It’s Follow Up Friday, the day when I answer questions left in the comments all week! Jodi, at Heart Like a Dog has asked me to co-host again (she didn’t learn the first couple of rounds), so let’s throw everything we have at this one! Seeing as it’s Friday the 13th, we’ll go for extra fun today. First up, Sugar asks: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]So glad everyone is fine. Is that caging forever??? [/quote] Sugar is referring to the hawk attack last week. I always say I’m caging forever (keeping my chickens caged instead of letting them free range), but they’re already out again all day. We have a lot of cover right now. That will change when leaves fall and all the huge sunflowers die back.
Jodi followed up with: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]What do you do if you see the hawk? Do you run at it and flap your arms? [/quote] LOL! Actually, yes. Stupid hawk. I’ve seen many. Been within ten feet of them. They stare me down, daring me to chase them off. And when I move toward them? They hop off a little ways and stare again. It’s about now that the voice in my head is no longer rated G. And to polish off the topic, Misaki asks: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″] Is there anything you can do to scare them off?[/quote] No. Not long term. There are all kinds of things I can try, but the hawks are smart and they watch for a long time before their first strike. Ultimately it’s either get another goose as guard, or cage them.
There weren’t any questions, but I’m going to follow up with George, the chocolate Lab who devoured a Slammer Bone. George went to the vet the morning after I saw him and had a high fever. They guessed at several things before finding that he was having liver failure. Turns out he probably ate some of the mushrooms that were popping up around the yard. The good news is that a few days of antibiotics and rest have made a big difference. The vet said that it probably would have killed George before that point if it was going to, so he’s a strong dog. He seems to be on the mend. So watch those fairy rings, people! The fae are not kind to mortal beings! And I’m pretty sure they prefer Corgis to Labs.
Stella Rose, concerning the Chubbs soap, asks: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]my mom is always looking for a good soap for us so wesa don’t smell like dogs, well what kind of smell should we smell like Flea, that is my question of the week??!! [/quote] Stella Rose, maybe your mama is saying it wrong. We people don’t like our dogs to smell like the things dogs like to roll in. Dead things and poo. We want them to smell clean. Like clean dogs. That’s all. My dogs smell fine all day long, but let them stay outside too long and they reek. Also concerning the degreasing soap, 24 Paws of Love asks: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Have you ever tried a vinegar rinse?[/quote] I’ve actually looked into it. I know that Pioneer Woman wrote a post awhile back about it, and she doesn’t live far from me, so I thought about it, from the local water point of view. I just know from experience that I’m not going to use something I have to doctor up and bottle. Not in the shower. I’m thinking next time, though, of skipping the conditioner and just using the serum. We’ll see. I know that some people use baking soda to wash and a vinegar rinse. Some day. Maybe. Based on your recommendation, maybe so. Jan K, along the same lines, asks: [quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]Does it lather up though?[/quote] Yes, it does. I don’t use a whole lot, but it lathers. I guess if I used more it would lather more, but I do things sparingly. You also mentioned hiding it so your husband won’t think you’re crazy. Unless you’re showering together, he shouldn’t. It’s a bar of soap. Speaking of all natural beauty aids, I also don’t use toothpaste. The fluoride is bad for my thyroid. Rather than buy expensive toothpaste without fluoride, I mix baking soda with a little salt and keep it in a jar next to the sink. Shake a little in my hand, dip in a wet brush, scrub away. The taste takes a little getting used to. Okay, next week, on Thursday, hold my feet to the fire. I’m going to review Jackie’s, of Pooch Smooches, new book, Rescue Me, Maybe! I finished it last night. Expect a giveaway in October. I’ll also have photos of some beautiful jewelry I won. No giveaway there. All mine! MWAHAHAHAHAHA! Until I write again … Flea