In our area, after a long hot summer, there was approximately one week of what could be described as "nice" before the temperature dropped like a rock and the skies turned to lead. Outside a restaurant, where we were having lunch, there was this grumpy heron, just staring at the choppy water. He was probably cold and thinking it might be time to fly south. That was easy to understand, but who would want to miss out on fall?
The Crew always get excited when the gloomy weather shows up, then spooky season can really begin. Right now Burt and Kib are keeping an eye out for what's happening in our front yard, supervising the very last project that will make this Halloween a lot more fun and keep the trick-or-treaters safe from twisting their ankles.
Over the year and a half it took to replace the water pipes, storm sewer, the entire street and all the sidewalks in our neighborhood; His Madness had a wonderful time documenting the process. Like we were ever going to forget it happened? Still, a big ugly problem remained. We're not counting the "X" defacing our magnolia, since it's finally starting to fade. After cutting down over a dozen mature trees that lined our street, the contractors had a hard time accepting the fact that there was one left standing. They were so disappointed.
All summer long we pestered the city to fix the temporary asphalt walkway they put in last November. Actually, we wondered if they were intentionally putting it off because they didn't get to cut down our tree. Eventually, they came by with more spray paint, a beaten up traffic cone and a broken barricade to make it into an even bigger eyesore. Then they disappeared for a few more weeks. During this time we had to replace two of our kitchen appliances that could only fit through the front door. At least no delivery people were harmed in the process.
Just as we were about to complain again, a crew finally showed up, dressed to match the hydrangeas. So, how many construction workers does it take to pave ten feet of sidewalk? Sorry, for the weird pattern, I took this photo through the window, not trusting in my ability to interact civilly with these guys.
That took care of the problem at our front door but we still have to deal with the one at the back. I'm sure this isn't going to work but it's a start. We would like to decorate our patio for Halloween!
Following a careful application of the repellent we noticed the weather had improved. It seemed like a good day to take a drive around the lake while waiting for the rhodent squatters to leave and we ended up at an apple orchard almost directly across the water from our town. Nothing beats running away from your problems.
In their gift shop, the already spooky atmosphere was enhanced with a huge, intact (but abandoned, of course) wasp nest. It was the size of a microwave. This is why I don't go apple picking. Guess we aren't the only ones with pest problems.
After a nice day and pleasant drive, the mice were still there and we are looking into other options for dealing with the varmints. We did bring home plenty of comfort food to stuff ourselves with while we wait for inspiration or the exterminator, whatever comes first. Hopefully, before the donuts are gone.
Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!
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