The Snake Bark

I can always tell when something isn't right by the sound of our dog's bark. They have the regular dog bark, then they have a different bark when there's a critter close by, especially when the critter is moving very fast (They were barking at a big slimey slug that was about 5" long yesterday, it was the biggest slug I ever saw!) Last Saturday I was already in for the evening, it was around 6pm, and the dogs started barking and the bark turned into the "Snake Bark" so I went outside and looked all around the kennels and didn't see a thing. There was some "droppings" (LOL!) in Kaila's kennel so I got my shovel and rake and picked it up and started walking over to the fence area and as always, looking ahead. I saw something and had to stop and take a second look because I did not want to believe what I was seeing, there was a rattlesnake about 6 feet from where I was standing. It was right in the path where I was going and I am so glad I have learned to look ahead when I walk. I always carry my cell phone with me when I'm outside (for this specific reason) so I called Terry and luckily he was only 5 minutes away. I ran and got a bucket and lid and the snake stick ready so Terry could pick the snake up. I was trying not to freak out and stay calm but the only thing that kept going through my mind is what if I hadn't looked ahead I probably would of stepped on the thing and got bit! That was just too close of a call for me! Terry got the snake (which wasn't moving or rattling but was in strike pose) in a bucket and took it to our friend Doug who lives down the road. Doug ate the other rattlesnake that we took him a few months ago that we caught not far from the same place (ewww - anyone for a snake burger?) but he decided that this was a nice snake and not aggressive so he was going to give it to a friend who keeps snakes. Hey, as long as it is far, far away from here I don't care where it goes! It has been chilly at night for the past week so I'm hoping that was the last of the snakes this year! Oh, we did have a king snake in my garden area a few weeks ago that had gotten tangled up in the berry netting. It was tangled up from the head down about 4" and the netting was so tight around his face that is was all distorted, I thought for sure that it was all cut up and it was dead. I pulled on the netting a bit and the snake pulled back so it was still alive. Terry managed to cut the netting away from the snake with scissors and afterwards I got to pet the snake a bit (while Terry held it's head - I would of never touched it otherwise!) then he let it go and it slowly made it's way under another raised bed, I think we have a snake friend for life as it surely would of died. King snakes are good snakes that you want to have around as they are not aggressive and are supposed to keep the poisoness snakes away. (where was he last week?) Okay, enough talk of snakes for the year! Time for some crafty things! I've been pretty busy in my craft room and have lots to share. I made a simple birthday card using a Sizzix cupcake die cut chenille fabric. I sewed the letters on using my machine.

I used the Papertrey Ink snowman die on this card, cut with canvas that I distressed with paint and ink. Rub-on is Melissa Frances.

I used Papertrey Ink Front and Center die on this pocket. I cut two pices from black felt and handstitched them together then tied fabric strips through the holes.

I LOVE the new Papertrey Ink Pumpkin die and have had lots of fun using it! On this first card I cut the sections from fabric and sewed around each piece, then added the stamped image over the top using foam tape, twine and buttons.

Here are a few more cards made using the pumpkin die.

A couple ornaments using chipboard mitten and snowflake shapes along with painted and glittered grapevine wreaths.

And lastly, a birthday card using Papertrey ink Cupcake die. I created two pockets on the inside for a place to insert money or gift card. The card closes using ribbon attached to both sides and tying into a bow.

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend! Annette