We had a big black snake climb into a shrub several years ago. The only reason I saw it was because a pair of catbirds with a nest in the shrub started screeching. It was a big snake and I didn't want to handle it, so I sprayed it with the garden hose on full blast. The snake left the shrub and my husband took the snake for a walk into the woods (and let it go unharmed except for the cold shower). :)

My brother was born on St. Patrick's Day and owes his middle name to the day. One year he exclaimed: "No more green cake. I'm sick to death of always having green cake." I have found hundreds (maybe thousands) of four-leaf clovers in my life, at least a hundred 5-leaf clovers, and three 6-leaf clovers. a five-leaf clover For the variety shown in ravencajun's picture, that I've always refered to as a "shamrock" I've only every found two 4-leafed ones.

Overlook from the Gunflint Trail, out of Grand Marais, MN. The trail goes up to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You drive up to the end of the trail, launch your canoe (no motors allowed), and enter a HUGE wilderness. Tons of lakes and islands. No facilities. It's for people who want true wilderness. Extends into Canada. You dig your own latrine, build fires, pitch (or don't) your tent, etc. I've only looked out at it, never wanted to actually experience it. This shot is from the beginning of the trail, it climbs up a bit so the overlook of Lake Superior is wonderful.

Guard station at entrance to Kensington Palace, London.