Invasion!

Family lore has it, (that) as a young child I liked nothing more than exploring the ruins and rocks of northern New Mexico. Accompanied by my best pal (my dad), clad in my treasured P.F. Flyers and armed with a shoe box, I’d rejoice at discovering and “adopting” lizards and horny toads.

Somewhere along Life’s path, however, I’ve became “Citified.” Because I can’t fathom sleeping out-of-doors, and spook easily at things that go “bump” in the night, I’ve become the object of fond ridicule by Hubby’s camping-enthusiast offspring.

Anyway …. the rains we've been experiencing brought with them a creepy phenomena:
Early yesterday morning ~ coffee and cigarette at the ready, Caraleigh and I headed out back. I’d just settled my carcass at the patio table to await the sunrise when I spotted dozens of itty-bitty THINGS on the concrete slab. ????? Creatures which, on closer inspection, undulated.

“Poison!” … this in a strident whisper to Caraleigh. (Doggie-code for “Leave That Alone Right Now”!) Scooping her up, I hustled inside to wake Hubby. Probably the last thing he expected (or wanted) to hear before first light: “Wake up! … We have a Problem!” Arming myself with a flashlight and magnifying glass, I hurriedly explained, “There are baby rattlesnakes all over the patio….and in the pool!” (Thinking but not saying: “Abandon ship …we've gotta get out of Dodge!”)

He-the-Composed doesn’t even bother with the magnifier. “Those aren’t snakes; they’re red worms.”

I’m not convinced.
Stomp, stomp …. Stomp … most likely I looked like a deranged Indian performing a ritualistic Corn Dance. “Are you sure? HOW can you be sure? Maybe they’re not rattler-babies, but water moccasins?!” Stomp.

Impasse.
Not advisable to pour myself an adult beverage.
Instead, I retreated to the bedroom (computer) to research Red Worms. Guess if I spot our Landscape Manager, I'll pick his brain..... but if any of ya'all have words of wisdom, I’d sure welcome them!