Be Ye Separate

Some Days are Just Like That

Blessings!

   You know, I always go to bed at night with a list of "todo's" in my head. The next morning I arise with the intention of completing those goals. Yet something always seems to come along and change those plans for me:)

   My Mom always said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." How right she was:) My best laid plans often turn to surprises and spontaneous things. Sometimes not so good things interupt our plans but we know the Lord is in control and will see us through those too.:)

   We were getting our barn cleaned out in order to get some new feed bales in there this week. As you can imagine that cleaning project is usually an all day thing and many hands needed. With raking our old hay, sweeping floors, moving barrels of grains and all, we often come across the little surprise border. Usually some harmless little critter that scurries away out a hole in the floor or wall and you know that he won't be back at least for awhile:)

   We had some corrugated panels behind the bales against the wall that were put there in the winter when we first moved here. They are intended for roofing on another brooder. Well, our Sarah was inside the barn getting those moved and I was out feeding the kid and the rest had gone into the house to finish up their lunch. (Sarah and I had already eaten as we had started out cleaning the kitchen and getting noon meal ready for the others and we took over for them so they could eat).

   Anyway, I had just finished feeding the buckling when I heard a scream from the barn. I figured she had found a spider (that usually invokes screaming from the female persons around here):D I calmly went over and put down the bottle and started to walk over to the barn when I heard another scream. This time the scream sounded like she had been attacked by something so I picked up my pace as quickly as I was able. I carefully peek around the doorframe of the barn to make sure that whatever it is isn't going to jump on me:s

   There is Sarah standing on a barrel screaming and pointing. I don't know how many of you have had to try to approach a child (14) who's screams decalsify your bones. The screams that paralyze you and all you want to do is make it stop! Well, our Sarah is that screamer. :s

   Sarah is continuing to scream and point while holding on to the rafter above her where she is shaking down dirt, dust, cobwebs and who knows what else, on her. For lack of any defense against her ear shattering screams, I point above her and scream louder "LOOK OUT"! She stops screaming, jumps off the barrel and runs past me out the door leaving me alone with whatever it is that caused this moment of unbridled hysteria!

   I didn't want to excite it, whatever it was, so I slowly moved toward the door when I notice what appears to be the tail of a rather large lizard. I quietly called out to Sarah who was still standing outside panting and sobbing. I asked her if this little lizard is what caused the problem. She shook her head. Through sobs she tells me that she was terrified by what was EATING IT! ?????????

   I went over to the doorway and grabbed a plant stake and got closer to the little lizard expecting to see a rat. I move the corrugated panel and low and behold there is the biggest, wide eyed, terrified, CHOKING SNAKE! I've ever seen!!! (Well, up close anyways):s

   I called out to Sarah and (calmly) told her to stay out of the doorway so I could remove this thing outside to the fence. I scooped the snake up with the plant stake I had. I picked it up and while it was on the end of this stick I turned to go out the door with it and Sarah pops her head and got it right in the kisser!  She screams again and runs to the house, falling several times along the way sobbing that "Mom is fighting a snake!":s

   Everyone come flying out of the house to "save mom". I gently put the poor thing down by the fenceline so it could get away. The boys get to me to "save" me and look down to see a gopher snake measuring about 5 feet long just laying there. My son looks and says..."she killed it!" I protested that I did no such thing. I said I thought Sarah had scared it to death and caused it to choke on it's supper:( Husband looked closer and said it wasn't dead but it wasn't going anywhere until it finished eating which would be awhile.

   Sarah, was not willing to come back outside and was locked in her room sobbing still. I got about halfway across the yard when the house seemed to move over a few feet. Then I saw the grass, the side of the pool and next thing I know, papa and son are holding my hands talking to me. :P

   I'm not a reptile, crawly, creepy, hissy, clicky, snappy, scaley, scuttley type person. I don't do well with things that make webs or are eaten in them. But I am pleased to say that in a panic I am very calm. It's afterward I have a hard time holding my own:)

   Sarah finally came out of her room. No one said a word. We finished inside choring. Did our regular outside stuff (milking, feeding etc) and still said nothing. But you can imagine the talk around the supper table:) It gave us something to laugh about and even to bring up the little oopsies that each of us have had in our lives. A time to share that none of us is perfect and we all have moment when we are not in control of ourselves.

   The snake is gone, by the way:) After suffering through the humilation I don't imagine we'll see him for awhile. But this does explain why the barn was mouse free:) Methinks the cat is going to have to start doing her duty again:)

   Have a very blessed evening!

God be with thee!

Sister Lori

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{ 21:39, Monday, May 7, 2007 } { Posted by Kitty }

We had a snake get in our home right in the back door. My dh who is deathly afraid of snakes just kind of stood there with a look on his face like what are we going to do. I picked up a broom and took it out the house. Good thing he was only 2 feet long, lol. They can be frightening, especailly when they sneak up on you.
Kitty

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{ 02:48, Tuesday, May 8, 2007 } { Posted by amogk }

I TOTALLY understand the whole passing out thing. I am known to have that reaction myself...on several occasions. Like you I am usually fine if my children are around...until the crisis is over and I can "safely" shut down.....bahahahahahaha. I have to admit that as much as I try to protect and preserve wildlife...that baby would have been history.......just can't help myself.....

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{ 08:50, Tuesday, May 8, 2007 } { Posted by mc2rwe }

I felt like I was actually there while reading your story. Very well written. But I would have to agree with the previous comment... I would have killed the thing dead.

Kat

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{ 09:21, Tuesday, May 8, 2007 } { Posted by HandsNHearts }

Goodness! You about had me screaming :o)
We had a few instances last season with rat snakes (chicken snakes) in the barn room that is our coop. I'm afraid I don't scoop them and try to save them...they were shot and removed. I'm one of those 'the only good snake is a dead one' sorts I think.
My eldest dd, also 14, said she would probably still be tucked into her room over coming face to face with him!

Deanna
BTW, I am so glad to see you here! You'll enjoy the group I'm sure.