Looking for design inspiration? Browse our curated collections!
October 18th, 2009 - 06:24 PM
Florida living provides me with an endless supply of stories and artistic material for painting. Every day I see a wide variety of birds, animals, plants, and aquatic life.
Take this morning. I wasn’t expecting to see a black racer snake devour one of its own on my front porch, but I did. And I don’t enjoy cracking the door ever so slowly when I leave the house to prevent a lizard, or whatever else is out there, the slightest chance of sneaking in; but I do.
I’m reminded that living in the tropics brings its own special joys and surprises; like the time I was caught in the buff by a thirsty green frog that was perched on my toilet seat. I don’t mind sharing, but not in this case.
I coaxed my mini-intruder into a glass jar and transported him outside, unharmed. If I can, I prefer to save life, even a frog’s. Lizards are another matter.
When I first moved to Florida, I couldn’t bare to kill anything. But after chasing several lizards through the house and having them hide under sofas, chairs, or behind the bookcase where they die a slow death, I’m willing to exterminate when necessary. At least lizards don’t stink when they decay. Like withered old soldiers, they just fade away, leaving a crusty carcass behind.
Anyone one else out there live in the tropics? Have any funny stories to tell?
Comments
Carol Allen Anfinsen
14 Years Ago
St. Paul, MN
That was a little too close for comfort, Helene. I love living here. We watched a red shouldererd hawk perch on a branch just outside our window. We watched to see what he would do. Then a whole flock of tiny finches fluttered all around him in the nearby branches. He finally gave up and flew off. Every day there is some wonder of nature. I love it!