Great Plains Toad

Spotted this toad a few nights ago on the back porch. I had to read a lot and look at a lot of pictures online before I could classify it, but I finally decided it was a Great Plains Toad. Apparently it stays underground most of the year and only comes out during monsoon season.

Box Turtle and Tarantula

We went for a walk down our road on Thursday evening, and came across an Ornate Box Turtle walking across the road! They are native to this corner of Arizona, but they are described as secretive and difficult to find. I didn't even know there were turtles around here until I did some internet research trying to figure out what kind of turtle it was. Apparently it's against the law to even pick one up.

Then, while we were observing the turtle on the road, a huge tarantula came walking down the road right towards us! The tarantula ignored us and the turtle and just walked on past. I think it would have walked right over my shoe if I hadn't moved out of the way.

Den Demo Finished

This is how the den looks after clearing most everything out. I forgot to thank Sally and Joe for helping in my last post about the den. Joe and I finished the demolition in one morning, which would have taken me at least two full days to do by myself. Sally even helped throw drywall and wood onto the trailer.

I have decided not to put drywall up in the den until I buy some speaker wire. I'm going to wire the room for surround sound and then put up the drywall.

Garage

Hillary and I got the garage organized a little today. We hung two bikes, a jogging stroller, and a bike trailer from the ceiling and organized some other stuff.

The two other walls are still junky but we at least made a little progress.