Monday, October 28, 2024

OCTOBER WANING



Good things never last. October is waning quickly - - like  shedding leaves in the persistent breath of autumn winds.

(sometimes I like to get poetic, just to impress you).

I had planned to write some Halloweeny posts but never got around to it. I'll probably write something about ghosts within the next few days.

Bet you can't wait.

If you want something really scary, you should have a brood of young possums in your house. I haven't been able to get rid of all of them yet, but I'm making fairly reasonable progress. I think.

I've blocked every conceivable place where they might get in.

But....

About two nights ago I was at the kitchen table with my laptop (my only faithful companion), when I heard a sudden noise.

I got up and saw that my worst fear materialized.

There was a possum on the kitchen counter. Jumped in the sink. Walked on the stove. Knocked over the spice rack.

My blood pressure soared to the moon. You haven't experienced undiluted adventure until you have possums in your kitchen.

Eventually I grabbed a broom and chased him out the back door.

Yesterday (Sunday) I didn't see any possums. Am I making cautious progress?

This is Halloween week and I have no plans. I'll probably order some more groceries. I should really go out trick or treating. I'm finally at the age where I don't need to wear a mask to look scary.

Ponder that for awhile. It will eventually get funny.

The weather has been beautiful. Sunny, mild, mellow. The foliage is glorious.

These long, isolated nights in the wilderness are delightfully spooky. Late last night a gang of coyotes invaded my property, making alarming howls and shrieks. They very often sound like anguished humans.

How about some recent photos for your sublime pleasure?


Glimpses of the front "yard" taken from the front porch







My bedroom window. I took this pic early in the morning while I was in bed.

Jon, keeper of the possums


18 comments:

  1. I think word went around the possum community that your house is a good winter refuge! I hope you can dispel the idea and the possums.

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    1. I thought about putting out a sign POSSUMS PROHIBITED, but there's a rumor that hillbilly possums can't read.

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  2. That possum ran home and told his family, "I don't like the new waiter at our restaurant. He chased me with a broom!"

    🤷🏼‍♀️ Hope you can get rid of them all.

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    1. That possum didn't like the restaurant waiter, but he told his family about the Possum Hotel. It seems like they already checked in.
      Since they never pay - - I have to evict them by force.

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    2. Is there such a thing as possum traps?

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  3. Oh my goodness! Judging from the looks outside, I think this is your reward for having endured so much over the last year. Better than a Purple Heart, right?
    I need to learn more about possums, on account everyone seems to believe they're actually good -- for pest control and the like.

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    1. Savoring glorious October is much better than a Purple Heart.
      Possums are extremely annoying when they invade houses. But I'll admit that they are usually timid and non-aggressive. They are beneficial as agents for pest control. I've heard they even eat wood ticks (yuck!!!!!).

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  4. I hope you are finally rid of the possums! They seem to be desperately trying to use your place as an excellent winter refuge. They must have a secret entrance. Being chased with brooms should hopefully deter them.
    Love the photos of all your beautiful fall woods!! It is just gorgeous there! Have a beautiful day, Jon. :)

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    1. Woodland critters have been invading my house while I was hospitalized and in rehab. It's difficult to get rid of them. I have found several possible entrances, in the kitchen and laundry area. I've sealed them up...and haven't seen a possum in two days.
      The beautiful autumn foliage lifts my spirits.

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  5. Your abode seems to be the Ritz Carlton for possums....and word is out! Free food, too. But the service sucks. I hope you can get rid of these critters and won't have to be wielding a broom around much longer, other than dust sweeping. Sad to see the beauty of October waning. It's been a beauty in NE Ohio. Your pics are lovely. Thanks for sharing. LIke the pumpkin, too!
    Paranormal John

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    1. The possums are really intrigued by my humble abode. The only positive aspect is that they eat mice. I've sealed up all the potential possum entrances and haven't seen any for two days (so far...).
      I wish I could walk in the woods to take more photos - - my front "yard" is sufficient enough.
      I haven't watched the Thriller episode yet, but probably will tonight.

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  6. Cool! I hope you enjoy the Thriller episode. The Storm is my favorite of the series, The Pidgeon's from Hell comes in second. Let me know! I need to bring out my Thriller episodes, seeing Halloween is fast approaching. I've been thinking about your Halloween clock and hoping you'd post a pic of it. Hint hint! Love that clock. Wish I could find one just like it. Happy Haunting!
    Paranormal John

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    1. I'll post the clock photo on Halloween, along with some other photos.

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    2. Oh, thank you, Jon. Can't wait. Love that clock!
      Paranormal John

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  7. I wonder where the possums are managing to enter your home ? I'm OK with our nightly visitors just as long as they stay on the outside ...lol
    Love your little Halloween cat :)
    ~Jo

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    1. I found several small spaces in the kitchen and laundry room where they might get in. These young possums are small, and they can squeeze into unbelievably tiny places.
      My house seems to be a magnet for critters. I think they started gathering here when I was away in the hospital and rehab.
      I got that cat from Walmart online. I couldn't resist.

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  8. The possum invasion seems to be ongoing, perhaps you will need to call on a professional exterminator, Jon? It probably could be costly, but peace of mind and being able to enjoy your home without unwanted invaders would be a welcome result.

    The fall foliage views outside your home are spectacular and I can see why you enjoy this season as I do too.

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  9. So far I haven't seen a possum in two days, so I'm cautiously optimistic. An exterminator would be great, but they're extremely expensive.
    I haven't written my Halloween post yet. Soon, I hope! I'm slow....

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