Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

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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34 Comments
  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 14:21h, 06 May Reply

    All kinds of messages in this one. Wish I could have seen you. Have a glorious day!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 14:27h, 06 May Reply

      I was quite the sight jumping and running around. All stinky and trying to get that smell off of me. haha! Thank you for reading and commenting dear Carol. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 14:31h, 06 May Reply

    Too cute, Melissa! I have PLENTY of stinky areas of my life. I need to focus on fixing my own before I worry about the issues of others, for sure!! Great analogy.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:27h, 06 May Reply

      Thank you Jessica. I’m working on fixing those stinky parts of my life. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 14:31h, 06 May Reply

    So many stinky parts in my life. I am so thankful that God loves me even when I stink. Thanks

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:28h, 06 May Reply

      Amen. Yvonne. I am thankful God loves me no matter what. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 15:15h, 06 May Reply

    Eek! I’m glad you didn’t spray that in your eyes, Melissa. Boy, if I lived next door to you, I’d have my nose pressed to the window all day. It’s definitely better than any sitcom on TV. 🙂 Great post! <3

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 15:29h, 06 May Reply

      Haha! Thank you Jill. There is always something funny happening here. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Ruhl
    Posted at 15:38h, 06 May Reply

    I laughed out loud thinking of how you must have jumped into action after spraying yourself. I think I may pass on the deer repellent, but then, I don’t have any deer eating my flowers. I do have little lizards. We also have pesky squirrels, but I don’t want to spray them, it is more fun to watch Craig go out a few times each day to try to reason with them! LOL cute story, Melissa!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 16:38h, 06 May Reply

      Thank you Karen.I am picturing Craig trying to reason with the squirrels. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Bettie G
    Posted at 16:10h, 06 May Reply

    Oh, yes, plenty of stinky areas in my life, that are becoming so much more evident to me with every year that I age! And, thank you for the smile today, dear friend. I used to use fish emulsion spray when I was gardening. It was a great fertilizer, but not such a great “perfume” for the gardener! 🙂

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 16:39h, 06 May Reply

      Fish emulsion? I may have to try that one. I’m glad you enjoyed the message. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • dscales24
    Posted at 16:53h, 06 May Reply

    Just came in from spraying a homemade vinegar/Dawn detergent weed killer along the edges of the driveway. Phew!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:21h, 06 May Reply

      Haha! I bet your homemade mixture smells much better than the deer repellant I sprayed on myself. We use a similar mixture for weeds, too. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Eliza
    Posted at 17:54h, 06 May Reply

    Have a blessed day…

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:21h, 06 May Reply

      Thank you. Praying you enjoy a blessed day, too. 🙂

      • Eliza
        Posted at 19:26h, 06 May Reply

        Thanks! It’s stunning weather here…

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 17:07h, 07 May Reply

    What a mess! I hate when that happens with the nozzle. There we are cleaning up what we never wanted to be sprayed with in our lives. A delightful story told very well, stinky Mimi. God bless!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 17:08h, 07 May Reply

      Thank you Melinda. Something funny is always happening here. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Emily Saxe | To Unearth
    Posted at 19:22h, 07 May Reply

    What a great analogy! There are definitely smelly parts of my heart that I need to repel instead of invite to stay. Thank you for that conviction!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:45h, 07 May Reply

      I am working on the smell parts of my heart, too. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 16:49h, 08 May Reply

    Ha ha! Hilarious, Melissa. I’ve never used or even heard of deer repellant. It’s not something we’ve ever had to deal with. Sounds as horrible as getting sprayed by a skunk. So I’m sure it does the trick. Yes, all my stinky parts of life need washed in the blood of the Lamb.

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 22:48h, 08 May Reply

      Hello Karen. Yes, the first thing I thought was that I bet I smelled like a skunk. haha! Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 12:41h, 09 May Reply

    Never had to use deer repellant in my area! Or on myself! haha Although, yes I do spray my mind with stinky stuff when not focused on what is good, pure and lovely. Always a joy reading you Melissa!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 16:36h, 09 May Reply

      Thank you for your encouragement Lynn. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Blessings. 🙂

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 16:57h, 09 May Reply

    Oh what a cute story, Melissa! You had me smiling along with you and the neighbors! Thank you for helping us gain a message of wisdom from a funny day-to-day event. Indeed, may we repel those stinky parts in our lives as we run toward our Savior, hopefully emanating the fragrance of Christ!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 16:59h, 09 May Reply

      Thank you Melissa. I do believe God gives me these funny situations to help me learn lessons and help me be humble and compassionate. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Jacquie A. Bradford
    Posted at 18:50h, 12 May Reply

    Melissa, I completely relate. I used deer repellent Once. It got on my hands, and my patio because I didn’t realize it would drip all over. It was pretty awful. We are now outfitted with deer net, and motion detector sprinklers in our backyard. So, we have beautiful flowers and shrubs, and the only thing we need to deal with are occasional unwanted bugs and weeds; which we much prefer. Stinky parts of life need to be dealt with much the same fervor. I love the feeling of receiving God’s forgiveness, and praising Him with gratitude, savoring His love and wholeness as He washes me clean. Blessings! ♥

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 19:27h, 12 May Reply

      Hello Jacquie. My husband and I watched 5 deer out back last evening. They kept looking at us but didn’t come near the flowers. I, too, love the feeling of God’s forgiveness. I am thankful for His love and forgiveness. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • jmshistorycorner
    Posted at 12:31h, 13 May Reply

    That must’ve been a sight!

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 13:15h, 13 May Reply

      Haha! Yes, quite a sight! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Harrison
    Posted at 04:17h, 15 May Reply

    Wow, what a story! What fun to have deer—until your flowers are eaten. Lol. I’m sorry about the deer spray, too. But you’re right—our lives can become stinky with sin, but like soap for our skin, the blood of the Lamb washes away every stain. Great analogy! Love you, sweet friend. 😘❤️

    • mimionlife
      Posted at 12:50h, 15 May Reply

      Alway something funny happening around the Henderson house. haha! Amen. The blood of the Lamb washes away every stain. Hallelujah! Have a wonderful weekend dear friend. Love you, too. 🙂

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