10 September, 2020 - Got the Fencing in Around the Patio & It’s Wacky Weather Time

 Dear, Mom -

Goodness me. I did accomplish a big house goal today. We have problems with critters of all shapes and sizes going under our patio and some how getting under the house. Our house was built in 1900, so it was not build with a proper, cement foundation. It is dirt covered by a vapor barrier while the house rests on  4”x 4”s. I know this for a fact because I once rented a hydraulic jack so we could lift up a couple of the pressure treated supports to replace some that were splintering. It would be so much nicer to be able to lift the house and put in an actual basement, but that is around $50, 000, so that is not going to happen...ever. My point being that critters, nothing bigger than raccoon, can dig to get under the house if they really want to. I have gone around the entire house to see where critters may get in. The most obvious place is right under the front porch. We had a pest control guy crawl under the house once and put wire and foam insulation around a long, rectangular hole where any animal could practically crawl in. From looking at that hole today, it seems as though it is still holding well and I couldn’t see where it had been broken open. This confuses me a bit as to where bigger critters are coming in. I’m pretty sure it is under the patio, but it was so dark and deeply set back from where I was that I don’t think I would be able to see the holes if there are some. Today, I bought about 20+ feet of 1/4” x 36” wire and stapled it up around the patio where I have actually seen an opposing crawl out of. Before, we just had a big, white , ugly , plastic lattice along the patio covering up where the animals could come in. The holes in the lattice would allow most any animal to crawl through, so I figured it was time to take action and make sure we don’t have so many uninvited guests this fall under the house. Mice will be the hardest to keep out. I would rather deal with mice than rats, opossums, raccoons, squirrels, or skunks. I think they’ve all lived under there at one time or another. 

When I started earlier in the day, I removed everything covering up the opening and dug a trench. This is where the wire was attached along the wood then bent and buried under the dirt to keep the animals from being able to dig underneath the fencing itself.

It was almost dark when I finished, but you can see how the mesh is all nice and uniform here and hopefully no critters can get in this way... or any other for that matter!

I feel really great about getting it done today. With the rain coming now, I don’t have to worry about not having got it done. I need to do another thorough investigation around the perimeter of the house and make sure I’m not missing any mouse, rat, or squirrel holes. Every now and again I will find one behind something or dug down at an angle that is easy to miss. 

I can tell you I am tired and sore after that today. My right hand especially. I also had chocolate today and that tends to give me inflammation. I need to back off eating sweets. It just makes me feel icky if I overdo it.

I’m turning into a pumpkin soon, so I best get to bed. As far as I know, I am going to try and do a window visit with you tomorrow! I will bring your new sheets and new slippers. I haven’t had a chance to do any baking, but if I can make a batch in the morning for you, I certainly will!

I love and miss you and can’t wait to see you!!! You’re my favorite and I think about you often. 

❤️❤️❤️Love You, Mom, Your Daughter, —-Sally Ann❤️❤️❤️

A Beautiful Rose for You!

A Very Tall Mushroom

A Second Rose for You!

A Wild, Red Huckleberry. I wish I would have eaten it!

🍄🌹🍀Have a Lovely Day, Momma!🌲🌺🦋