Life with Geckos

Before we moved to Hawaii, the only gecko I'd ever seen was caged. I even held one once while babysitting some cute kids whose parents Joe and I used to go to church with. I still can't believe I let that little boy talk me into it! He sure was cute. Haha. =) I digress.

I couldn't begin to tell you how many I've seen since moving here. They hang out in my garage, my kitchen, occasionally my living room and my lanai (patio). A day or two ago, I caught two geckos doing what I can only assume was "the dirty deed" on the ceiling of my lanai! Now that takes talent! Hahahaha! ;-) Today, though, one found my shower. *sigh* Actually, I found this little cutie in my shower last night before bed but I had hopes that he would find his way out overnight.

He's sooo little!!! And yes, that's my shower. I debated whether or not to post this picture but it shows you how itty bitty he is. The caulking on my tub/shower is severely moldy and I really need to call maintenance to come redo it. I just haven't yet. =P If only cleaning it would make it go away. Trust me, I've tried...until my fingers were ready to fall off!

Like I said, I found him last night and hoped he would be gone this morning. I peeked in the shower when I got up and I didn't see him. I was thankful and went about my morning. After I did my workout, I promptly started the shower. When I picked up my shampoo bottle, there he was!!! Still there!! I freaked out for a few minutes... And when I put the conditioner bottle down near him a little later, he started to back away - scared. And then I felt bad for him. This poor little gecko, stuck in my shower with no way out. =(

So, I moved my shampoo and conditioner bottles out of his way. I hoped he'd figure a way out if nothing huge was standing in his way. I came home from the museum later and he'd moved back to his original spot. Poor little guy! For a couple hours, I really wondered if I should try to catch him and let him outside or just let him figure it out on his own.

Around 6 or 7 tonight, I decided the little guy needed to be back outside where he could potentially find food. So, I grabbed a paper plate and put on one of my gardening gloves (that rarely - if ever - get used) and headed to the bathroom. I finally got him on the little plate and then I walked very quickly to the back yard. He was totally freaking out, running all over the plate! Probably because he was on something that was moving. Now that I think about it, I wonder if he was thinking, "Earthquaaaaaaaaaaake!!!!" Haha! =)

I set the plate down in the yard and he eventually stepped out into the grass and blended right in. Hoping he would stay still, I ran back in for my phone so I could take a picture. He did!!

I still can't get over how little and cute he is!! I hope that no birds get him and that he can hang out in my back yard and eat lots of unwanted bugs for me. =)