[Magdalen] We have another housemate

[Jay Weigel]

No, we did not acquire a pet, although I would like to. However, as I have
suspected for some time, there is a blacksnake in the basement. I was up
close and personal with him/her this evening when I went down to get
something from the freezer and s/he was reclining on the shelf next to it.
We were equally startled and s/he retreated rapidly. I believe s/he lives
behind the refrigerator. I guess as long as s/he stays down there I can
tolerate it, seeing as how their sort keep the mouse and cricket population
down, but I would prefer not to be startled when I go to the freezer. I do
turn the light on and wait a decent interval before entering that area of
the basement in case of critters, but it apparently was not long enough
today........