While we were checking on the equipment Terry wants to take to the up-and-coming consignment sales we also checked on the condition of the ditches and the gated pipes.

We are just checking, making metal notes of what needs to be done in the spring.

Outside of the typical shove and heave of the winter ground everything looks pretty normal…a little work here and there, dirt needs to be hauled in over at this spot, we want to put in the next set of the transmission pipe.  By the time we got to the last ditch next to old Apricot tree we were feeling pretty good about the spring (ditch) work load.

Then we saw it! Squirrel holes, complete with path to and fro.  Now you must understand that I really like squirrels…I love their fun approach to life, their naughty little antics and their cute little faces.

What we don’t like is when they make their homes in the side of the ditches.  Since they make many holes (the main door, and at least four other doors) they turn the ditch into a sieve.

We will let them finish out the season here, then just before we turn water down we will block everything up.  Before we do so we will watch the hole and make sure they are gone, how many are in the hole and how many holes we have to deal with.  The best way to move the critters on is moth balls—spread a layer of mothballs at the mouth of all the holes, (but one) allowing the family to escape.  (The smell drives them out) Once gone…it doesn’t take long –one day at the most— we cover the holes, turn the water down and the season begins.

I have thought long and hard about posting this, but decided that I will anyway.  Ground Squirrels in Colorado and other states are not a protected species they are considered pests.  We try hard to be good stewards of our land and the creatures that live on this land, even if they are considered pests.  Please don’t leave an ugly comment we do care and we do take strong humane measures to protect our wildlife.

(Fuzzy, Sammy the cat,  and I draw a line a mice…sorry…I just can’t support mice populations in the buildings or the equipment or getting into my house. If they want to live all over the farm out on the land, good for them, but around the buildings…well you get the picture.   Also, if you are a firm believer in saving mice populations please don’t leave me a nasty comment I will just delete it.)  😦

The storm flew out yesterday riding hard on freezing winds.  The sunset strung itself across the western sky lighting up

The ‘dobies and Grand Mesa

Gradually the day darkened; still the pink remained.  As I watched I wondered if those that live in Eckert and Cedaredge could feel that pink light surrounding them.  Possibly like looking through ‘rose-colored glasses.”

Your Friend,

Linda