Good Guys - Bad Guys

 This toad was hanging out in a moist spot next to the barn near the corner of the garden.  As an eater of 'Bad Guys' he is definitely one of the 'Good Guys'

Colorado Potato Beetle - Absolutely a 'Bad Guy'.  He was strolling down a garden path looking for a place to dine when intercepted.  A muncher of many garden things, not just potatoes.  Many are predicting a very buggy season and some say the opposite.  Some say it will rain a lot while others are predicting drought.  It will be hot, or hotter, or hottest, or it won't.  With gardening predictions someone always gets to say "I told ya so..."

Snake in the grass

This guy lives somewhere on the property, but I don't know where and probably will never find out.  It's a black snake, very common, very docile and very helpful at keeping the field mouse population in check. 

 

About 4 feet long, I see him every few days moving gracefully between the oak trees in front and on either side of the house.  I've never seen him in the back in the open areas.  If you walk up close to him he'll stop moving and if you then stand very still, he will eventually start moving again, usually a little closer to you to check you out and then move on going where snakes go to do what snakes do.

Springtime Buttercups

First it was the daffodils, then the Dogwoods bloomed.  Next came the violets, followed by the giant bed of Iris in the yard.  Now it's the Buttercups turn. The side yard and part of the pasture next door to the west are a carpet of the stunning bright flowers.  There are enough buttercups to hold under the chins of every man, woman and child in the county, at least.  Yes, they do prove that you like butter.