My local lads called on me today to enquire after slowworm - I showed them photo on digital camera (such a good idea to have one as discussed with Usksider) and they were very impressed.

Well, I now know even more about slowworms! I knew they were legless lizards rather than snakes, but didn't know why. It's because they have eyelids (snakes don't) and do not have forked tongue. They can live well into their fifties and as Usksider says like slugs. They are a very good thing to have in the garden, because of their liking for such garden pests. And of course they are beautiful - in the garden, not my house!

This is 'my' slowworm, safely back outside, before sidling off behind planter.
I still feel a bit funny as I don't know how it got in house in first place...