CU Jr sounds like a real jerk! If there is a *bright* side, it's that he doesn't seem to be singling you out - he seems to be an equal opportunity jerk Hope you can find someplace of your own soon!
Now I've done it! I just requested more info on this piece of ground. http://www.landwatch.com/Salem-County-New-Jersey-Land-for-sale/pid/300101594 The map and the street don't match up. I tried to find it the other day, but had no luck. But I keep feeling like I need to learn more about this property. If this is what God has for me, then I need to trust Him to provide the means to get it.
Almost lost a chick today! It was so hot today that even though I needed to work in the garden, I just didn't want to. And, it hasn't really cooled down any. But, once the garden was in the shade, I decided that not only was I going to go out and work, but I was also going to take the chicks out and set something up for them so I could keep an eye on them while I worked.
At first, everything was going according to plan. I got them all set up, and started to work. I kept checking on them, and they were fine. Then I heard one of them really squawking. So I went to check to see what was wrong. At first I though all that was wrong was that it was trying to get out, and didn't know how to back up, but when I went over where it was, it pulled back in. But, it was still acting really agitated. That's when I looked in w/them. And, it took me a couple of seconds to realize what I was looking at. Then I realized-there was a snake all wrapped up around one of the chicks! I got in there quick, and grabbed them. I knew it wasn't a poisonous snake, but I was still being as careful as I could. After all, I know they can inflict a very painful bite. I managed to get the snake off, and threw it. Put the chick down, and grabbed the box. I put the other chicks in, then went to pick up this one. I thought it was dead, but once I picked it up, it started to move. So, I brought them all in and put them back where they belong. Then I went out and worked in the garden a bit more.
I've been checking on them, and the one seems a little sluggish. I'm hoping that it's OK. It doesn't act like like it's in any pain, more like it's in shock.
I've never studied snakes, but w/the color, I knew it could be only one of a couple of different snakes. And, even in the midst of my panic, the naturalist in me was taking notes. Shiny black scales, white underbelly, and some type of constrictor. Hubby asked about the head-I never saw it. So, I looked it up when I came in and it was a black rat snake.
I won't be taking them out any more this week. I'm going to really concentrate on the garden. But, starting next week, I'm hoping I can take them out for a half hour a day when I don't have anything else that needs to be done. Then I can just sit there and watch them to be sure nothing gets them!
I just went and checked on them. They all seem to be OK, so hopefully there's no long term problems. I've seen chickens survive after being stepped on by a horse, so I'm hopeful.