, the mummified critter had lived a long and happy life before meeting its end.  With all of the insects taking over the garden, one thing is certain.  The lizard did not starve to death!

Big and Scary vs Small and Beautiful!

  For the past few mornings, a critter seems to be waiting at the gate for my arrival.  Not that he is particularly waiting to visit but seems to want to keep tabs of where I am.  I am the big, scary monster that lurks just beyond his territory.  It is not my intention to be a monster but I guess with the difference our sizes, I do appear large, scary and could possibly be a predator.  If only he knew how wrong that idea is.

  A green anole lives in the jasmine vine that flanks either side of the gate that heads out to the board path.  I take this board path to the pier each morning and any other time I wish to head south from the house.  Lately, the lizard is waiting on the fence post.  The jasmine vines twirl gracefully above his head as the morning sun glistens on his dewlap making it a fiery red.  Just as he waits on the fence post each morning, I stand in awe of his beauty with each visit.  What a work of art this guy is!

  Have you ever pondered the use of that bright red flap of skin called a dewlap?  There is actually two purposes.  One, as most believe, is to attract a female anole.  While this is partially correct, it is not the entire purpose of the dewlap.  It does have to do with his ladylove in a round about way.  The male lizard extends his dewlap when he feels threatened or when he wishes TO threaten.  This makes it more appealing to a potential mate but, also, scares off other male lizards in the area.  He extends the dewlap to make himself seem more powerful...in other words, the larger the dewlap, the larger and stronger the lizard.  In my case, the lizard is letting me know that he will be willing to defend his territory even against a big, scary monster (me!).   But, instead of being intimidated by his threatening antics, I find him amusing.  My new, little buddy is rather adorable!

Soaking Up The Sunshine!

  So winter in the Deep South is doing its fickle best to keep us confused.  For the past few days, it has been feeling a lot more like summer than winter.  Two days of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70s makes me feel like doing yard work!  I pulled all of the plants out of the greenhouse and let them feel "spring" only to shove them back inside so they would not have to feel "winter" again tonight.  I am not the only one dealing with the moody Old Man Winter.  The critters of the Bayou are baffled, as well.  

  This afternoon's walk to the pier brought me face to face with a lovely, little lizard.  The little critter was sunning itself on the warm pier boards and had no intentions of vacating its comfy spot because I wanted to pass.  This lizard seems to live on the pier and has done little to protect itself from winter save going beneath the boards and down into the marsh.  There, it can burrow under some of the dead reeds and be quite snug.  Unlike its "landlubber" cousins up the hill, this little lizard can take full advantage of the warm sunshine.  The open area around the pier allows the sun to warm the place much faster than the mulch-filled areas of the shady woods.  There, the ground is still rather cold and the lizards are all still snug in their dens.  Several times, I have been cleaning the yard only to uncover a poor, cold lizard.  Whatever I moved is gently returned to its resting spot on top of the lizard that chose that place as its overwintering spot.  In contrast, my friend on the pier has been active almost all winter.

  One has to wonder if the pier-dwelling lizard had any idea how brilliant it was to choose the marsh as its habitat.  Other than an occasional high tide, this smart, little guy can live the good life.  There is plenty to eat, nice snug places to sleep and its on "tanning bed" also known as the pier.  Smart critter!

The Tale of Y

  Last week, my sweet daughter-in-law noticed that we had a lovely, albeit unusual, skink by the front door.  Joanna pointed out that the skink had two tails or at least an odd growth on its tail.   I had seen the lizard before but got nothing more than a quick glance.  The skink was fast to hide either under the steps or in the hollow tree nearby. Sweet Joanna, however, was able to get close enough to the lizard to describe the tail in detail!  By her description, the tail was more of a crooked Y than actually two tails. I needed to photograph the lizard so I could get a better view.

  Then a young friend of the family came calling.  "You have a two-tailed skink!" he said excitedly.  Christopher has been a life-long friend of Son's so he feels free to roam about the place.  Before he even announced his arrival at the Little Bayou House, he had already tried to capture the skink.  "He is quick and ran into the hollow tree."  Yep, that is my skink!  I really had to get a picture of that critter.

  This morning, Mark called my attention to the bizarre lizard.  This time, the skink did not dart away but sat on the steps as I photographed it.  Joanna was right.  The tail is not actually two tails but rather a rather pointy growth on the side of the original tail.  How did that happen??  Well, there are two scenarios that may have occurred.  One the tail was deformed while the skink was still in the egg.  Something could have damaged the egg slightly yet abruptly enough to disrupt the growth process.  Since lizards (skinks included) regenerate lost tails, this could happen even as the young skink is developing.  Once the tiny lizard emerged from the egg, the tail was already shaped.  Another possibility is that somewhere, somehow the lizard was hurt by a predator.  The "drop" mechanism kicked in and its tail was partially pulled off.  The "regenerate" message was processed and a new tail started to form at the injury site.  

  While a bit ungainly, the lizard will not feel any ill results from its unusual tail.  Obviously, the skink can still hunt as it is growing quite large.  It hunts by both day and night and has decided the front step is a delightful home.  I am elated as I love the skinks and their voracious appetites!  Bugs beware!  My Y-tailed Skink is on the loose and will hunt you down if you darken my doorway!

The Beautiful Compost Pile!

  Oh, my beautiful compost pile...how you make the yard lovely!  Yeah, you read that right.  What normally is an eyesore at its best, the dumping ground for foodscraps has taken on a new appearance. Literally, it has come to life!  Mexican Petunias, Elephant Ears and Morning Glories have taken advantage of the vitamin enriched soil. They are all flourishing!  No, these are not necessarily volunteer plants that grew from seeds.  They were spent plants that I pulled from the gardens and plopped into the compost pile.  I figured that any scrap would rot to make more mulch.  Nope.  Instead the roots buried down and took hold.  The plants are enormous now!

  While I should have taken a photograph of the entire spot with its new growth and happy blooms, I instead focused on a tiny lizard.  A three inch long, green anole was determined to catch its breakfast and had chosen the pile as its diner.  Good choice.  With the daily dumping of food scraps, there are any number of critters at the pile.  Most are there to dine upon the kitchen scraps but a few predators are lurking up under the lush foliage.  I have seen the green anoles, skinks and a Southern Black Racer stalking the smaller critters, such as insects, birds and mice, that visit. The compost pile is definitely alive with all sorts of flora and fauna. It is a complete mini eco-system all in a four square feet area.  At least, the huge plants decorated that corner of the yard a bit!

The Quick Escape!

  Watching the critters on the Bayou and surrounding hillside is a favorite pastime of mine.  After the chores are finished, it is not unusual to find me on my hands and knees staring at some critter.  A couple of days ago, it was another skink that caught my eye.  A gorgeous red headed skink was lounging on a groundsel bush limb in the edge of the marsh.  I had the perfect vantage point to watch the lizard while sitting in somewhat comfort on the pier.  The skink caught a few swamp flies before drowsing for a bit.  The bit of sunshine made me want to do the same.  It was quiet, hot and humid which made for a good resting time.  At least I was in the shade!  The lizard, however, was sitting out in the wide open as he dozed.  He had nary a care in the world....so he thought!

  My pretty skink almost met his pretty end by being lazy.  It was not long before a blue jay spied the lizard and decided that it looked a lot like lunch.  The bird was in a pine tree that sat right above the groundsel bush.  While the skink rested, the jay swooped down to make the catch!  Oh, my!  I have never seen a lizard move so fast in all my days!  The startled skink flipped off the branch and raced toward the pier.  If he could make it under the pier, he might be safe!  The blue jay was having no part of this and flew after the skink.  Twice, the bird flipped the lizard up in the air and, twice, the skink escaped.  Hurry, Mr. Skink!  Hurry!

  I am happy to say that the skink did, indeed, make it under the pier. Just in the nick of time, he darted under the pier and dove under some matted marsh. Whew!  The skink was safe, the bird was still hungry and I just witnessed a near miss.  I bet old Mr. Skink will think twice about snoozing on the groundsel bush again!

Come now, Folks...

  Convincing some folks that their long held beliefs are erroneous is like trying to convince an elephant to sit in a thimble.  I have just about as much of chance getting that huge animal in a tiny thimble as I do changing the ideas of some folks.  A lot of the beliefs are held onto out of fear.  "Dad always told me"..."I always heard"..."I know what I am talking about" are all things that I have heard over the years.  Sorry, folks...sometimes what you think is not what is correct.  For instance, one person swears that all snakes are "hunting" for people to bite and that all snakes are "poisonous".  Hmmm, I cannot imagine that human safaris are all the rage with snakes and, while there may be a few "poisonous" snakes out there, I do think you mean venomous.  (We won't go there...look it up.) The same person insists that green snakes and black racers are highly "poisonous" (her word).  Nope. Neither are. Nor are they venomous.  In fact, both will refrain from biting you unless you truly hurt them.  Those bites won't hurt either.

  The same belief is erroneously attached to another critter that is quite often found in the area. Folks are quick to claim that a broad-headed skink is (once again) highly poisonous.  Not that I can attest to this but I highly doubt it.  I have not eaten one to find out if it is poisonous so I am in no position to make claims on that supposition.  If the statement had read "A broad-headed skink is highly venomous", I could say without hesitation that there is no truth at all to the idea.  Broad-headed skinks are not venomous...period.  Enough said.  The critter will, however, not shy away from clamping down on your finger, hand, nose or whatever else gets poked into its business.  They will bite.  The fact of the matter is that the skink is merely protecting itself from a huge monster (you) and will use whatever means it has to escape unscathed.  I do not blame them.  I would, too. But, that bite will not feel to overly uncomfortable once you get over the initial shock of something latching onto you.  My best description is the bite feeling a lot like being pinched by two sandy fingers. 

  While the idea of being bit by any critter is enough to scare folks, I have found that if you ever want to catch a skink there is an easy method.  Just corner the critter, poke at it enough and it will catch you.  Once it latches down on your finger, just gently pick it up!  It works!  (And you do not have to worry about poison!  Or venom!)

  As an added note, the fine specimen of broad-headed skink that I found was not harassed into biting.  It is my belief that we can all live in peace...critters and humans alike. The critters have that down pat...to bad humans do not.  This is a male broad-headed skink. It is easy to tell as the males have the bright red heads during mating season.  This nigh on ten inch long beauty was sunning himself after downing a smaller ground skink for lunch.  (Which, by the way, has been labeled as a "highly poisonous scorpion lizard" by our misguided friend mentioned above.  Oh, come on! *Insert a tone of frustration at this point...groan!)

 Getting back to the fact of folks and their misbeliefs, I figure that perhaps it would be easier to help them overcome their fear of the critters.  By pointing out the beauty and the helpfulness of each critter, I may just alleviate their distaste of all things that wiggle, slither, slink, crawl and slide.  Hopefully, then they will "live and let live."  It is a good aphorism and one I try to live by.

Leave!

  Darling Daughter and I were out meandering the hillside when we came across a lizard.  Well, although we see a ton of lizards about the Bayou area, this one seemed to be a likely playtoy.  She and I both had the same idea that it would be great fun to hold the thing so we set about trying to coax it towards us.  The lizard had other thoughts and refused to budge a single inch toward our open hands.  I decided to let well enough alone but Elizabeth was quite persistent that she needed to befriend the lizard. Since coaxing did not work, she started easing herself closer to the critter.  With each inch she pushed her hand in its direction, the lizard moved an equal amount in the opposite way.  No progress was being made in the effort to hold the creature.  After a bit, she gave up on the idea and we started just admiring our friend from afar.

  We both noticed the stance that the lizard took when it perceived us as a threat.  It turned sideways to us and raised a large ridge down its back and up along its head.  Almost immediately, a dark black patch became noticeable under its eye and, while it was edging away from us, it also was not being frightened.  Two giant humans were intruding on its territory, yet, it was not admitting defeat.  The three actions were territorial reflexes.  The lizard was protecting its home against predators!

  The Green Anoles are interesting critters if folks ever take the time to observe them.  They actually are quite pretty with their bright green, brown or grey colors and are also quite helpful to have in the garden. It is said that the brighter green males are the dominant creatures of the species and can easily intimidate other anoles.  They will fight for their territory! Females are slightly smaller than the males and are not as aggressive.   Being semi-arboreal, the anoles help keep the fruit trees free from pests.  I am glad this one made a dash for the orange tree as it will help keep the white flies in check!  

  And...as an added note...Green Anoles are mistakenly called Chameleons.  They are not!  They are actually in the iguana family and are not kin to the true Chameleons.  They can, however, move their eyes independent of each other.  One eye may be looking up while the other is down!  Cool, huh!

Enjoying the Sunshine While in the Hammock!

  Perhaps my favorite place to be lately is in the greenhouse.  I find myself being more relaxed while puttering around in the midst of plants. They don't ever argue with me!  I have yet to find a controversial bit of foliage!  This winter found me spending more and more time snipping overgrowth from ferns, digging around in potting soil and making hangers for plants.  Today, I rigged up several cutting vases before getting totally sidetracked by the hammock...and its occupant.

  The "hammock" was just an old piece of a fish net that I have hanging on the windows of the greenhouse.  It is strung across the top of the windows and dangles haphazardly onto plants, a birdcage and the back of a wicker chair...my chair.  Once  when taking a break, I noticed that someone was enjoying the warmth of the greenhouse while in that net. A Green Anole was lounging about soaking up a bit of sunshine.  What a perfectly lazy way to while away the hours!  

  The Green Anole is sometimes called (miscalled) the American Chameleon.  This is due to its ability to change colors from bright green to a dusky brown depending on its surroundings.  It is NOT, however, a chameleon.  The color changes can also relate to activity. When the anole is actively feeding on plants, it changes to bright green but when it is lounging about in a relatively dark place, it reverts to the brown stage. My little buddy, today, was blending quite well with the color of the netting.  During its stay in its private hammock, the lizard was gazing out the window.  It was probably in deep thought about what it will do for entertainment this summer and was probably hoping that I do not remove the netting!

Big word for a tiny lizard's defense!

  A tiny lizard caught my eye today and it brought back a  memory from last week.  I was in the garden pulling out all of the old tomato plants when I noticed another tiny one.  It was much like this one being probably about the same age.  Both were only about three inches in length. Still just wee babes in the wild, new world.  The lizard from a week ago, was clinging to the arbor post.  The little guy was trying to blend into the woodwork since this huge monster was tearing up the tomatoes.  I am quite sure that I closely resembled everything monstrous to him.  My fascination with him only lasted a moment as I wanted to get out of the garden before the heat became unbearable. Perhaps I should have watched him a bit closer.  No sooner had I stepped away than a mockingbird darted after the little fellow.  The whole ordeal only took a few seconds. I am happy to say, however,  that the little lizard escaped with his life.  He was minus his tail but his life was still intact.  It is a good thing that most lizards are autotomic! (Now there is a fine word for you and one that this spellcheck refuses to accept!)  Autotomic means that the little lizard (among a few other critters) has the ability to drop body parts such as limbs or tails at will.   This usually is a defense method and is a spontaneous reflex action. It is the only defense the little lizards have when this tiny.  Other critters such as crabs and lobsters can do it with claws and legs.  Strange as it seems, tadpoles can do the same but adult frogs cannot!  

  I have not seen the tailless lizard since that day.  He must have learned his lesson well and is staying well hidden amongst the leaves. The little guy, today, was prime pickings for a predator.  He sat atop the leaves for all the world to see until Ms. Ez, the Bayou Dog, decided that she liked him.  She stuck her nose up against him to make friends causing him to scamper down beneath the lily leaves.  The old dog might have actually saved his life unbeknownst to the lizard.  Good job, Ms. Ez, good job!  Lizard Defender can now be added to your growing list of job qualifications.

The Wiggler

  Finally, we had a beautiful sunshiny day!  I took full advantage of it and painted windows.  Oh, the fun I had.  (And if you believe that, I will tell you a few more fine tales.)  Actually, I did not mind as these windows are for the greenhouse that my son, Michael, is building.  If I want a greenhouse, I have to expect to do a bit of work.  While I was painting, Michael came around the corner of the house and tried to hand me something. Something I learned long ago when I had little boys is to not eagerly accept all they wish to give you.  This still applies today even with them being grown men. I repeat...do not eagerly accept all that they wish to give you!  One never knows just what might be plopped in the hand!  This time, he tried to hand me a tail.  Yep, a tail.  He had come across a lizard's tail flip-flopping about on the porch and thought it might be great fun to hand the wiggling thing to dear old mom.  Oh, the joys of motherhood!  Ugh!  I declined the gift,

  After a bit, I noticed Nycto, the cat, sitting and very strangely staring at me.  Hmmm.  This I had better investigate.  She was up to something!  I could just feel it.  That was when I saw it.  By "it" I mean the large, tailless lizard!  Poor Broadheaded Skink!  That thing was huge!  Lacking its tail, it was still nearly six inches long!  Nycto had obviously "de-tailed" the critter as she tried to catch it.  Now the lizard sat pinned beneath her paw as she sat staring at me.  Hey, Cat. You caught the thing, now YOU do something with it!.  She purred softly at me.  The lizard slowly tried to slip from beneath the paw.  Even with my bad eyes, I saw the claws extend from the paw.  The lizard was impaled.  Once again, poor lizard!  I tried to shoo the cat away from her prize.  Nothing doing.  She was not in the mood to release the prey.  I tried to pick up her paw.  Well now!  That did not work!  The lizard was still impaled on her claw and no matter how it much it wiggled, the claw was not letting go!  Ok..ugh!  Here goes!  I grabbed the lizard and freed it from the cat's grip!  Doggone it!  That sucker bit me!  I was just trying to help and now I had a lizard clinging to my forefinger! And for a lizard, that thing actually hurt! I swung my hand back away from me sending the lizard sailing through the air!  At the same time, Nycto leapt after the lizard and impaled it once again!  There was just no winning here.

  Nycto played with the lizard for about an hour before I heard a familiar crunch.  Ugh, again!  She ate the thing!  Well, it served the lizard right! Karma was at work once again!  That lizard bit the hand that was trying to free it so it was only proper that the cat came to my defense!  The wiggler was no more.