I have not made a journal entry in so long, I do not remember when it was. The reason is simple; I have been busy packing plants for shipment. When planting time finally arrives, everyone wants their plants now! And we understand because I have been planting my own garden by head lamp. So The Growers Exchange staff has been working overtime in high gear. Almost all of our boxes make it, to those few that don’t, we sent replacement quickly.

Now things have settled down; we are still busy sending plants but that initial spring rush is over. Our children have all pitched in at times to help us through the spring rush. My son Jesse found the snake pictured. He found it in the bottle brush buckeye next to the farm office. From the bumps in it’s middle it was obviously well fed. We were hoping the baby blue jays would fledge, but the snake had other plans.  We catch the black snakes with various snake charmer skills. One thing is sure; you better be quick!

About the same time the snake was outside eating baby birds, my incubator was working overtime hatching lots of chicks.  My wife said that the incubator costs as much as a set of golf clubs, but at least this hobby keeps me at work!  So, Jesse and I decided to pose for a shot – a nice juxtoposition – the snake is probably a little happier than the chicks.  They made it safely into the brooder, and Jesse took the snake a ways down the river bank before releasing him.