while the cats are away the mice play

and while the humans were away (for weeks),
the mice played in our 'presumably' vacant house.
a few weeks ago, we noticed evidence of mice
making their abode in our empty house
in search of warmth as fall brought cooler temperatures.
so, we set traps and caught those pesky rodents.
mice CANNOT play in my house, even if no one is home.

then, this morning, we had a new kind of guest.
TWO of them to be exact.
i found the first 'hiding'

under the bowl of potpourri on the side table.

Chris saved the day and got the little rascal out of the house.
later, this morning, though, Chris left, and i was alone.
and i walked in the kitchen and found this:

thankfully this one behaved properly for me.
i opened the back door, 'shooed' him a little,
and he/she walked straight out.
i hope i see no more of these today.
and this i know:
while the people are away the lizards CANNOT play.
we, humans, me and Chris and dog, Thumpy must return.
or there's no telling what other critters may take up residence.