Booman Tribune ~ A Progressive Community

We have a new squatter - a chipmunk that made its way into the house a week ago. Our two cats have been unable to catch it and neither have we. There are intermittent chipmunk sightings, mostly in the office, but its been too quick to get a photo. Guess I'll have to see if I can get a live trap and transport it back to nature. This must be wild critters in the home week.

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 07:24:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your local animal control should be able to provide you with a live trap (they usually just ask for a deposit on the cage).

Or, you could just leave the windows open and hope it really wants to return to the great outdoors. Of course, on the other hand, you might end up with a whole colony that way.

The only critters we've had inside lately are moths and mud wasps (and spiders of course, but as long as they don't get too big we let them live here) - my butterfly net usually suffices as a removal device.

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 08:18:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

We tried leaving the front door open for the better part of a day, but no deal. There's plenty of cat food and water bowls conveniently placed and the little bugger seems fatter every time I see it.

Luckily one of my coworkers is a certified wild animal rehaber. I bet she has a few live traps. Right now, she has a couple of playpens full of fawns and a couple of cages of raccoon babies at home. All had lost their moms for one reason or another. She raises them and eases them back into the wild eventually. I'll bet you two could have some interesting conversations;-)

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:04:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm sure we could. She sounds like a real sweetie.

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:17:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A jewel. Since she accepts animals from all over the state, occasionally one will be delivered to our office, where we all ooh and aah over the baby.

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:21:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh we have skinks (and other critters) in the house all the time but they don't normally do the marilyn-monroe-on-the-rug pose.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 08:29:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Bats are our favorites. The welders gloves we use at the wood stove are helpful in escorting them out.

Fakes energy well

by JimF (jimNOfergusonSpaM@macPleasE.com) on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 08:45:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Welders gloves are good for handling lots of things, especially snakes. They're even good for welding, but don't let the oxy/acetylene flame get to close to them - the leather gets all shrunken and stiff and you can barely bend that finger.

I found the remains of a bat nest (evidenced by the bat skeleton) when moving the sliding glass door, so we clearly get them in the attic. But since they need to live within a few miles of an open water source I'm thinking that they've all moved closer to the big rivers during the current dry spell. It's going to be a very harsh winter for the critters if we don't get some rain soon.

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:04:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As snug as ... (4.00 / 5)

My guess is that it was trying to make itself all static-ee, so that it could sneak up on another skink and shock it. That's the face of a prankster.

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 06:20:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

snort

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 08:26:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Heh - only the mind of a little sister...

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 08:55:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

How did you know I'm the little sister?

When I was young we had shag carpeting. :D Of course we also had a metal handrail on the staircase, and I had to remember to "discarge" myself before grabbing it on the way down the stairs. I also had a volvo once, which apparently lost electrons when sitting, and if I didn't similarly remember to discharge before grabbing the handle I'd get a small shock (and no, it wasn't a short, it was me).

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:11:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Lucky guess and a clue from our 5 yo granddaughter, who would not hesitate to zap either of her brothers, given the slightest opportunity;-)

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:25:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I only have an older sister. I'm sure I would have been quite the little hellion if I had had older brothers to vex.

by keres on Tue Jun 3rd, 2008 at 09:37:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

YAHD (4.00 / 4)

and what's more only a week to go till I'm on vacation.

click for larger

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 05:02:38 AM EST

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 5)

Wo0t! (for the vacation bit).

Imogen will be home in about 26 hours (I'm so pathetic). At least it was a bit warmer today. Cold and alone sounds too much like a bad country song. Luna has had her third (or is it forth?) meal of the day. Albert is under the couch and everything else is pretty much the usual around here.

Tomorrow is visiting day for Luna and I, after which we run our errands. Such excitement!

by keres on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 06:12:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 4)

Yay for Imogen coming home.

And just to make you feel better about your day, I've got to get going because I have an appointment in an hour for my annual boob-mashing or, as I like to think of it, my annual reminder that there are real advantages to being an A-cup.

See ya.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 06:27:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 5)

ow. After my recent mammogram, my poor boobs felt like they had an ice-cream headache.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 08:26:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 5)

I've yet to get smooshed, and I'm not looking forward to it (definitely not an A-cup).

by keres on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 08:49:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 5)

Cold and alone....all you need is a faithful dog (got that) a pick-up truck and some beer and you've got a good country song.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 08:27:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: YAHD (4.00 / 6)

I had the pick-up truck for fifteen years, but now I drive a itty bitty 1.3 liter Mazda that barely has room enough for the dog in the back seat. But given the price of petrol my days of driving a Ford F-250 are well and truly behind me (although I do barrow the neighbor's F-100 on occasion to pick up a load of hay).

by keres on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 08:46:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Froggy Bottom Cafe Lounge (4.00 / 5)

Good morning all. Ah, a respite here at work from the spate of rudeness that has overtaken the boran2 boy. Do children become possessed at a certain age?

Fear will keep the local systems in line. -Grand Moff Tarkin -SLB-

by boran2 (blogistan@yahoo.com) on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 09:10:57 AM EST

Re: Froggy Bottom Cafe Lounge (4.00 / 6)

Aw, I feel for you. My kids each went through a rude period but it was at a much older age than the B2 boy is. And it was really pretty mild compared to stories I've heard of other kids. I think the trick is to remain outwardly calm but don't take any crap. And find a way to tie his rudeness to a loss of privileges...just be matter of fact about it as if it's the most natural consequence in the world.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 09:24:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Taking away privileges is something we do, but the loss of some means less to him now. TV or desert or sometimes, his games. But the change (for the better) doesn't last long.

Fear will keep the local systems in line. -Grand Moff Tarkin -SLB-

by boran2 (blogistan@yahoo.com) on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 10:36:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Sometimes it hurts when you decide that you can't taxi them around everywhere because you're feeling disrespected.... :) Oh, I see you have yet another birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese to attend, but since I'm obviously so hopelessly uncool, I don't want to burden you with the specter of being dropped off by such an embarrassing parent in front of your friends...

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 10:46:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I know how you feel, boran2. I got to be stepmother to an insufferable boy.

I read somewhere that God made teenagers and old people mean on purpose, because otherwise we'd never be able to let them go.

Take it easy, this will be over soon, and later you can become the rude oldster.

by Alice on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 10:43:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It's fun now that my kids are safely through their teens, they joke about how rude they were at times and we have fun laughing about it.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 11:01:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

The real fun comes with grandkids. When they act up, you can project sly, knowing grins upon the parents who once gave you grief when they were your little ones. At least that's what my mom did to me.

"Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live." Dorothy Thompson, Journalist

by Indianadem on Wed Jun 4th, 2008 at 05:53:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Rain, storm, wind, power outage (4.00 / 2)

(and boob-mashing) followed by more rain, storms, wind (and tornadoes a few miles away) and another power outage. At least there was a bit of pretty between all the sturm and drang.

click for larger

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 05:37:26 AM EST

Good morning Andi. (4.00 / 2)

Sounds like you've had an exciting yesterday. We could use some of your rain. Just send the rain and you can keep everything else.

Oh and did the boob mashing happen during the power outage. ;)

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 05:53:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

In point of fact, it did since the power outage was at home and I must take my boobs many miles to get them mashed. ;P

We got around 2 inches but a bit north of us they got over 4 inches. And the ground is already saturated so lots of flooding going on. I'm sure everybody wishes they could share.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:11:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

Down here we're in the mid 90's and clear skies. This is just too early to have that high of temps.

I've been up all night with George. He seems to be having an intestinal problem. It seems like every 30 minutes I'm having to take him out. I think he caught on that I was going to give him a haircut today and he's trying to weasel out of it.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:20:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 3)

Poor George sounds like my mother....always some intestinal thing to talk about.

I'm starting to get old like you guys. After 4 hours and 22 minutes of sleep, I am apparently up for the day. I have a court appearance this morning....or rather one of my GAL kids does after being arrested for assault. I want to give up, I really do.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:29:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Morning SN (4.00 / 2)

A court appearance is really not the way to start the day. Why don't you call the judge and tell him you want to reschedule. Just tell em FM said it was OK. :)

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:32:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Morning SN (4.00 / 3)

The really awesome thing is that I looked at the court schedule, and there are at least 100 cases scheduled for the same court room at the same time.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:50:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Morning SN (4.00 / 2)

Doesn't sound like to much justice can be metered out with 100 cases at the same time. I've only been in a court room once and that was during my divorce. I swore I never wanted to see another one again.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:52:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

You can't be that old if you know down to the minute how long you slept. When you're really old, you feel lucky if you can remember how long a day lasts.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:43:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Or which day it is. n/t (4.00 / 2)

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:44:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 3)

I always go to bed after the Colbert Report at midnight and fall asleep within seconds. So figuring out the time I slept is pretty easy.

The Girl made it to Lillooet safely and already saw a bear by the side of the road. And her living in a tipi for the summer....

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:49:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

ooh, sound so cool and like such great fun. jealousy abounds.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:51:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

Wouldn't be too much fun if the teepee didn't have indoor plumbing. In Hooterville we've learned that's a necessity.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:53:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 3)

I thought you and Granny bathed in the seement pond.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:57:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

Storms are over here and it's supposed to warm (89, ugh) and sunny today.

Sorry about George and your lack of sleep.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:33:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

Sounds like you're going to have a pretty humid day. Heat is one thing, but added with humidity it gets bad.

At least I can say for George, he would rather burst than do anything in the house. Then again, having him jump up and down on me when I'm almost asleep does have it draw backs.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:37:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 3)

Maybe you should stop feeding him pimento cheese and pork rinds, FM.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:39:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howdy FM (4.00 / 2)

Actually I think it's the Italian or Chinese food I fed him. He just can't seem to get enough of either. Or it might be the seedless grapes. He loves those too.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:41:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Good morning Andi. (4.00 / 3)

Hahaha! That made me laugh. Well, Jim IS off for the summer...

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:27:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Good morning Andi. (4.00 / 2)

Well if Jim is off, there wouldn't be boob-mashing, would there. Or did you misspeak and meant that Jim is getting off. ;P

Morning.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:38:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Good morning all! It is good to see everyone. It is going to be brutally hot over the next few days, but we'll manage. Lord Stanley is back in Detroit and I have only 6 more days of school until my wonderful leave of absence starts. All is good in the world.

Is it 2009 yet?

by Teacher Toni (tacoralatyahoodotcom) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:45:33 AM EST

Morning Toni (4.00 / 3)

Sounds like you're looking forward to having some time off. :)

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:46:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Hi Toni (4.00 / 3)

Happy countdown. Very happy no papers-to-grade year.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:52:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I am enjoying riding my bike in spite of the heat. I hope you enjoy yours too.

Does the paper show what each team member does with the cup for the day they have it?

Fakes energy well

by JimF (jimNOfergusonSpaM@macPleasE.com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 09:09:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hey Jim! (4.00 / 2)

Most of the guys will take the back to their hometowns. But, it will be around Detroit for a while. After they won the first cup (1997) it showed up at a Christmas party for arena ushers (which I was at the time). I got to drink out of the Stanley Cup. I really need to digitize that picture.

Have fun biking!

Is it 2009 yet?

by Teacher Toni (tacoralatyahoodotcom) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 09:14:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Off to see what all the rain and wind (4.00 / 3)

has done to the woods.

Hope everybody has a great day.

(And it's really, really fine to have you back, FM.)

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit - Edward Abbey

by AndiF (ferguson1461 at gmail dot com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:55:06 AM EST

Re: Off to see what all the rain and wind (4.00 / 3)

See ya Andi, hope you enjoy your walk.

And thanks.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:56:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

George is whinning to go out again and FMom just woke up. Gotta go too.

See ya'll later on and have a good day!

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 06:57:47 AM EST

Have a good day and stay cool.

Fear will keep the local systems in line. -Grand Moff Tarkin -SLB-

by boran2 (blogistan@yahoo.com) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 09:00:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Hiya Boran

I'm working hard at doing nothing. Actually I've been working hard at cleaning the fridge. Hawaiian punch spilled all over the inside. I've been cleaning for the last hour on it. I decided to stay inside and clean that instead of going outside and mowing the lawn. Just too damn hot outside.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 11:20:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Ick. It is sofa king hot outside.

"Don't waste your time on the clowns, watch the real show"

by Second Nature on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 12:25:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Froggy Bottom Cafe Lounge (4.00 / 2)

Hi SN

How did your court go this morning?

Since I was up all night with George last night, it's a heavy nap day for me today. I think George is finally feeling better, but I'm worn out.

Mundane Doesn't Describe It

by Family Man (FamilyMan1atbellsouthdotnet) on Thu Jun 5th, 2008 at 01:03:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]