Storm pictures and Encyclia tampense

[Nataliwind]

I was wondering how my Florida neighbors were doing. Cathy and Natali, hang in there! We just had another squall go through. As long as the electricity stops going in and out i'll be happy. So far like I said earlier, we are definitely the lucky ones. One block over it is really bad. My husband says I need to go take pictures. I hope this is over soon. Everybody stay safe! Storm season...it's just beginning. Whee...

Thank you dear! I wish you and all our State fellas all the best!
Unfortunately, the flooding caused other problems.... snakes! Their shelters are flooded and they look for better\higher places.. our houses. I came home 15 min. ago, parked my car on our driveway and headed to the front door. Next to garage door was a decent size cottonmouth heading toward our porch. Thanks God I did not step on it!
Snake is still there. We just wait when it goes away.
I'll show pics in a few minutes.

[Nataliwind]

Here is my "visitor" (by the way, it is still on my porch, behind my Phaius)

[Nataliwind]

Here is my "visitor" (by the way, it is still on my porch, behind my Phaius)

[LadyDark]

Glad that noone got hurt nad hope that no more tornados come around there

[angela]

Hi Natali
I am really sorry to hear what has , and is happening to all of you in that aera. It makes me really nervous as to what we here in the Caribbean have to wait out until the Hurrricane season is over in November.
EEEk, we don't have snakes, thank heavens, (long before I came along, the Mongoose took care of those we had) I would not be in that house, or even near it, with that snake sitting outside. I am a scardey cat!!!
My prayers are with you all, I hope the TS passes on quickly so you can move on.
Best wishes

[otis226]

Connie. I too am so glad to hear that the damage to your immediate area was relatively light. We've had 3 days of heavy rains and tornado warnings on Mon afternoon, but no touchdowns that I was aware of. We did have a kind of old PVC trellis blow down with about 100+ pounds of honeysuckle vine on it, but that was all. I have to admit, I didn't even realize the storm went as far down as Tampa. I thought it was a North and north central FL problem only. Once again, I'm so very glad everyone is okay. I hope you find enough folks to help re-homing those lovely tampensis.
Natali that is one beautiful snake. I know you weren't thrilled to find it heading up your driveway when you got home, as I wouldn't have been either. But the poor things needed to get somewhere out of harms way and just want to survive too. As long as no one messed with it or accidently stepped on it, I'm sure it made itself scarce as soon as possible!
Please stay safe, my FL friends,
Best,
Tony

[Cjcorner]

If I saw a snake i'd be beating it with my cane while screaming like a little girl! Where I grew up they were harmless, but I have a wonderful fear of them as my brother used to like to throw them at me and run so I wouldn't beat him for it. I was super careful when I went foraging to save the Encyclia up the road. I didn't see snakes, only a very large bee's hive that was opened up when the tree went down. I cannot seem to get the AOS to come get the remaining plants. I am going to go back tomorrow, if my legs cooperate, and see how many more I can save. I'm going to nail them to every surface in my yard I can find.

[angela]

"I am going to go back tomorrow, if my legs cooperate, and see how many more I can save. I'm going to nail them to every surface in my yard I can find."

Great idea Connie. your garden will be even more beautiful with all those orchids in the trees. Out of every "evil" commeth good.

[otis226]

If I saw a snake i'd be beating it with my cane while screaming like a little girl! Where I grew up they were harmless, but I have a wonderful fear of them as my brother used to like to throw them at me and run so I wouldn't beat him for it. I was super careful when I went foraging to save the Encyclia up the road. I didn't see snakes, only a very large bee's hive that was opened up when the tree went down. I cannot seem to get the AOS to come get the remaining plants. I am going to go back tomorrow, if my legs cooperate, and see how many more I can save. I'm going to nail them to every surface in my yard I can find.

Unfortunately that IS when most people get bit, trying to hit a snake with a stick. Oh, well. I know I'll never convince folks that have an unreasoning fear of snakes, spiders and other fairly innocuous creatures to live and let live. Now if you see a crock, that's a different story, RUN!
Connie, I wish I was a little closer so I could come down and give you a hand getting those plants collected and put on a new host. Good luck.
Tony

[Gage]

Natali, if you weren't aware, that is a cottonmouth/water moccasin, aka poisonous and mean. Do stay clear or kill that joker. If you were already aware, I am glad.

Edit: Silly me, I missed where you said it was a cottonmouth. Lol