Calverton Column: Expert tips on repelling raccoons

So, snow already. Yeah I saw some of those fat flakes swirling like mad last Saturday night. For once I’m not upset that it also rained here — after all, the trees are still standing. I’ve told you before that the animals were up to something as they are still stocking up for winter. My daughter Jamie, who is kind of mad at Mother Nature, was planning to visit for the weekend but got snowed in at her home in Albany.

We had a surprise, yet very welcomed, visitor at the farm the other day. Fred Pradon stopped by with his daughter Donna and her husband, Steve. Fred lives in Vermont and we haven’t seen him for years. We talked for hours reminiscing about his days as a game warden and the fun times he and my dad had together. It really was great catching up with him and we hope to see him more often.

Happy anniversary to Jan and Carol Niewadomski, who celebrated 36 years together on Oct. 13, from your son, Jimmy, and all your family and friends. Congratulations. We hope you both had a great day. Happy fifth anniversary to Shannon and Eric Hartenstein, our neighbors across the street from the farm, who celebrated on Oct. 29. They have two adorable little boys and make quite a cute family. We hope you both enjoyed your day. Congratulations to you and best wishes for many more happy years ahead.

Here are some raccoon tips. I was talking to a raccoon expert the other day — didn’t know they existed, did you? — who told me these varmints like to eat clean food, so they clean our garbage before they eat it. To help keep them away open the lid of your garbage can and pour ammonia over your garbage. If you want to see a show, sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the lid. When the raccoons try to pry the lid off, the pepper will get all over them, resulting in their rolling around and scratching like mad. He says it’s better than watching TV and after a few times of trying to get into your trash they will stop. Good luck and let me know how you make out.

I had a great birthday. Lots of friends from near and far called me. Former Manorville residents Patti and Kenny Smith called from North Carolina and we caught up on some news. The most amazing thing is that Kenny finally flew in a plane and he loved it! Hey, some things take time.

That is all for this week. Take care, be safe and I will talk to you next time. Bye.