Watched!

Someone apparently lost their bearings on this cool autumn day and took a wrong turn. What possible explanation is there for this scaly little fella to be hanging around my back door? Surely he is not thinking about hibernating in or near our foundation. A cozy concrete retreat for two perhaps?

A face only a mother could love? He's cute close up but from
afar—shiver me timbers! Even garter snakes eek me out.

This "feather-faced" lover boy let his existance be known by situating himself only inches from the patio and refusing to move—despite consistent foot traffic from my dog and me. He simply observed. No matter the direction: left, right, up, down, he'd adjust his ossified little skull oh so slightly so he could keep us in sight. 

When I realized that Romeo wasn't going anywhere soon, I grabbed my camera and started taking photos. He was unswayed. He stood his ground as I zoomed in and captured him from all sides. I was a mere foot and a half away in some instances. (I noted a slight grin in one photo pose.)

Why our Great Black Hunter lab didn't pick up on the snake's scent, I'll never know. She was within inches, yet she did not see it. 

Note: I went out an hour later to see if the garter snake was still around but he was not. "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?" You best not be in my basement!