Damn Squirrel

Does anyone out there like squirrels?  How many times have I seen people feeding them bits of crackers and chips at the park?  Don’t they know that they are just rats with fluffy tails?

Squirrels are my nemesis.  Last year I couldn’t figure out why my beautiful tomatoes were disappearing just as they were getting ready to ripen.  That is until one of those tomatoes fell out of the tippy top of one of our huge trees.  Not only were the squirrels eating them, they were trying to drop them on my head!

Damn Squirrel

The previous year the nasty rodents stole the squash blossoms right off of the vines.  They dig up every plant I have in a pot so they can bury acorns.  They also like to use the hanging baskets for spring boards to the next perch.  And I’ve given up on succulents.  Michelle has given me two pots of them now–the squirrels just chew them down to nubs.They play havoc with the twinkly lights that are on our deck, dock and trees as they chew through the wires and bite the lights right off of the line.

And now their latest escapade, because honey bees took over one of our hummingbird feeders this spring, I found one that was supposed to be insect proof.  Not only do the bees not like it, but the hummingbirds won’t use it either!

Damn Squirrel
Hummingbirds and honey bees love this type of feeder!

But the squirrels love the new flying-saucer shaped feeder!

Damn Squirrel

Damn Squirrel

So I’ve put Maggie on alert.  The last squirrel that drank out of the hummingbird feeder got quite fat and happy.  Which ended up being it’s ultimate downfall–so fat it couldn’t outrace my chunky monkey Maggie.  The Magster still has a little scar on her leg from that battle.  But she was the victor!  Gone Squirrel!

Damn Squirrel
The final photo of this bad boy hanging upside down on the feeder while draining the last drop!

Earthday 2013

Dear Mother Earth,

Just want to say Happy Earth Day.  Thanks for all the beauty every day.

And apologize for driving a gas-guzzling Toyota Sequoia.  But we have to have something big enough to haul 5 grandkids around in when necessary plus pick up mulch, pull a trailer, make airport runs to pick up friends and family.  Still, sorry, I could probably do better.

In our defense, we recycle, have four rain barrels and one solar pump on a rain barrel so we can actually use it. Oh, yeah, we compost, too. We have a little organic vegetable garden and butterfly/hummingbird friendly gardens.  And have a natural front yard that doesn’t need watering. We even made all of our wedding guests separate all their trash into appropriate bins.  Resulting with a run to the recycle center in our gas-guzzling Sequoia.

While I’m at it, wanted to ask why do we have to have sand gnats (also known as no-see-ums) that no Off or Cutters have an effect on?  And yes, we have also tried all the natural remedies.  They bite.  Also those awful yellow flies.  And those little green slimy frogs.  Hate them.  I’m okay with the lizards and alligators and snakes.  But those other three–I could do without!

So, anyhow, enough whining.  We’ll keep trying.  Happy Earth Day.

KT

 

 

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Wednesday

Where’s Michelle?

Usually this is “Adventure’s in the Kitchen with Michelle” day but Michelle just started her own website so you can check latest posts here:  BadZoot

She will still guest post for me but this week she is busy, busy, busy getting ready for Jessica’s bridal luncheon.

More fun to come!

And here’s my first daylily of the season to brighten up your day:

Wednesday