When I mentioned yesterday's excitement, I forgot about one "almost more excitement" episode that I (luckily!) dodged.  When I was heading to bed last night - barefoot, of course - I noticed a small scorpion on the floor just inside the back door.  It definitely would not have been a good thing if I'd stepped on it! At the current time that critter is still residing under the plastic cup I placed over it at that time.  Will deal with it later!