I could go into the latest weather stats, but I think that picture says it all.

After some General Tso’s, we took a drive to a place she enjoys due to the unique natural features, and I enjoy [...]]]> With the kids 400 miles away visiting their grandparents, the lovely Angela and I took a few hours off of the various household projects and decided to go out for dinner and a walk.

After some General Tso’s, we took a drive to a place she enjoys due to the unique natural features, and I enjoy because of the herps that call those features home.

Here’s the missus as we start our stroll (note habitat in background).

We walked through the open areas of the understory, watching for racers, skinks, maybe a Hognosed Snake, but really didn’t see anything except a few ant-lion pits. Since Angie was unfamiliar with these little beasties, I found a couple ants and gave her a demonstration.

We continued wandering until we came to an old paved trail, which I thought we’d follow over to another open, sandy area. On the way, however, I noticed what appeared to be a recent burrow in the hill along the side of the trail. I went over and peered into it. At first, all I could see was some lumpy looking sand. Then I made out what I thought were scales and called, “Hognosed!”

As carefully as I could, I brushed away some sand from the side of the burrow and a hiss sounded inside. After a couple more brushes, a coil was in reach, and I extracted my first Heterodon platyrhinos.

As you can see, the rear half of the body was fairly slight, indicating this gal had dropped a clutch recently. She had hooded out, and I wanted to see her play dead, but (as I brushed her off for another photo) I figured she had been recovering in the burrow and I didn’t want to stress her to much.

After this last photo I placed her back in the burrow (which you can see in the photo on the hill to the left of my right hand), and pushed the wall I had dismantled back into place.

Angie doesn’t really like snakes, but has been married to me going on 16 years now, and has learned to put up with alot. Also, I think she was sort of interested in the behaviors an Eastern Hognosed Snake will exhibit. I appreciate her being game enough to stick around and shoot a pic for me.

The rest of the evening we saw a few baby frogs and alot of nice scenerey. But great Chinese food, a lifer Hognosed Snake, and a walk with your sweetheart? Perfect evening.

One benefit is exposure to some great texts. Another is discovering all the original stanzas of the more familiar texts, some of which have [...]]]> After recently being convinced of the necessity of developing religious affections in my children, we have begun singing some of the more theological, God-centered hymns in our family devotions.

One benefit is exposure to some great texts. Another is discovering all the original stanzas of the more familiar texts, some of which have not made it into our hymnals. As an introductory exhibit, I offer stanza six of “All Creatures of Our God and King,” a thirteenth century hymn by Francis of Assisi.

And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

I found this.

A female yearling Milk Snake/Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum. The above picture is more or less as found. The one [...]]]> I was out taking a walk at a local nature preserve on my lunch today, and, as is my want, I flipped a piece of plywood that was lying on the ground.

I found this.

A female yearling Milk Snake/Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum. The above picture is more or less as found. The one below is sort of posed.

They’re fairly attractive as snakes go, especially as juveniles. As they grow older, the blotches tend to grow a duller brown.

Anyway, this is my first non garter/brown snake of the year. Hopefully it’s all uphill from here.

So we are 7 days (or 23 percent) into National Poetry Writing Month, to which I’ve committed. I’ve written a poem four of the seven days. If I finish out the month flawlessly I’ll have 27 poems. I don’t even want to think about makeup poems. [...]]]> How’s that for a polynomial?

So we are 7 days (or 23 percent) into National Poetry Writing Month, to which I’ve committed. I’ve written a poem four of the seven days. If I finish out the month flawlessly I’ll have 27 poems. I don’t even want to think about makeup poems. Give me some breathing room, will ya?

I’ll let you know how it goes.