Today, we are digging out the box in my side garden. I plan to plant veggies for the summer, but I need to get all of the old dirt out as it’s been contaminated with paint flecks. (Blech!)

While digging, look what we found:

Yup, a beautiful, little salamander. I thought it was a California brown salamander, which is the most poisonous salamander in California. It’s actually a Garden Slender Salamander, which are very common in California.

Lily had to hold it, of course… but only after I did. LOL And, yes, it was walking up her arm, which she did not like when we thought it was a California brown. And, honestly, it’s a good thing I did, or she’d still be holding the poor thing. LOL

This adult, I think it’s an adult, moves very fast and is well camouflaged. I thought him a worm at first, until I saw his head. Then I thought he was a snake of some sort.

Mind you, the above photo is with flash. And this inspired Lily to get her drawing pad out and create some art. 🙂

This is one of the many reasons to homeschool. These moments of adventure and discovery that inspire us to view the world around us in a different light.