The New Neighbor

I've only seen the new neighbor once -- but once was enough to convince me I'd rather not seem him again. You see, a rather large skunk seems to have made his home under our back deck!

I must admit, he's a rather beautiful creature -- with glossy black fur, a gleaming white stripe, and bewitchingly graceful movements. If I didn't know this critter was the self-same producer of a truly foul perfume, I think I might almost enjoy his presence in the yard. But most nights -- sometime between midnight and 4AM, if I happen to be awake -- the putrid and unmistakable odor of skunk-ness gently wafts past my nose.

Admittedly, a little research online reassured me that skunk-spray is completely harmless. Even though a skunk can spray his scent up to ten feet... and even though the sickening smell is ejected in droplets of oil (thereby making it almost impossible to wash off)... there is nothing poinsonous or even dangerous about the substance itself.

And so, as long as I get dibs on the yard during the day, I suppose I don't mind if my nocturnal neighbor makes himself at home after sundown. Afterall, with such a bad smell, who knows what rodents and other critters he keeps from coming too close to the house! I, for one, definitely want to keep a safe distance!!