attacked in the garage

I know this is two "wildlife" posts in a row, but I still couldn't get over the humor in this event.  I was taking some trash out to the garage on an evening of significant rainfall and almost stepped on this little thing that was scurrying around.  Being from Texas, when I first caught a quick glance at this attacker I thought it was a scorpion and jumped back in haste.  However, upon a closer look, it was merely a crawfish trying to find some peace from the days of rainfall and thought our home may do better than his creek.

I tried to make friends thinking that maybe some day I could convince his entire clan to stop digging their holes along our yard at the creek's edge, but he saw through the thinly-veiled attempt for friendship and immediately rose to "attack."

So I left him alone and opened a garage door so he could find his way out eventually - and have no visits from him or any others of his kind since.  Now I need to dig around and find some photos and videos of the snakes that have come on our property - both big and small.

jxibalba

turtles - big and small...

More wildlife found in our yard a few months back - either a very very small turtle or a very large hand - I'll let you decide.  I was amazed to spot this little guy near our AC units while on the riding mower. I have found larger ones and even accidentally killed one of them with the mower.  With the small creek running behind our home, we seen snakes and turtles quite often during the warmer months.  I am continually and refreshingly reminded of the beauty of nature by living just outside of town surrounded by acres of woods - something I missed growing up in the heart of Dallas.  I need to make a concerted effort to take regular prayer walks like I previously have done and not take our land for granted.

Above is a larger turtle that our mini Dachshund Dexter was barking at repeatedly and had "trapped" in its shell - he was definitely acting like a true hunting dog - although his breed was designed for badgers he still did a good job with this turtle.

Above is the smaller turtle on the run - "darting" across our sidewalk back into the abyss of safety afforded by the woods.  Not a bad photo at all for my simple point and shoot Nikon Coolpix S210.  I have debated several times finally upgrading to a DSLR camera but want to make sure that I would truly put in the effort involved in photography to make it worthwhile.

jxibalba

Another Jeep!

Well, my wife and I have added yet another jeep to our family. We got her a gorgeous black 2005 Jeep Wrangler today and she is thrilled! And she looks absolutely stunning behind the wheel of her new ride. Our garage and driveway is full since we now both each own Jeep Grand Cherokees and Wranglers.  And my wife is thoroughly enjoying her new ride - it is so great to see her so extremely happy!  I have just a few plans for modifications - starting with some new larger tires to match my 1991 Jeep and will hopefully find some good Goodyear Wrangler MTRs.  Then maybe an aftermarket front bumper and some running stickers and she will be set.

Life is good.

jxibalba

New Belgium 2 Below Ale

I was amazed to find the New Belgium Winter Seasonal Ale “2 Below” at our local liquor store today. I first tasted this delicious brew about 2-3 years ago and desperately bought what I could then since it was the end of the season. It is the perfect blend of Sterling and Liberty hops with tawny-roasted malts. I am in heaven!

jxibalba