okay, i just tried posting a really long reply but my puter decided to act up so now i'll keep it a little shorter.... sounds like you've got the shedding thing down alright! i wouldn't worry about your snake not drinking as long as you keep him supplied with fresh clean water. it's rare that i ever see mine drink. they're nocturnal so they usually do it when i'm sleeping! lol! that's also why he's more active when you have him out once the kids are asleep! as far as the snake/human relationship, there's a thread running around here titled 'i think my snake loves me' that you may want to check out!

welcome to the club! just a warning, these guys are very addicting! and so are pictures of them! so post some! i need a fix! lol