Jul 29, 2012 8:51 AM EDT
Sounds like you are adjusting to north country life and still keeping your sense of Humor Helen! Do I see a book coming about moving the NJ to Vemont something like Peter Mayle's adventures??
- Gail Kimball
Jul 29, 2012 9:31 AM EDT
Great piece, Helen. You are learning and doing it quickly.
- Sharon
Jul 29, 2012 11:50 AM EDT
OMG I thought you had me at the spider poop but the APB (all pests bulletin) is so apropos, too. I haven't quite done the North Woods thing, but when the reality of moving into our 1898 Victorian with stone-wall foundation sunk in, we also found ourselves taking on various multi-legged creatures so I can totally relate: from the truly petrified mouse lodged above the dropped-dining-room ceiling tiles to the mice that dared to eat my Easter candy, it was a constant battle. Our spiders were of the daddy-long-legs type which always seemed super-creepy. Shrink-wrap insulating plastic was a big help, but I'm filing your idea about the painter's tape!
- Pamela Waterman
Jul 29, 2012 12:16 PM EDT
Feel like I'm reading the Vermont Country Store catalog, stories to live by. Great, now I know what to buy you, takes the guess work out of gifts for Helen in the Great Northcountry. Having breakfast with Tim tomorrow to get the lowdown on his visit with you. Been low myself, not handling all the renovation work, and things are going well, go figure!!!
- Nancy Sabino
Jul 29, 2012 12:38 PM EDT
I love the shims! I laughed outloud. Wonderful description of North Country living! I have learned so much from you and still learning. Thank you!
- Debbie Alberini
Jul 29, 2012 5:44 PM EDT
Another tip: When you rake your lawn in the fall, bag the leaves -- and pile the bags along the house foundation. Instant insulation, a great savings on the oil bill, and by spring they'll be ready to spread in someone's garden for mulch. Isn't it fun rediscovering what "everyone knew" a generation ago? Love your post!
- Beth Kanell
Jul 30, 2012 4:03 AM EDT
Knowing you like I do, I had to laugh, but I'm very proud of all the things you are doing to solve all your pesky problems. I enjoyed reading it all! I've been thinking of you and I will call you soon.
- Traci Evans
Jul 30, 2012 2:39 PM EDT
You make the North woods sound so compelling. Sans the spider poop, by the way.
- Eugenia Harvey
Jul 30, 2012 2:43 PM EDT
Spider poop? Ugh! I of course enjoyed the part about the schnauzers. Mine killed a nest of baby bunnies the other day- double ugh. Any thoughts for ants? Our house is now infested... thinking its because it is so dry that they are coming in doors for food and water alike. I bought stock today in Terro baits- since the Pest Control company seems unconcerned at my predicament and cannot make it out for 2 more days.
- Love, your adoring neice
Nov 26, 2012 8:11 AM EST
As your cheese-making farmer next to your first Vermont home, I have to report that a different class animal on our farm has become the leading rodent killer: the goat. The cat has adopted a pet mouse in the house and plays with it until the mouse is tired and escapes again into the basement while the dogs barely lift an eyebrow. The goats, however teamed up and cornered a little shrew in the corner of their pen the other day! You know firsthand how mimble they can be and three of them teamed up and very daintily stepped in the creature's path until it was in the corner then one of them stepped right on it. I am not sure it was trying to kill it or just sort of poke it to see what it was. Another great use for the might goat!
- Roberta Gillott