Like a Skunk at a Garden Party

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Arriving back from Michigan after a few days yesterday, Nat put the Babe to bed while I gave the lawn a much-needed haircut.  Once the tasks were done, we settled in for a nice night under the pavilion reading/drinking/relaxing.

Like everyone else in Chicagoland, we have a bit of a mosquito problem.   But...fortunately for us, I picked up the most romantic of romantic birthday presents for Nat:  the Off Clip-on.   Along with a candle and the mother-of-all cintronella candles - our fireplace - we settled in for a long night outside.  The temperature was perfect - the light is nice - and we have a nice loveseat out there to snuggle in to together.

We were in bliss for 40 minutes.
Then....scurrying like only they scurry, a small skunk came moseying right along our patio - no more than 5 feet from where we were sitting.  I freaked out.  I'm thinking the skunk freaked out, too!  I knocked over Nat's glass of wine on the table - breaking one of her favorite glasses.  I grabbed the Rooster and pushed Nat to go inside.  The skunk had found his way to the Northside of our garage - an area without a gate.  He could - perhaps - go under the fence (I'm assuming that's how he got in in the first place!), but I was concerned that he was cornered. And...we know what cornered skunks are capable of.

We all went inside; wasting a roaring fire in the fireplace, and turned on the flood lights.  Of course I submitted the sighting on ElmhurstStinks.com.

A perfect night.  Ruined.  By an Elmhurst skunk.

Comments

  1. vickiAugust 9, 2010 at 7:21 AM

    They are harmless unless threatened! I've come across many, many skunks (some in very close contact) and a long as you ignore them, they ignore you. That's why people so rarely get sprayed and dogs get it all the time - dogs can't leave them alone! Sorry to hear your night was ruined. It sounded so heavenly!

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