New tenant

Robert was thrilled -- me less so -- when we found this footlong iguana in the pygmy date
palm by the pool fountain.

They nosh pretty continuously, and have been known to defoliate gardens. This one has not missed many meals.

I also feel less connection with reptiles than I do with, say, the skinny tabby cat who has been hanging around, and even startled us by streaking through the den one quiet night. (It's that time of year, and our air-conditioning is now done by breezes through doors.)

If the iguana does start doing serious damage, I'll keep three words in mind -- words learned through experience:

Tastes like chicken.