A Taste of What's to Come 7/25/07

Only five days left until the big move. Although we're virtually packed and ready to go, I'm still keeping busy by patching holes in the wall and cleaning out the kitchen as a human garbage disposal. The weather is typically an issue at this time of year in Louisiana, but it has been relatively tolerable. It is currently a mere 88 degrees outside at 1:15 pm. Still, we're really looking forward to keeping the windows open up in Shorewood.






With every upside there is also a downside, the balance that keeps everything in check unless we decide to muck it up too much. Although we will enjoy a few months of pleasant climate--and experience Fall for the first time in six years--we are also plagued with the impending doom and gloom of winter. The pic posted above is from our visit at the end of February, so we realize what's in store. Having mixed emotions about a northern winter, we're trying to keep an open mind and embrace it (the advice of everyone we have talked to). Cross-country skis might be in order. I might even try my hand at ice fishing. It has been made clear to me that such an effort would be a solo venture. Hey, I got Ann into birding, so I really can't complain! Below is a pic of a Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) taken last Spring; it was a "lifer" for us both!




Live for today and sleep for tomorrow,
-Dragon James

The Marvel of Lizards 7/19/07

Last night, my cat Lali reminded me of my fascination with lizards. In the week-long process of saying goodbye to Igor, my male green basilisk (Basiliscus plumiform) for over ten years now, Lali and Lexi (my other cat) have been making temporary homes in "box city," as we approach the big move. The cats seem to find enjoyment in the most unusual and unpredictable places. However, a somewhat regular nightly occurrence is "Pogo-Lali": an impressive leaping display of well over three feet from the fluffed one in a ludicrous attempt at preying on the Mediterranean geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) on the other side of our front door window. Of course, she never cooperates for a segment of film documentation, but she is a cat after all.

Well, the tactic finally worked. After a series of jumps, she became fascinated by something along the crack between the door and the floor. Following along the seal, she came to a point of exposure at the corner. After some pawing and scratching, she retreats to the center of Box City with her prize: a gecko in her mouth. Now, this scene is not nearly as gruesome as you may imagine. Lali has an adorable habit of carrying toys (which often include bathroom unmentionables) in her mouth, proud as can be. This was no different.

Reluctantly pausing a classic Star Trek episode ("The Court Martial"), I discovered that the gecko was still alive and covered it with my hand. Thankfully, I had some experience with this. I was able to hold the gecko in a loose fist to bring it outside. In addition to the small puncture mark at the left base of its skull, the gecko had also shed its tail in an act of self-preservation. While some animals are capable of chewing off limbs or appendages to escape a steel trap, few of them survive the ordeal. Many reptiles, however, rely on this method of escape as a primary defense--an amazing evolutionary adaptation. Seeing this firsthand reminded me of their ability to survive, an ability not to be underestimated. These are fantastic creatures that have earned and deserve my admiration.

Despite the loss of tail, a small puncture wound, and a temporary state of shock, I was very pleased about not being able to find him 15 minutes later. It was a good end to the day.

Live for today and sleep for tomorrow.
-Dragon James