I was working in the corridor field yesterday and spied this fat wee mouse, just outside Tima’s barn door. She was picking up tiny specks of grain and gobbling them down. It was cold and she shivered but persevered until Tima came rushing out and like a wink the mouse folded back into the wall of the big old barn.
Yesterday all the eaves were dripping much to the delight of the ducks. And though it did not get above freezing point, I was able to drag the hoses up from the basement and fill all the water troughs. Having all the cows waters filled is a very satisfying feeling.
The cows across the way received a new bale of hay. Del’s mob got their new bale on Thursday so she is still happily chomping. 
I smelt a skunk walk past the bedroom window a little while ago. He is out early! It is not spring yet. Skunks are crepuscular – their favorite times of day are dawn and dusk. Minks are crepuscular as are fireflies. Though minks are nothing like fireflies. Imagine wearing a firefly like a hat. Coyotes are crepuscular. We heard coyotes last night too. But that skunk can just go back from whence it came – along with the mouse.
The full moon – a Snow Moon – was close and so bright yesterday evening I felt as though I had gone back in time. I hope the moon is still bright tomorrow night – it can light my way home.
I hope you have a lovely day. I am working for Jake today then back home to pack.
I will dig myself out early tomorrow and give myself lots of time to make it through the snow and ice to the airport. John will take me as far as the train and I will work my way North. The weather will be better further North. By the time the plane appears above me the sky should have warmed up and cleared.
Love celi
Hm
The Kitchen's Garden 
30 responses to “A MOUSE AND A SKUNK”
I was fascinated how large and close the moon looked tonight. You call it a snow moon but I very much hope it doesn’t mean we get any here !
Pity mice are such a pest when they look SO cute!
The moon was so beautiful last night. Wishing you safe, easy and “comfortable” travel. I hope the weather cooperates.
Wishing you safe & happy travels, good weather, food and company ♡
Travel safely, arrive in health, Miss C. Down Under, your gigantic snow moon has brought king tides on top of the massive tidal swell of TC Oma, currently lurking off Vanuatu but heading for Bundaberg eventually. From the forecasts it looks like New Zealand will be a bit windy on Sunday, but you should be safely hunkered down with your family by then.
They don’t call it windy Wellington for nothing!
Kate and I both seem to have been keeping our eyes on ‘Oma’ – she has the latest observations and it seems to be coming ‘our’ way . . . so: a smooth flight and a very warm and happy homecoming !! Smiles and hugs and a real rest amongst the loved ones . . .
That looks like a deer mouse. We had four that ended up living in a large old aquarium as pets, it was mouse heaven with a wheel and lots of food and fresh water. They were most entertaining. My spouse just couldn’t bear to kill them, hence their captivity. The skunk that lives in the little wooded plot was out walking the other evening, it just toddles up and down the alley of an evening. It seems strange having a skunk living in an area that is mostly pavement and apartment buildings. We’ve got a chipmunk that lives under the stairs too. Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself.
Happy travels! I’ll wave to you across the ‘ditch’.
Safe journey and wishing you a restful and lovely visit. The mouse is adorable.
Looking forward to photos of NZ. Enjoy!
Are you sure it was a skunk and not a fox?
All I remember is the smell of the skunk. Actually I have seen no evidence of foxes at our farm.
amazing dear