Mark the date for the next Council Meeting with a one hour special meeting on garbage /recycling pickup. It’s Wednesday, August 10, starting at 6 p.m. (Last week’s column had the wrong date. And, the city’s website showed the wrong date.)
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How in tarnation did a frog hop into KissMe’s kitchen water bowl?
RonTom and I thought that was our surprise of the week, until we came just about to Live Oak while walking on Ash one evening just after dusk. KissMe earned another tidbit stripe. In front of Roland Garza’s driveway, KissMe yanked on the leash and barked ferociously. Ron’s, “What is it, KissMe?” was quickly followed by, “Noooooo, KissMe. No.” Ron held KissMe back while my iphone snapped a photo of the forbidden white-striped little stinker.
Apparently, the baby skunk did not feel threatened. As we stood back, with his tail raised he casually sauntered across Ash and went into the culvert by the home of Ellis Craig, City Secretary.
Checking on the age of a skunk’s ability to spray, I stumbled upon wildskunkrescue.com, where I learned they are born with scent glands. “They (a young skunk) may throw their tail up frequently but that does not necessarily mean they are ready and willing to spray. The raised tail is merely a reaction and indicates a healthy, alert skunk. A raised tail can also be a sign of playfulness.”
It goes on to say a chance encounter with a skunk is no cause for alarm. “Remain calm and casually walk away, and no one will get sprayed. A skunk will give many warnings before resorting to spray. They stomp their front feet, they stomp and drag back, they will do short charges then go into hand stands. Given every opportunity a skunk will run away rather than spray. They carry enough fluid for several sprays, however, once the glands are spent it takes a little time for them to refill, thus leaving the skunk vulnerable for a time. This is the last thing a skunk wants, therefore they use their weapon wisely and sparingly.
Given KissMe’s warrior nature, we keep “Skunk Odor Removal Kit” in our medicine cabinet. In bulk, the ingredients are bagged with the recipe: 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap. Mix together. Do not store. Sponge onto dog’s face and ears. Pour onto dog’s body and work into fur. Rinse with warm water. Repeat if needed.
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Ellis Craig, City Secretary, ecraig1@austin.rr.com, is the one to contact if you are willing to file as a candidate for mayor or alderman. Every two years, three city council positions become available. The filing window closes at 5 p.m. on August 22.
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By the close of city council filing period, it’s likely most of the beautiful summertime Painted Buntings will be headed towards Central America or already there. Our feeders’ population has dropped dramatically in the past two weeks. Those remaining, mostly females, are gorging.
No need to send tidbits sparingly. Lavish them on me, please. ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: tidbit) or 512-268-5678. Thanks! Love, Pauline
