Snakes in the attic

While trying to get The Kid down for her nap this afternoon, I heard a strange dragging sound above us, interspersed with the occasional ''thump''. Went outside to see if there was anything on the roof -- but there wasn't.

Finally figured out that there must be a snake -- probably one of the local, somewhat large constrictors -- up in the crawl space above the ceiling. It probably got up there through one of the long gaps that connect the crawl space (above the living room and the two bedrooms) to the veranda -- probably by climbing along the open beams near the top of the veranda.

The Lady says she's heard it before, over the last few days.

To reassume those who we're hoping will come to visit us: by the time you come to visit, we'll be in the newly built house next door, and The Lady's sister will have this house. Our new house is all modern: meaning, no huge gaps for critters to enter through.

Building progress, by the way, is behind schedule. Was **supposed** to have started late August. However, city council approval look longer than the builder expected, and the builders now need an additional ''Yes, you'll get your money'' letter from the bank. So, hopefully actual construction (i.e. digging dirt, pouring concrete) will begin in early October.

Given that it's a (supposedly) three-month progress -- and that the local building industry basically shuts down over the Christmas-New Year's period -- looks like we'll be moving across in February. Too bad, as we were hoping to be moved in by the end of the calendar year -- but, hey -- what can you do?

At least moving house won't interfere with the (hopefully!) last remnants of finishing up my Dissertation: also hoped for the end of the calendar year.

I have a part-time teaching gig at the local university for Semester 1 (late February 2007), and there may be a one-year F/T position available as well (same place). I'll be in a more competitive position if I've actually **earned** my Ph.D., rather than being ''mostly done''.


--GG