Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

06 May Watch Out!! Stinky Mimi!!

Warm weather has arrived in the Lowcountry. Hot weather has arrived, too. Spells of warm days turned into spells of hot days followed by cooler evenings. Spring is here. Some days feel like summer already. The weather forecasters try to get the correct prediction. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes not. If we want to know the weather, just open the front door and step outside.

Taking walks in the neighborhood gives Alan and me a chance to enjoy the beautiful flowers our neighbors have planted. From red and white impatiens in hanging pots to bright pink geraniums in planters at doorways to white oleander in yards, the sights are gorgeous.

There is a forest behind our house. A park which, according to county plans, will never be developed. Deer, turkey, geese and ducks are seen almost every morning and evening playing at the edge of the woods.

We decided to purchase a few colorful flowers for our back yard area. Red impatiens hang next to the hummingbird feeder. Red geraniums are seated in a two feet tall planter. Pink and purple small petunias are situated in another planter. Beautiful.

The hummingbirds and lizards love the plants. What a joy to watch the plants grow!

A joy until one recent morning when the next door neighbor alerted me to part of the flowers being eaten away by the deer.

Oh no! Those silly deer crossed into the yard and had a feast on our flowers and our neighbor’s flowers. Something must be done!

Over the years, we’ve dealt with deer eating the flowers at previous homes we’ve lived in. Friends are always eager to share a “treatment” or “idea” to deter the deer.

We know what has worked for us in the past, so we decide to stick with purchasing the “deer repellant”. A bottle of spray that is applied once a week. A tried method that has been successful.

A trip to the local nursery was the plan for the next morning.

Deer repellant purchased. A few replacement flowers were purchased. A few marigolds to add to the mix. Marigolds are a flower that deer are not supposed to like. Tell that to a deer who was seen munching on the yellow marigolds.

I wanted to take care of spraying the flowers. I had used this product in the past. No problem. This would be quick and easy.

Full of too much confidence, I didn’t bother putting on my garden gloves. Taking the spray bottle in one hand, I attempted to open the nozzle to prepare for spraying. This deer spray has an awful smell. The scent goes away after time, but the initial smell can cause a person to gag.

Attempting to turn the nozzle, I realized before I could stop that I had the sprayer turned in my direction, toward my pants and shoes.

Spray! Spray! A spray of the nasty smelling deer repellant didn’t hit the flowers. The spray landed on me.

Quickly as I could move, I dropped the bottle, took off my shoes, ran into the house and started washing my hands. That special kitchen lemon soap would not work. I had to reach for the dishwashing liquid.

After my hands smelled better, a change of clothes was definitely needed. Spraying my shoes with disinfectant and putting the smelly clothes in the washer, I washed my face and hair and began to relax.

Yes, I was a “Stinky Mimi” for a while.

During this time of spraying to repel the deer, I had to laugh out loud. What a sight the neighbors must have seen! Yes, I used my gloves the next time and also, made sure the nozzle was pointed in the correct direction.

Once again, the Lord gave me a reason to laugh at myself. I also wondered about the “stinky” parts of my life. I pray I will “repel” those stinky parts and focus on showing God’s love in all my words and actions.

Have you ever used “deer repellant”? Do you have any “stinky parts” of your life that need to be fixed?

Have a blessed day, Enjoy the flowers, Make sure the spray nozzle is turned the right way,
Mimi

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