rattlesnake sunday

So I was on Mandy's back patio, sweeping while Brazey was blowing bubbles, when I realized we had a Rural Metro situation.


Can you see it?


Can you see it now?


now?


There it is.

It really was a little thing. Mandy called 911 but learned that the fire department won't remove a rattlesnake unless it's an immediate danger (like, in your house) and the service to which they referred her charged $75 for removal. Dialing the number for another service we googled simply reached their voice mail, stating they were "in the field or with a client."


By that time, Dave arrived with his body armor and weapon.


That little sucker had already struck at me, so I was grateful for whatever additional protection David could dig up for himself. I didn't even laugh (very much).


Dave discovered he needed to sharpen his shovel. Instead of clean severance, that poor snake got a real whack job.


The head continued to writhe and bite for a few minutes after parting ways from the body.


trophy


RIP, baby rattlesnake. We didn't really want to kill you, but we didn't really want you hurting any of us, either.

who do you think is most delighted to be playing laser tag?

bin's birthday

For Mandy's actual birthday we had dinner at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant and gave her a few gifties: a handmade card from me and one from Jack.


some Lucky BeeBee charms


a bat box I made


and some Jungle in My Pocket critters clutched in Brazey's hands


Brazey did not like the flaming cheese at Big Fat Greek (he's developed a healthy fire phobia) so he was subdued at dinner, but he perked up when we went shopping at JoAnn's. He and Jack went night-night.


Jack got up but Brazey needed more rest.


The big boys put on their best Phantom faces (or is it V?). It's just weird.

Next weekend, we do our real celebrating for Bin's birthday: two movie theater movies (Halloween 2 on Friday night and Can't Buy Me Love on Saturday morning), a road trip to Bisbee with the boys and Mama D, an overnight at The Jonquil Motel, and whatever other fun we can rustle up. I can't wait.

and the little boy went out for sushi

After sushi and tempura, we got these groovy sectioned oranges for dessert, along with a wet wipe wrapped in a package proclaiming it to be the World's Most Fabulous Fingerbowl or somesuch. Take both orange peels, the wet wipe, and a chopstick, and you've got a boat!


It's the big one.


and those are the biggest, the brownest eyes on the planet


portable


I sit dowm.

the big boys went camping

David, Evan, and Jack left on Saturday afternoon to camp on Mt. Lemmon.


They arrived at the campsite before dark.


After dark, the fun began.


brothers


filthy


they went to bed that way


ready for breakfast (Dave scrambled eggs and the kids both ate 'em)


cool caterpillar


hunters. not sure they're licensed.


having a good time, Jack?


self-portrait


dappled


on the shores of Rose Canyon Lake


beautiful butterfly


fishing friends


the deadliest catch


When they wadn't no crawdad to be found, we ate sand.


worn out yet?


the long way home

post Ponyo