Mushroom season?

I am not sure if it is because of the humidity and the hot summer days, but the mushrooms are back and better than ever. I have a few of the standard yard mushrooms and then the cool mushrooms growing in one of my trees. I hope this is not a sign that the tree is dying.
In a week this mushroom has expanded to over 18" across.

When it rains it pours

Cliche of this last week. When it rains it pours.
On Monday I drove to the Detroit area for a second interview with a large company and while I was on the road I got a phone call about a job on this side of the state with "Company B". Tuesday morning, while I was interviewing with "Company B" I received another call for a job with "Company C". After hanging up with "B" and scheduling "C" I received an offer from Company A and they wanted an answer right away. Unfortunately, A was on the east side of the state and although it would have been a great job, I had a second interview to go thru with "B". While on the second interview with "B", company A called back again. I told them that I needed to wait. Within an hour or so, "B" called me back to offer me a job. Same rate, but this side of the state. "A" wasn't going to pay taxes which meant "B" is now at the top of the pile. "A" didn't want to hear it and tried to up the anty. Unfortunately, "B" was a much better deal since I didn't have to leave my home. "C" was a permanent job and I interviewed with them on Thursday. No news on that yet.
I said to a friend that one of two things is happening, either the economy in Michigan is starting to move again or the planets have lined up in my favor. Either way, I will take it. I like to work.

Locks of Love - Part 5

Well, I have done it again. I donated over 10" to Locks of Love. As I have said before, it is the easiest donation I can make. My first donation was in June 1999 and I have been able to donate the minimum 10" about every 18 months. This time it was a little over 2 years between donations. Not because my hair wasn't growing, just because I wasn't ready. On 7/13/06, I decided that it was time. Choking in the middle of the night and the heat of the heavy hair were the two main reasons. The third and best reason, was receiving a magazine from the Locks of Love organization saying that it was time to donate again. So, I finally went in and had it chopped off. It feels so much better. The girl that cut my hair gave me the dutch boy (as my sister calls it) so I ended up cutting it again.

If you ever want to do something nice for someone you don't know and have a lot of extra hair, I would recommend donating to Locks of Love. To date, I have donated about 60" of hair. One of the women I worked with used to call me Repunzel. Hmm. Oh well, it is a great cause.

The snakes came out today

I have not seen a snake in a couple of years. Today I saw 2. The first was just a little garden snake (about 18" long) and then a Blue Racer snake which was over 3 feet long. I think they are out due to the heat. It was 95 here today. I wish I had my camera with me when I saw them in the yard. Oh well, there are plenty more hot days ahead.

And then there were none

The bermuda triangle of skunks has been eliminated from my yard along with 2 raccoons. So, my trapping days are now over.
I think only 1 of the 3 skunks is still alive. Jingles, the neighbor's rat terrior, killed two and the third I put in a skunk relocation program. Go Jingles!
Sorry Skunks, you stunk. May you rest in peace.

To Catch a Skunk

You need to catch a raccoon first. I borrowed the neighbor's live trap to catch the skunks. However, it was not meant to be; until today. I caught my first skunk last night.

1. Have a live trap.
2. Bait with Tuna fish or other enticing food.
3. Set trap by their den.
4. Wait until nightfall; they see the trap during the day and want no part of it. Nightfall is perfect.
5. Morning. Skunk is in the "house"
6. Throw a blanket over it. Carefully pick up the cage and place it in your trunk.
7. Drive to a remote location. Open cage, leave blanket on the animal end and walk away. When the skunk realizes you have stepped away, it will leave on its own accord.

Yeah!!! One less skunk. One more to go. The neighbor's dog got the 3rd one (she got sprayed, I didn't) Woohoo!