The days following the hauling of tropicals to the basement too often reveal tiny beasts that reside within the pots. All would be well if they remained confined to their home, but they must occasionally venture out to search the basement for water or meals. This is when my wife sees them, and the trouble begins.

Today’s sighting was a tiny frog, but there have been more. Hopefully, I did not invite another snake into the basement, though they have discovered other avenues to enter. While I quietly capture and relocate snakes, if Barbara sees one an uproar with various threats ensues. Frogs provoke a slightly calmer response, though today there was a bit of foot stomping as I delayed capturing the little fellow.

Once the tiled area of the basement is filled, there’s little to do with the plants until April when warmer temperatures return. Agaves, mangaves, and cactus will be watered a time or two, and the others an additional time or two. The flowering maple (Abutilon pictum ‘Tiger Eye’, above) is likely to flower through the winter, but all else are waiting uncomfortably for spring.