Snakes I have known..

    This is a Eastern Ringneck Snake at my old house in Bedford county, he would loiter around the front door, I think in this photo he was shedding on the stones. Occasionally, he would fall out of the ivy in front of me  seem a little stunned and then collect himself and go on unhurt.  My father always called them "bridle " snakes , we saw them frequently patrolling the patios and rock walls at night.  It's the one snake I know I have in my garden here in Staunton.  Unfortunately, I know this because I found a dead one but I have hopes that there are more.  I've always had a fondness for them, one of my earliest memories is of my mother trying to feed a Rough or Smooth Green Snake that lived in her garden. That wasn't unusual, she was always trying to feed people, pets or neglected wildlife.   Snakes, in general are so beautiful , their colors and patterns so perfectly vibrant or subtle that I've never been happy with my snake sculptures and eventually gave them up.  For me , as far as snakes are concerned nature just does it better.

Liz