Does anyone smell that?

You know when you are driving down the road and suddenly skunk smell permeates the car? And you are looking all over for where the smashed skunk is so you don't run over it?

We have that smell here a lot. In fact the second or third day we lived here Foster had the opportunity to meet one face on. It was stinky and actually made me a little bit nauseous. You would think he would learn his lesson but no... It took him 3 or 4 times before he realized to stay away.

We have a very big population of wild things here. Foster also met a porcupine once. He was such a good dog and sat quietly while we pulled quills out of his nose and mouth with needle nose pliers. Poor old dog. We have seen deer and foxes, turtles and porcupines. There is a blue heron that lives in our pond behind the house. Lots of different kinds of birds like woodpeckers and quail. I love waking up and hearing the birds. Except the pesky woodpecker who likes to peck the metal on the roof. Sounds like a jackhammer and it's always at 6 am.

Our neighbors have chickens and rabbits. So we get to see lots of animals. Oh yeah and skunks. Dave once saw an owl swoop down and try to get a skunk on our road while he was driving. It missed.

We have learned to bring the dog in at dark or make sure he is chained up. To avoid having to give him a bath in the skunk concoction of Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Dish Soap and water. Works wonders on the smell.

One night I was out talking to a friend who rode by on his bike and we saw a movement. A massive black movement. I couldn't figure out what it was until it got closer. Then I of course stayed away. You know that skunk smell? Yeah I figured out why it was so strong around our area sometimes. We have not one skunk, but a family of skunks.I had to crop the picture a lot so that's why they are a little blurry. Plus it was a black mass moving as one. It's a mom and 6 babies. Yep you read that right...6. Do they think they are bunnies or something?

Here is our little family heading home. Mom's tail is up and the the babies are following. Let's just say no walks at night for us and Foster started coming in early.