My friend Elijah

Elijah is friendly, unobtrusive, and altogether quiet. He shows up now and then, usually when least expected. I spend time with him outside, particularly in my garden.

But Elijah is not, under any circumstances, welcome inside our house.

Elijah is a blacksnake.

My husband doesn't like him at all. Not even outside. Poor Elijah.

{image credit: joeyjoe1 on Flickr}