I have a funny story for you. Weeks ago, during a dry sunny spell, I hiked to the top of the hill and took this picture. (And voila! With a few photo-shop tricks it's been instantly rendered as an impressionistic landscape. So simple and fun. Love that program.) Since that extraordinary spring day though, we've had a lot more rain and cold weather. The kind of rain that drives critters from their burrows and brambly hidy-holes to seek refuge elsewhere, acting on their natural need for survival. I understand that.
I just wish it didn't have to be underneath my house, and that it didn't have to be a skunk. But that's exactly what we woke up to last week: that indescribable stench that fills your nostrils and makes you want to faint. It didn't help to open the windows either, because the stink bomb had engulfed us. We were laughing and crying at the same time. One of those, it's funny--but NOT funny moments. Presenting us with a conundrum.
So how does one delicately drive-out a skunk?
Perhaps it was the lively high-stepping (in heavy boots) and lovely loud singing (off-key), and clanging pots and pans for emphasis, I can't be sure. But it got the message; this space is occupied...or maybe it just couldn't get to sleep---being nocturnal---and went quietly, without further incident, for a more peaceful snooze elsewhere. Far away from the crazy humans.
Sometimes it's just that simple. Thank goodness some things are.
I hope it's gone for good. I know if you have dogs they will go crazy...and the skunk will, too! Love your beautiful photo. I think I'll try that with one of my mountain shots! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | April 13, 2010 at 01:27 PM
O. H. M. Y!
Posted by: Angela Prince-Bex | April 13, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Well...I dont have any advice for ya on the skunk except you migh want to buy Febreeze in industrial size!! LOL Love the pic
Posted by: Julie | April 13, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Love your story... sorry about the smwll. If it ever happens to me I'll try your crazy human strategy. Thanks for the tip. ;-)
Posted by: Velma Meredith | April 13, 2010 at 07:19 PM
Skunks under houses are no fun at all. Glad that you were able to scare him off.
Lovely digital imaging there...I thought you had painted it plein air.
Posted by: Vee | April 13, 2010 at 08:06 PM
My goodness. Now, that was no fun at all. Used to be a song, something about {DEAD SKUNK, LYING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD,STINKING TO HIGH HEAVEN}. No, thank you, I do not wish to smell them dead nor alive. Loved what you did with the pic.
Posted by: bs honey | April 14, 2010 at 12:15 AM
Oh dear.. what a mess!
Posted by: pam | April 14, 2010 at 06:19 AM
Oh Vicki! I can't even imagine, but the vision of you all dancing around singing and banging on pots and pans would have been worth the smell....well, maybe not!
Just this week I've been rereading a couple of Gladys Taber's books, and in them she mentions quite often her fondness for a skunk that visits her garden. She named him Blackberry, and even fed him every evening. Occasionally, the skunk would come scratching on the back door, just like a cat. Can you imagine? I guess it never did leave it's calling card. Later, after Blackberry died, another skunk came visiting. She named and fed that one too. Lovely view of the valley. It is fun to play with images. I enjoy doing that too.
Posted by: Lena | April 15, 2010 at 08:18 AM
Oh Vicki that smell gets into your nose and doesn't want to come out!! I hope by now you are stink-free!!
Posted by: Miss Paula | April 15, 2010 at 05:37 PM
Vicki~ We have had the same thing happen to us a few times over the years. I know EXACTLY how you feel. We laugh about it sometimes. *smile* Happy weekend to you! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | April 17, 2010 at 10:55 AM