It's a zoo IN here.....

It's a zoo IN here.....

August 25th -- That's right, it is a zoo IN here...literally. 

It has been interesting and actually mostly enjoyable living in a house with so many openings -- places cut out for windows, doors, open rafters, demolished walls and all the rest.  At evening there have been beautiful sunsets, at night there have been amazing views of the stars and even the space station in its orbit, not to mention the recent blue moon, and the cross breezes have been refreshing.  Ok, worrying about the rainfall and the damage it would do was not a highlight of living among the openings.  And now there are more NOT highlights of living among the openings.

First, a hairy woodpecker, very similar to the one shown in this photo, not only decided to pick the back of the house for his pecking, but then he flew inside.  I chased him out with a broom, but I'm sure he and his friends have been back when I haven't been looking.  They are beautiful birds, but much more appreciated outside, rather than inside.
Second, I had an encounter with a mouse in the temporary kitchen last night.  And, the mouse in my house did not look as cute as the one in this photo.  I can tolerate lots of things, but the thought of mice is not one I'm looking forward to.  The good news is that soon the windows and doors will be in and the house will be closed up.  Until then, the mice and I will need to figure out a way to co-exist, yuck.

Third, I now have an even deeper appreciation for screens on windows and doors.  I've had mosquitoes buzzing around my head at night when I am trying to fall asleep, more varieties of spiders than I care to think about (arachnophobiaville), flies, and other flying and creepy insects.  This morning when I looked into the mirror it was clear that something bit me last night on the side of my cheekbone. At least I remembered not to pack the benedryl anti-itch cream.

The only thing right now that I think I would seriously become unhinged about is if a squirrel decided to spend the night.  Keep your fingers crossed for me, and if you have any anti-squirrel remedies, please send them my way.