Last week in preparation of Management’s yearly inspection we had our mobile home power washed. It looked great when he was done but for whatever reason the powers that be “dinged” us for paint. So in the next couple months, right in the middle of summer, we must have the house re=painted. God forbid they do inspections in the spring or better yet give us an extension to fall when it’s cooler. So I should not have been surprised when we got the notice on our door today stating they are closing the pool/spa area for 1 month starting July 5th. Really? What bean counter at management thought this was a good idea? Closing the pool of family park in the middle of summer, when the kids are home and it is used daily. Way to support your residents Star Management!
With the power washing came the up-rooting of an ant hill either under our house or in the close vicinity. Needless to say the ants are seeking revenge and have invaded my kitchen. I had been holding them at bay with my handy spray can but alas on Monday they almost did me in. Opened the dishwasher to empty clean dishes and found thousands of them living in the bottom. Yikes! Well I hope they got the message don’t mess with me as they were swirling in that hot tub and being flushed down the drain. Since then I have found two small outbreaks, but have made small work of them with a take no prisoners attack. I am happy to say that today (Wed.) we are ant free for the moment. If it gets much worse I might have to break down and call Orkin.
Now moving on to bigger critters. Our park has several resident bunnies, that roam the yards and eat whatever plants they can find. We are not allowed to feed them, catch them or harm them in any way, according to management. Not sure when bunnies became an endangered species but we all oblige. I don’t really have a problem with them, they are cute and do entertain the grandsons when they come over. But last week we pulled into our driveway only to find a squirrel sitting in the middle of it. Ok a squirrel? I live in Placentia, Ca. not in Washington State and no where even close to a wooded area or forest. This park is full of palm trees not pines so where the heck did a squirrel come from? Oh yes they are cute too but they carry disease and ticks and other nasty things that I would like to not have taking up residence next door to me.
Last night my daughter opened the sliding door to take out the trash and lo and behold right there on our steps was an opssum, again I am asking myself where in the world did this come from? Last year, due to the drought, we had a slight problem with coyote sightings. They claimed they had wandered up from flood channel looking for small cats/dogs since the lack of rain had diminished the food chain. Now I am not sure who figured this out, did the coyotes mention this as they were walking down the street? I personally never saw one but did hear running footsteps and squealing sounds in the middle of night on more than one occasion. But this year we had so much rain the food chain should be in over abundance. So can someone please tell me why critters are showing up outside my door?
I suppose some evening soon, we will go to the trash only to find a raccoon sitting there munching on someone’s left overs. When that happens, if I survive the heart attack, I may just go get a hunting license and a gun and take some target practice. Times are tough, can you cook raccoon?
Hope your day and home is critter free. Happy summer!
B
