It's a skink, which is a type of lizard.

Well, I'm not sure how kind I really am, maybe it's more because of finding out what the critter eats and knowing it's more beneficial all around to release it which leaves me basically as selfish as they come. We did have a bit of fun, my GKs came over and got to see it and then saw it disappear when it was released. DD and I decided to do this because this is only the 2nd time we've ever seen one and they may never see one in the wild again. So maybe you're right, ILuvGinger, and the best interests of the lizard were paramount in the long run. I have this sneaking suspiscion that what's best for Mama Nature's creatures in the wild is best for all creatures including us. When I finally realized that we are truly a part of nature and not apart from nature my outlook on many things changed. Thanks for your kind words, no matter how we view things from our own perspective it's nice to know when others notice. You reminded of my little visitor and the joy he (she? it?) brought and made me smile. I hope you're having a wonderful day, you just made mine better. :o)color>

I haven't looked up hippeastrum. I thought of amaryllis but highly doubt it bc the blooms on this bulb didn't match any amaryllis I've ever seen or looked up online. It had a more lavender pink to it and flowers didn't quite match. Honestly I looked up Crinum lilly and that's what I was thinking of to begin with ( but couldn't remember name) they're really common here in Florida and I saw a crinum lilly online that looked exactly like the flowers these bulb had but I could be very wrong ! if ur saying Crinums bulbs are a different shape than maybe it isn't a crinum lilly ?? I'll check the out hippeastrums though :) thankyou guys for all the info ! I was thinking crinum- it definitely seems it could be but if the bulb doesn't fit - u must acquit- lol - little bit of humor :)

"But no one has told me what the difference is between Prunus laurocerasus and Prunus caroliniana. No such clarification was posted. My original question was about identification of a tree. Is there some reason to believe that I have one, rather than the other? " It was properly identified by botanical name by Embothrium. Prior to that, just one of many common names was used for ID however that common name is often applied to both species. Prunus caroliniana is a native species that includes Texas as part of its natural range. It would be very unusual for Prunus laurocerasus to pop up spontaneously in your area but entirely natural for P. caroliniana to do so. It is also more tree-like in habit than Prunus laurocerasus, which is most often grown as a large shrub with no discernible trunk and the leaves present somewhat differently (smooth margins for one and slight serration for the other). As to the negative attributes you list, other than the propensity for P. laurocerasus being invasive in specific areas, they are just not serious enough to worry about.