That Salad

One Family's Story

Letters From John: Varmints in the Garden Chapter 2

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Varmints in the Garden:  The Series

If you missed our first installment, you can catch up here:
Chapter 1:  The Beginning

The following is based on a true story.  Over the course of several months, John sent emails to his family and friends, detailing the adventures he was having trying to rid his garden of pesky critters.  An update was sent out every few days, keeping us informed of the progress.  We enjoyed the process and began to look forward to each email.   Installments of this series will keep you hanging on the edge of your seats, waiting for more.  (Posted with permission and encouragement from the man himself…)

Chapter 2:  The Unexpected Visitor

From:  John
Subject: Varmints in the garden, Chapter II

Since the story is not yet over, it seems appropriate that there should be a follow-up to the last e-mail about varmints in the garden.

Last night we set the traps about dark as we have every night this week. About midnight and before going to bed, I checked and we had caught small Possum #5 in the large trap. The small trap had been sprung but was empty. I looked around in the wet dirt for tracks but didn’t see anything new, so I carried the possum #5 to the house as I didn’t want other animals bothering it.
Ridding the garden of pests is a never ending job. John tries again to contain the varmints.

Varmints in the Garden, Unhappy Possum #5

To re-bait the small trap, I used some rather strong-smelling baloney as part of the bait. I added some watermelon, cantaloupe and some old lunch meat which seemed to work well other nights. I reset the trap and went to bed. About 6 AM, I went to check the traps and could see something in the small trap – and I could tell by the growling, hissing, moaning, and downright grouchiness that whatever it was – it was not at all happy about being confined.
Attempting to rid the garden of pests, the neighbor's cat was captured instead.

Varmints in the Garden: oops! …neighbor’s kitty

I first thought it had to be a Bobcat considering the sounds it was making. But it turned out to be a large orange housecat that must belong to the neighbors. I don’t recall seeing this cat here, but it was certainly a house cat.
Let’s see –that makes the score so far since last Monday – 5 possums, one coon and an agitated house cat that was really upset with me and with anyone else around. I still have about half of his fur in the trap. So tonight, we will set the traps again and see what happens – every night is a new adventure.
–Trapper John/Dad
What would you do?  Would you spend time & gas relocating these varmints or just “take care of them” like the Conservation Department recommended?
 Chapter 3:  The Interviews
 Chapter 4:  The Resort
Chapter 5:  A Sad Day for Possum #27

 

Comments

  1. What does he mean when he said, “I carried the possum #5 to the house”? He didn’t bring it inside, did he?! 😀 Even though we live in the suburbs of St. Louis County, we have DEER so bad that we will never be able to plant a garden. They eat everything! >:-(

    Reply

    • haha! I wasn’t there, but I think he meant he carried it from the garden to the deck… I don’t imagine momma would have thought much of a possum in her house…

      Reply

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