Mountain City Montage
by PAULINE TOM
Bluebirds, Bluebirds! Everywhere! I love it!
Laura Craig tidbitted a couple weeks back that she spotted her first ever Eastern Bluebird in Mountain City. During the past couple of weeks the gorgeous red, white and blue “bluebirds” have spent time in and out and around the nestboxes at the Garrisons, the Polks, and the Toms. Perhaps they’ve been at your place, too? Please tidbit.
For any who do not know, I distribute the Texas Bluebird Society’s “Texas Nestbox”, well-suited for Texas’ conditions. From my front door, nestboxes can be purchased for $15, plus 7.75% sales tax; or I will give to you a free nestbox in exchange for a new membership ($15) in the Texas Bluebird Society. Give me a phone call or email to set up a time.
Snakes are out. We visited Rosebrock Vet Clinic for rattlesnake vaccine boosters for BoD and Kiss’Me’. Dr. Bob started seeing rattlesnake bites in early February!
Skunks are out. You’ve probably seen the dead bodies on local roads and caught more than a hint of scent in spots where they came in contact with cars. This time of year, males ramble for miles in search of females.
Should you or your dog come in contact with a skunk, here’s a recipe to neutralize the odor:
1 bottle (one pint) of 3% hydrogen peroxide; 1/8 cup baking soda; and 1/2-teaspoon liquid hand soap. Mix well in very large bowl.
This mix gives off oxygen and needs to be mixed fresh as needed. Pour over affected area. Let it sit several minutes and rinse with tap water.
According to odorology.com, “Skunk spray contains mercaptans. Mercaptans are sulfur containing compounds that are in a low oxidation state. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the sulfur compounds in skunk spray while baking soda reduces the acidity of the mixture. Soap helps to wash out the greasy skunk spray residue. Do not get the mixture in or around the eyes.
2 NaOH + 4 H2O2 + H2S yields Na2SO4 + 6 H2O.
A tomato juice bath will not neutralize the chemical.
Here’s a formula for lowering vacation costs to any major city: Google for “daily deals” in that city several months out. For our upcoming trip to San Diego, I’ve garnered discount meals, lodging, chocolates and a hot air balloon ride.
Also, sharp color reprints of online transportation maps (for instance, downtown bus routes) can be made at The UPS Store for $0.49. The UPS Store received the link I emailed and prints were waiting when I showed up.
Soon, without a map, we can all make an interesting little trip to the FM 150 Farmers Market out toward Inn Above Onion Creek at the Michaelis Ranch, starting March 17, each Thursday from 3-6 p.m. There’s a vendor list at www.michaelisranch.com.
I’m waiting to receive emailed tidbits! Email [email protected] or phone (512) 268-5678.
