Finally, I got that Sucker!

I think I have mentioned feeding the birds (OK about a million times).   To do that, I have found that Black Oil Sunflower seeds are the one's the birds like the best.  The problem with having bulk seeds in the computer room downstairs is the problems with other animals that like the seeds, like mice.  There has been one bold little fellow that has just strolled out in the middle of the room and dared me to catch him.  I tried the old mouse trap baited with peanut butter but he just was so small he could lick one of those traps clean and escape.  I found that Victor makes a trap that is very pressure sensitive and catches them like crazy. It has a great big paddle looking thing that trips the trap.  I put the traps perpendicular to the wall  and put just a few seeds between a pair.  Out in the garage, I put them along a "run" they use without the seeds. It seems that in the dark, mouses run along the wall using their whiskers to go straight.  They first run into the traps line and then go to mousy heaven (or hell in my book). So far this year I have trapped over 30 in the garage and one in the basement.  I hate those mice in a big way. 


Our friend, Mel, from Austin was with us one day over the Christmas break  when we were out on a walk.  Her cell phone rang and I'll be darned if she didn't get a cold call interview.  She works as a quality control person for the programmers.  She tests the programs and finds the bugs before the programs go out for release.  The company she had been working for had hired a new supervisor and they just didn't get along.  Mel was offered a new job and ran with it.  We are thrilled to see her get a chance with a new company.

I have a dilemma,  One of my renters thinks the bathroom at their house needs upgraded.  They are behind $2,100 in  rent for last year and quite frankly I had hoped they would go find somewhere else to live.  I do have plans to upgrade the bathroom in that house but how do you do it with them there?  I am very inclined to use the back rent to remodel if they make good on their promise to catch me up by march.  If they don't, I will evict them and do the upgrade as I can.  Oh well.


Barb and I went to the KU vs Texas A&M game Monday night with Dan and Carrie Craig.  During our Dinner at the Yellow Sub in Lawrence they mentioned the family trip next fall in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Right now it will cost us a little over $500 @ for a week on the beach.  I'm pretty sure that food costs will drive that up a little but as one of the cooks I really look forward to working with Keith to cook up some great seafood.  By then, there will be another new baby in the Kirkland family and we love babies. 

I am going to work on getting together with my nephew Robert and Julia to see their two year old and soon to be new daughter.  I have seen pictures but we seem to just miss them - a lot!.     I hate it when that happens.


Better run and get something accomplished.  I guess I should try to set a goal or two first.


MUD