I was getting the trash bag out of the can and a lizard started running around the top of the can. I jumped until I realized it was just a green anole. We keep the trash can close to the door leading to their primary sanctuary in my yard, so the initial surprise turned into more of an "oh" feeling.

I held my hand down gently to see if I could scoop him up and take him back outside.

That didn't work out so great.

When I did that, he took a leap onto my arm and started running all around and around me, up and down my back, through my hair, and even sat on my shoulder and looked at me in between laps.

I tried opening the door to see if he would jump off my back and go outside. When I opened the door and the cold air hit, though, he jumped off of me onto the floor IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.

He high tailed it behind the couch.

The cats didn't do much. Yogi didn't even wake up long at all. He merely opened his eyes and rolled over. Sunday Girl came and watched and listened as I giggled (it tickled when the lizard was running all over me, with no shirt on and all), but didn't seem all that interested in getting the lizard either.

I had to get my toast out of the oven before it burned, so I washed my hands and made lunch. I just finished eating.

The lizard is still behind the couch. This is not the first lizard I have found inside during the winter.

I guess when he comes out from behind the couch, I'll make another attempt at taking him back outside.

He doesn't seem interested in going though. It's freaking cold out there. It's sunny and warm in here.

He's a lizard. Of course, he wants to stay warm.

I just don't have the heart to send him out in the cold just yet. I know I should, but damn he fought valiantly to avoid my first attempt to set him free.

As he ran toward the couch, he ran alongside the cats' water dish. So, I know he can find water in here...and a few spiders overnight. It is supposed to be warmer tomorrow. I'll definitely take him outside in the morning. I guess.

So, am I cruel for not having the heart to kick him out in the cold even though he belongs outside? I know we are supposed to have a nice warm weekend with temperatures in the mid 50s to mid 60s, but that warm front doesn't happen until tomorrow morning. It's cold out there today and will be colder tonight.

I mean, if he was within 1 foot of freedom and ran the other way because the cold air hit, maybe he just wants a warm place to stay for today?