The Creature Under the House

Some months back a large hole appeared under the stem wall at the base of our house. The dark tunnel that led to our crawl space beneath the house got the full attention of our dogs. Midnight barking raids became the norm as they often demanded access to the back yard.

We tried putting a big bag of river rocks in the entrance to the tunnel behind the air conditioning units outside. For a short time there were no signs of the animal's return. That changed a few nights ago when the dogs went crazy clawing and sniffing at the baseboard in the den. 
 

Before opening the door to let the dogs out for their morning business, I clicked and re-clicked the deadbolt trying to scare away any unwelcome guests. That day it turned out to be a young stray cat. For the past few days this youngster has been snooping around the dog's water dish and hanging out in their fenced yard. And I had begun setting out food for the poor hungry creature. But in the country you can't set out food unless you want to attract a lot of animals that enjoy it, like the 3 armadillos I saw behind my Mom's fence just a couple of days ago.

Naturally, the dogs shot off the porch heading for the garage, where the kitty was holding its ground.  "No! No! Come here," I screamed. The dogs are ignoring me and the neighbors likely aren't. Once in alert mode, the dogs worked as a team to flank the enemy and closed in on the intruder just as I came running out wearing one shoe, the other lost coming down the steps.

For the surprise of the week, I potted four giant furry caterpillars wriggling in unison along the garage wall. I grabbed the dog's collar and pulled his nose away dragging him backwards toward the door. Who knew if they were poisonous or not? Our ever-obedient elder dog gave a few interested sniffs then ran back inside with us.

The caterpillars turned out to be the upraised tails of three baby skunks whose mother had gone out for breakfast leaving them to crawl out of their cozy nest. A few minutes later they found their way back underground, returning to safety and comfort.









The Longest Days

Storm by PegCole17

Some days go quick as lightning and others drag on for an eternity. But when you get a combination of events that cause both occurences to happen at once, it can be difficult to weather the storm. When I hear the word 'difficult' I think of my mentor, the late Mr. Jim Rohn. I can almost hear him saying that life was filled with opportunity and difficulty. What we do with what we're given is how it will come out.

Just when you think that things are getting back to normal after a long period of a 'disturbance in the force', life is good for a few days, good health is finally starting to bloom, the walker has been put aside and then, well, then the corporation comes along to shake up the boat.

Later today "They" will come and pick up the company car, a brand new Chevy Malibu that served well for the corporate travels that are no longer deemed necessary. "The position has been eliminated". It's one of those euphemisms that corporate people like to use. Now that the particular technical product you supported is not part of their solution, you are no longer necessary either.  But it wasn't as heartless as some "separations from the company" have been. This time there was a grace period of two weeks given, well, less one holiday Monday in which to find another position within the company. Since a recent press leak has indicated an upcoming reduction in force (RIF) of 10% at said company, most departments are holding on to any open requisitions with a tight fist. No luck internally. Been there, done that. Now we're there again.

Each phone call becomes a ray of momentary hope as we wait for news on a position that was available last week with a different company. But with this new development, who knows? It seems easier to get a job when you already have one somehow. We will see as this turns along with the world around us.