Ramble On

Monday, September 3, 2007

Battle of the Species - Introduction

Well, the purpose of the blog is to keep a journal of just about everything we learn and experience on the adventure of owning the Hawksbill Cabin. There’ll be posts on our projects – numerous and expensive; what happens getting there or getting back; places of interest in the neighborhood; friends and relatives who visit; and generally the kinds of things you would expect with a blog like this.

On September 2, we made a trip out to the cabin to take care of some projects. I’ll begin to document that work separately…but while I was driving to the cabin this time I remembered an experience from last week I wanted to write about.

As you get used to living, or visiting, the “country,” one of the things you have to get used to is a constant sense of movement by the critters sharing the environment. Last weekend as we were closing up the cabin for our return to Alexandria I walked around the backyard path and caught sight of movement under the northwest corner of the cabin (don’t tell Mary, but that is where the master bedroom is). It was peripheral, so I turned quickly to look, but there was nothing there. I figure: snake, toad or mouse; but I can neither confirm nor deny that there was really anything there.

However, we have identified four species that we need to deal with – maybe it’s more like coming to terms with them – so this will be the first “serial” element of the blog. The four species are:

1. Carpenter bees
2. Termites
3. Poison ivy
4. Black snakes

We’ve heard about raccoons, deer, and a couple of bears that frequent our woods. Also, there is a cow pasture nearby, and we’ve seen several feral cats around. So I expect plenty of material to come from this topic!

6 comments:

Nancwa said...

Hey, I got your poison ivy right here. Didn't need to go all the way to the far reaches of the earth to find it!

Anyway, I registered, but only as a compliment to you! ha!

DMH Jr said...

Do the dogs make the trip also? If so how are they taking to sharing their space with the new found critters?

Pedro said...

I am interested in knowing what activities may or may not have been engaged in at the cabin, caused you to see something in your peripheral vision, which may or may not have been there! No need to "confirm nor deny". Party on Garth!

Seriously though, I hear that some/most wild species are considered good eatin' in those parts.

Ellen C Stamper said...

Okay now, the big question: Do you have internet at the cabin? LOL! Living in the 'burbs presents some, but obviously not all, of the challenges you and Mary face with your new project. Although our biggest issues are with fleas, moles, and squirrels. Oh, and we are also blessed with poison ivy. Just ask Greg!

We're excited for you both, and look forward to reading about and seeing proof of, your progress.

Ellen

Unknown said...

Hey, thanks all for your comments!

Nancwa, true you don't have to go to the country to encounter poison ivy, but we do have some very robust plantings out there.

Den, the dogs have been out once. They seemed impatient of the whole experience and not entirely curious about the smells and other encounters. But so far they haven't really ventured further than 20 feet or so from the house. We've been keeping them out of the poison ivy for one thing.

Pedro, can I vote for you?

Ellen C., thanks for your encouragement! Seems everyone is having their experience with poison ivy this year.

Rusti said...

Jim, I am really looking forward to reading your blog. I love doing mine, and I am sure you will enjoy the trail of words that you are beginning. Your family is so proud of you and Mary and your accomplishments. You deserve the joy of this wonderful cabin.
Love, Rusti