Project 365 d-162

     What a great feeling it was to come home after a long day to my little slice of paradise. The grass is so green and lush, and it feels like millions of tiny massaging cushions when you walk bare foot. The pull on me to walk into my backyard was strong as I exited my vehicle and walked toward the house. Setting down the mail, and my camera gear; I walked slowly toward the back of my house for a look around. I never know what I will find visiting my sprawling, park-like backyard. That is one of the best things about living where I do. The unexpected things and creatures that seem to wander through make this photographer very happy.

     As I was headed toward the back part of the yard; I spied a slithering viper hurrying toward the ravine. Without thinking, I lunged forward to try and catch this wiggly little snake. Try as I might, he/she didn't want to be caught and the first few grabs produced only air. Just before it got beyond my reach; I grabbed one last time and just caught the edge of its tail. With all of its strength it coiled its muscles and shot up toward me for a bite. Thankfully, this snake was not that big, and I was easily able to avoid its strike. Hurriedly, I ran back to get my camera to see if I could document this moment. To say the least, it was quite a task to try and hold him/her up and photograph while is gyrated back and forth. My hope was to capture one with its tongue out, but it wasn't to be. Changing my grip from its tail to behind its head; I thought to myself, "What would the girls think of my little friend?". Walking toward the house; I knew I was about to find out.

     Into the house I went with my long and wiggly friend just out of site on my left side. At the breakfast bar sat my two little Angels eating snakes and watching TV. My Niece was also standing there too and by the size of her eyes; I could see that what I was carrying had registered with her. Bringing up my little friend so that it's tail rested lightly on my youngest daughter's shoulder. My Niece bit her tongue, and just stood there squirming in place. My daughters didn't even notice as their gaze was held fast by the power of Disney. Clearing my throat to get their attention, my youngest finally looked up and when her eyes found the dangling viper she let out a delightful shriek! This snapped my other daughter out of her trance and she followed up with her own screeching protest. All the while, my Niece still stood there with eyes the size of Oranges, but now with a wry smile crossing her tan face. No sooner than the screaming had stopped the oohing and awing started. You would have thought it was a Cat. My daughters took their turn putting out their timid hands for a quick feel of the snake.  Each time their hands darted back as deep, rolling giggles escaped from their smiling lips.

     Walking back outside to let my friend go; I held it so our eyes met. "Thank you for being such a wonderful subject for me today.", I hissed in the best snake I could muster. Out flicked the red and black tongue to taste my words and ponder their meaning. Waving its tail quickly back and forth was the only response I got. As I set it upon the soft green grass and stood back, it quickly stitched itself into the grass and then disappear into the landscape.