snake in the grass

Ron and I found this beautiful meter-long black rat snake stretched out on our driveway this week, soaking in the sunshine. As we stood appreciating it up close and personal, it slowly moved into the lawn, thus transforming itself into the proverbial snake in the grass. I would love to rehabilitate that expression, and redefine it as something lovely that one comes upon suddenly and unexpectedly. I think that Sharon would probably identify more closely with the traditional definition ("a treacherous or deceitful person"), since her confrontation with one of this snake's venomous Australian cousins a few years ago. Still, isn't this a beautiful and mysterious creature?!



Grandad came for a visit last weekend, and was finally able to see Calvin and Sharon's beautiful home for the first time.



Grandad loves treating us to restaurant dinners, and we love being treated - thanks, Dad/Grandad!



I rarely post pictures of my regular Tuesday babysitting days, but Micah and Elizabeth's friends, Jasmine and Ashton, spent the day with us this week, and Jasmine took this great picture.



Finally, Ron is supposed to be on holidays this month, but he hasn't done much resting. He's gone in to work several days, done school work from home, and worked around the house. But he's also managed daily swims and daily fishing trips, and the occasional nap. I took this picture through the window because I didn't want to wake him up. But I wish it had captured better the wonderful lake of shining water shimmering in the background. We are so grateful to be living here.