Every moment is a gift. … Whatever life gives to you, you can respond with joy. Joy is the happiness that does not depend on what happens. It is the grateful response to the opportunity that life offers you at this moment.
Brother David Steindl-Rast
A light wet snow began falling about 6:14 am, our first snowfall for the 2023 winter. I was planning on meeting Eric in Windsor for coffee and conversation this morning but as I headed out of town I had second thoughts and returned home. We talked on the phone instead, which was still a good conversation.
Weather app says 2-7 inches possible by tomorrow noon and some much colder temperatures. Those temperatures will make roads nasty. During a lull, just after noon, I stepped outside and took this image. As you can see the trees still have a few leaves and with the snow being wet I’m afraid branches will be coming down. It’s Nature’s way of pruning.
My saga with the raccoons continues providing another opportunity for either anger or joy, my choice. I noticed they’d done more damage on Friday afternoon, tearing down another 1/3 of the insulation. So, I sprayed the remaining insulation and the firewall with a mix of water and peppermint oil last night. This afternoon when I started the car and began cleaning it off, a heck of a racket came from my engine compartment as two raccoons scrambled for their lives. Once they hit the ground they ran like crazy for the culvert. At first I felt angry to know they were back and fearful they had caused even more damage. It’s frustrating because I do not want them to cause electrical damage but also laugh at the situation. At some period of my past I may have waged war on them but I’ve come to understand waging war is not a solution. I want them to leave my car alone and they want to survive. It’s Nature’s way of survival. Anyway, I sprayed peppermint again and have decided to park my car in a different location, away from the culvert. And if that doesn’t solve it, I’m getting rid of the damn car because the car’s the problem!!! 😂
In reference to David Steindl-Rast’s quote I must agree that every moment is a gift. It was a gift when I felt the anger then let it go. It was a gift to laugh as I watched them run like hell. It’s a gift when I can share this comical/serious situation with you. And, it’s a gift for you to hopefully laugh at my situation while being grateful it ain’t you. Think I’m gonna soak in a hot tub of water tonight before bed and look at it as a gift.
8 Comments
Mark
So is this about the usual time you might see snow? I am personally not quite ready for it yet, but given I was out yesterday finding a lot of leaves dropped already, it may not be long. But we do have higher chances of a warmer than usual winter with El Niño.
The raccoon situation has to be frustrating. Once they have their mind set on something, they can be stubborn. I wonder if there is some kind of motion activated noise maker that you could place in the spot of your car? Or maybe a different kind of repellent spray?
Monte Stevens
We have already had snow in the high country already but this is the first snowfall for Fort Collins. It is that time we see snow. I really don’t mind the snow as it can be quite lovely. It’s the cold that comes with it that my fingers and toes don’t like. I did notice over the past few days a lot of leaves were dropping. As I did mention I park the car in a different location and will continue that.
Faye White
Snow and raccoons and peppermint, that’s quite a Saturday! Stay warm and cozy today, Monte.
Monte Stevens
Cleaning the car this morning I get to experience the beautiful winter scene nature has given us. No raccoon tracks around the car. Not many people out because the roads are icy and slushy. We have about 5 inches of snow on the ground. I will be inside most of the day. Enjoy your Sunday!
Tom Dills
You and those raccoons…how frustrating that must be. Are they bothering other cars or just yours? If just yours, possibly finding another parking spot might help.
Yikes on the snow, although it doesn’t really seem that early. Fall is due to come to a screeching halt here in the next few days, but hopefully no snow!
Monte Stevens
People have asked me that and no one I know if has had the same situation with them. May call Human Society and see if they can trap them and move them or give me some other options. That will not eliminate them but just be a temporary band-aid. I’m just not that worried, yet. I made it to the coffee shop and seems no matter what there are insane drivers on the road. Enjoy your Sunday!
Earl
I had to smile reading this post. Not at the terrible frustration you must feel over the damage to your vehicle but from a random thought I had about what the ‘conversations’ would possibly be like from the raccoons’ viewpoint.
“Rocky, I told you to keep watch in case the human came out and got into the medal can. But no, you had to get distracted and fall asleep on the rock that’s sometimes warm but roars!”
“I know, I’m sorry, but that peppermint smell is so calming and relaxing.”
You take your gifts where you find them, I guess. I applaud your attitude, best of luck with the car move, and the snow scene is lovely.
Monte Stevens
LOL Thank you I needed that conversation this morning. They are nocturnal creatures so I imagine they were sleeping when I intruded. Actually I was glad they did not get hurt when I started the engine, both the engine and the raccoon could have paid a price. I’ve reflected mor than one time in my mind as they ran like heck in their exit. They were not waiting around. Maybe that will deter them from returning to the tin car!
We have a lovely white winter scene here this morning. It is still snowing and expected to snow until about noon. We have maybe 5 inches now.