The Lucky Family Machete

Mike squeezes through the narrow path.

Today has been the day of days!  After a an entire year of trying to get the big vegetable garden in...we had our first delivery of dirt.  You never know how things are going to come to you.  I had a window washer here and he turned me on to "Mike" a landscaper who has a trailer with a hydraulic lift.  Mike came out and looked at the narrow space and turn to get to the raised beds.  He said the golden words: "I think I can get my truck and trailer back here."  H/L Services & Mike White to the rescue!

Today he picked up great black dirt, called me as promised, and was here at 3pm.  Bob and I directed him around the turn in the yard.  Bob said he felt like Buster Keaton in the movie "It's a Mad, Mad World". He backed through a narrow space and up to where the garden is.  We agreed that a tarp, rather than gravel would be a better landing spot.  So I ran to get the key to the tuff shed from the garage where I have a tarp I use in the Yukon for garden center runs.

 Bob and Mike empty the trailer.

It was one of those times that I was sooooo excited, and was in a full lope.  I pushed open the gate to the back yard, still running.  AND....(music from a slasher movie should be playing) a 4 foot SNAKE was in the grass on the other side of the gate.  I couldn't stop!  In a split second decision--I did a Swan Lake leap over the snake.  In my mind I was sure that it was going to rear up and strike the crotch that was flying over it.  To my delight, my second foot hit the ground without a nibble.  I started to scream and scared the bejesus out of Mike and Bob.  I kept running until I was in the house.  Slammed the mudroom door, and leaned my back against it for security.  I could feel my heart beating in my throat.  Because I am afraid of snakes beyond reason.  They are my nightmare.  Thanks to my brother Larry and the garter snakes of Door County Wisconsin. 

I was actually so afraid, that I took the long way around the house to the tough shed.  I could see Bob and Mike had it cornered.  I got the tarp and put it down as planned.  Afraid to look in the yard,  keeping a vigilant watch for snake buddies that might be lurking.  Mike returned to the business of dirt dumping on the tarp.  Bob said the snake was dead.  I don't want to hear the BS that  snakes are more afraid of me.  I am more afraid of them.  "All creatures, great and small...except snakes." That's my motto, and I'm sticking to it.

The "Lucky Family Machete" saves the day,

and Bob my hero!

Snake blood on the back door to the shop.

The truck couldn't get quite as far as the beds....but it's within 6 feet.  With a little help from my friends... we can start to put the dirt into the raised beds in the morning.  I am pleased as punch.  I will be treading more carefully in the future.  Another load tomorrow afternoon.  The wind is blowing in gale forces at the moment.  Hopefully, it will be here in the morning!  What an adventure. The Guatemalans  don't call Bob: "Chapoi Kumatz" (serpent hunter) for nothing!