Brassieres and Mousetraps?

I finished up my three days in the VC yesterday.  I brought my big camera along with me on Tuesday hoping to get some pictures of the American pipit that hangs around the building.

We open up at 8:00, and there aren’t very many people that come to visit that early in the morning.  It’s a good time though to watch the birds moving around.

Several batches of cormorants were on the move heading for the Colorado River.  The early morning light lit up their heads and chests.

Then I spotted that little pipit perched on one of the cacti in the desert garden surrounding the VC.  This little dude often runs around the sidewalk trying to catch unsuspecting bugs, while all the while doing what I call deep knee bends.  They sure do bob a lot.

They also don’t sit still for very long.  The next thing I knew, it had flown up to the VC rooftop.  It’s a bit chilly in the mornings in the desert, so it’s kind of puffed up to conserve warmth.  You know, I’m not exactly certain about this ID.  I’ve never seen a pipit that was quite this pale before, and I haven’t spent much time in the desert.  So, if my ID is incorrect, I’d sure appreciate being corrected.

Wednesday is my first day off each week, and I generally spend it doing laundry, grocery shopping, and running errands.  Today was no exception, but I did have the most exciting time doing the laundry that I’ve ever had.  Emma was on her lead outside as I walked to the volunteer building to get the wash out of the dryer.  I made it about half way when I heard her give her unusual bark.  Last time that happened, a rattlesnake was outside our rig.  I immediately did an about face and hot-footed it back to the rig.  No rattlesnake this time, Emma’s hair was standing on edge, and two coyotes were on the other side of the rig!

I waved my arms and shouted, “You guys get out of here!”  They looked my way, gave me the ‘stink eye’ and headed off, but not without sounding a few yips and howls in protest.  I, of course, put Emma back inside before going the short distance to the laundry room.  I’ve heard the coyotes yodeling away many nights here, but I was surprised to see them so close at 9:30 in the morning.

So what do brassieres and mousetraps have to do with all this?  Well, I wanted to talk about Amazon tonight, but I just had to add the encounter with the coyotes first.  Anyway, in the past I’ve maybe ordered something from Amazon once a year.  It seems I’ve lately become a convert.  I’ve never signed up for Prime since I didn’t think it was worth it for me, but now I wonder.  It sure does seem that they deliver about anything you might want.

Last week it was tire covers, RV drawer latches, and a new hummingbird feeder.  Sunday Janna (from Montana) sent me an email telling me where to get the best ever mousetraps… Amazon. 

Janna sent me two of these traps several years ago when I was experiencing a terrible mouse invasion at Anahuac NWR.  I think they’re the best thing since sliced bread if you have a mouse problem.  I still have those original two traps, but wanted a few more just in case.  I’ve looked for them ever since in any store I’ve been in, but could never find them.  Of course, buying a package of six mouse traps didn’t qualify for free shipping, so I had to beef up my order.  Hence the brassieres.  Turned out they were about half the price of what I’ve paid in stores.  I’ve pretty much always gone to stores to purchase what I need, but I just may change my ways.  It does seem rather convenient when you’re located out in the middle of nowhere. 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy