Finally, a non-introspective post. Read it anyway!
Yesterday when I checked the chickens, there was just one egg, from Rosie, and it was in a weird spot, not in the nest boxes. I thought to myself that just didn’t seem right.
Today there were no eggs in the henhouse. Because I was suspicious, I entered carefully. I saw this very satisfied coil of sated slitherer:

Totally explains chickens way out in the pasture and lack of eggs! I left.
Lucky for me a sharp-shooter happened to be over in the barn. Tyler was willing to help me out. Now, we both like rat snakes, but we know that once they get a taste for chicken eggs, they will keep returning for an easy meal.

So, Tyler got a pistol and disposed of our uninvited guest. There were three large egg-shaped lumps right in the middle of the snack-loving snake.
Now maybe my poor ladies can go home. I found an egg from the usual Wild Chick plus another Rosie egg over in the little cart where there is usually one speckled egg. Hope they can rest now!
For the vegetarians
Speaking of Tyler, his garden over by the cabin is looking pretty good! There are lots of beans, tomatoes, squash and such in it.

His first big harvest is all these radishes. Aren’t they beautiful? I’m going to make some “radish slaw” tomorrow. If I have extra, I might try some of the recipes I’ve been seeing that feature cooked radishes.

I think his anti-chicken netting is a big success. Great job, neighbor.
Hey
I’m supposed to remind you periodically that I need likes, follows and shares from those of you who get something good from this blog.

I also want to thank all of you who’ve let me know you enjoy reading about the ranch, my book reports, and my “deep thoughts.” I enjoy hearing from you.
Pesky snakes! Your right. Once they get a taste for eggs, they’ll always return.
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