Well, I was half kidding earlier this week when I referred to our backyard as a jungle. The snake sighting was alarming, but I was feeling like that might have been an isolated event and something we could avoid ever encountering again by steering clear of the fence. But, then, I took the girls outside today after lunch. And, now I’m beginning to think we may have to stay inside all summer.
So, I was sitting in the shade at the picnic table underneath the playset while both girls were busily playing. The Preschooler was actually making her way up the climbing wall when I heard her start screaming and yelling in an alarming kind of way. Thinking that she had surely broken her arm or been attacked by a swarm of wasps, I jumped up and lifted her down from her perch halfway up the climbing wall. When I got her on the ground I kept frantically asking her between her sobs, “What’s wrong? What happened? Tell me what’s hurt!” {All this while the Toddler is also screaming, but clearly only in response to her sister}.
Finally, I get the terrorized Preschooler to point in the general direction of the problem…
Much like in the case of the black snake, I understand that the {rather large} frog is harmless. That, though, is not the point. Who wants to encounter this on their way up the climbing wall? At the zoo? Sure. In a pond? OK. But, right in front of you when you least expect it?
Yuck.
I, of course, decided to leave the frog right where it was to avoid creating any more yard drama. And, we promptly went back inside where the Preschooler wanted to call her Daddy to give him an incident report.
Sometimes you just need to lay down after such a scare…
To address our backyard issues, I have composed a letter.
Dear reptilian and amphibious creatures,
I am glad you find our backyard so welcoming. Unfortunately, though, there has been a misunderstanding. This yard is not, in fact, available for your inhabitation. You see, the humans who live here {of the female variety}, become squeamish at the mere thought of your presence and unable to properly enjoy the outdoors upon the realization of your invasion. Therefore, it is imperative that you find residence elsewhere at your earliest convenience. May I suggest the local zoo, a swamp, or perhaps a backyard somewhere in town where young boys would find great joy in spotting and chasing you?
Again, thanks for stopping by. But, I must urge you to slither and hop on out of here with haste both for our sanity and your own protection. We will all have a more pleasant summer given your cooperation in this matter.
Blessings kind creatures,
Hollie, the co-homeowner
We’ll see how this works…
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