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<p class=MsoNormal>The Navy Exchange was having a nice sale, and since the two
older boys no longer have their own beds and sleep on the couch/floor when
they’re home from college, Scott decided they needed a new couch. (The
first since they were married). They went down with Anna and Bethany last
Saturday and picked one out, and the NEX sent out a very nice pair of fellows
to deliver it today. As they were carrying it into the front room (a
straight shot of only 15 feet from the front door) Bethany, who was staying out
of the way by standing on the steps near the front door (which lead to the
overhead loft), suddenly called out “Snake!, Snake!”. Everyone rushed
over to see where and if it was a rattler, and sure enough, a black and white
ringed snake of about 3 ½ ft was (trapped) in the pocket area between the
staircase and the bay of windows by the door. Definitely not a rattler, but
definitely a large snake in the house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Did it follow the men in the open door or had it been hiding
in the sofa awaiting delivery? One of the fellows just happened to be an
avid collector of snakes, so he rushed over and caught it in the space of about
20 seconds. He said it was injured as he looked it over, so my guess is
that it was delivered along with the sofa. :) Very thoughtful of the
NEX to provide critter control at the time of delivery. :)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>The extra special delivery is in a box outside, awaiting to
learn if his fate is to become another (live) biology exhibit for next year, or
if he will be allowed his freedom once again. (Anita has the two older girls at
their piano lessons at the moment)<o:p></o:p></p>
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