Why can't I have a normal day...

[Katie]

Well, the morning started with a bang. We had relocated our bed downstairs a couple of years ago to a room off the kitchen so I wouldn't have to climb stairs. It has a free-standing wood stove with a long straight chimney going up through the ceiling. So I woke this morning to some scritching on metal. The cat was standing on the cold stove, and I thought he was chasing a bug or something, so went on with my day.

I came back to the kitchen after awhile for breakfast and again heard the noise, only there weren't any kitties around...hmmmmm. More loud noises coming from what seems to be the chimney OK, so living in the country provides a large variety of critters that could be in there. Birds, baby racoon, a bat...the list is endless.

I tried wiggling the chimney to see if it could be lifted off, but no luck, especially since I have no muscles yet Decided to wait till hubby came home later today...surely whatever was in there could last that long. Back to my. But the noise was bothering my conscience, so I thought that opening the door to the stove may shed some light. Just in case, I moved the kitties and dog to the other part of the house and closed the kitchen door.

I got knocked on my kiester when a starling flew into my face Apparently he was in the firebox and was scratching the glass door...he was no dumb bunny...he saw the light! So I grabbed a towel and followed him from window to window, hoping to cover him when he tired, and hopefully before he hurt himself. Meanwhile, the animals on the other side of the door are hearing the squawking and are barking, meowing and scratching. Can you say circus?

It gets better. Because part of our home is a 200 yr. old log homestead, we have a lot of flies, more than a swatter can control, so I had put up a sticky tape in one window....which the bird flew into.

Picture it, a screaming starling, hysterical pets nearby, and the bird now needs to be removed from the glue strip. I was ecstatic at how this was progressing. All I wanted was my You'd think the bird would be happy to see such a big lunch of flies right beside him, but noooooooooo.

Thankfully it wasn't as bad as it seemed. I think in the end I had more sticky stuff on me than the bird had on his feathers, at least the ones that were still attached to him No, really he only lost a few tiny ones...he had enough left to fly south soon. When I finally was able to carry him outside and release him, he shakily flew to a close by fence and glared at me. What, I rescued you, you little begger! I made sure he flew off safely and normally and then came back to my

When I get a quiet moment, I'll tell you about the day I had to blow-dry one of our chickens.......

[KBear]

OMGosh, that is just too funny. I can so picture that bird in your house! LOL I DEFINITELY want to hear about blow dried chickens (is that similar to Kentucky fried chickens?)

[Cindylou]

That is too funny Katie! I needed that chuckle, but I'll bet it scared the "you know what out of you" when it first flew in your face! Yikes! Speaking of fly population, I am up at the cabin and I have swatted and killed at least 10 large flies this morning. I can't figure out where they are coming from. Have never had this happen before. They look larger than a house fly. As soon as I swat a couple down, more show up. I just texted my husband to stop at a Fleet Farm on the way up and buy some of those fly strips you are talking about. Our mice population is really bad right now too. The worst infestation I have seen. It's kinda creeping me out....it's so bad. I put a few traps out last night and caught some, but I feel I need to call the big guns in. We were thinking of closing our cabin down this winter for the first time to save money, but I fear the mice will completely take over! On a high note, the leaves are probably at their peak right now up here. Absolutely stunning. I wanna hear the story of the chicken and the hairdryer. haha!