FAQ Friday, episode 10

Here we are at another FAQ Friday, where I blabber on and on and on, answering the questions you pose in the comments during the week. I'm quite surprised no one bothered to ask the mileage on my truck this week. Oh well, too late now. But there's still time to submit your guess in the "what's the mileage on my truck" contest . You've got until 7pm Mountain time today to enter. The winner receives a $100 gift certificate to online retailer csn|stores.

The mouse now known as Jerry brightened up the week for many of us. Deets and I didn't see him on Thursday, but we know he's out there, just waiting for the right moment to resurface.

From Nancy in NC and EvenSong and JaneK:
Q. How in the world did you get that quarter in there beside the mouse without him running away?
A. Jerry is afraid of nothing – true story! I simply placed the quarter in the tub. He looked up at me and said, "I can't be bought. Now go away and let me eat." And talk about attitude! He taunted Deets from behind the fence, running back and forth. I'll swear I heard him singing you can't catch me, you can't catch me. So when I was writing yesterday's cartoon script, it seemed only fitting to give Jerry a potty mouth. I should add that I've watched eight episodes of "Deadwood" this week and cursing just seems like the thing to do.

Flartus can't believe how laid back Deets is about Jerry. Slingback conjectured that Deets might think Jerry belongs to me, ergo he should leave him alone. Honestly, all I can say is that Deets is one of a kind and nothing he does surprises me anymore. As cool as Deets seems in all these posts? They don't begin to tell the story. He's a million times cooler in real life.

From CeeCee:
Q. Could you please tell the story of how you and Deets came to be family?
A. One Sunday morning in April 2008, I decided that I had to have a barn cat–that very second–to protect my garden from varmints. I looked on craigslist and saw an ad that had just been posted about a cat needing a new home. His owner had recently moved and the cat could no longer go outside, where he preferred to be. I emailed the owner, gave her the link to my blog in an attempt to convince her that the cat would have a happy home, and within a few hours I was on my way to Albuquerque to pick him up. The owner was very sorry to have to give him up but wanted to do what was best for him.

I got this email from her a few months ago: He was a huge part of my life while he was with us. The fact that he has an open range to roam and the love of different animals and you is heartfelt and very much appreciated. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him and how he is doing. Again thank you very much. Just another cool thing that has happened because of this blog.

Deets' favorite place to perch, atop George's back, continues to confound many of you.
From Marge:
Q. How'd you get him to do that?
From Mom L:
Q. Does he leap from the ground to the burro ride, or drop from a roof like a daredevil cow, er, burroboy?
A. I pick up Deets and plop him on George's back whenever we're all hanging out. It just seems safer for him to be up there than underfoot. I've also been known to plop him on Alan's back, where he's just as comfortable. Which reminds me, I owe you all a picture of that.

From Wade:
Q. Do you have much of a problem with vermin on the ranch?
A. I guess that depends on how you define "problem."
The mice and packrats and various assorted vermin and varmints were here long before I arrived, and there's no getting rid of them. I see them as a challenge – to outwit, outplay, and outlast them, just like on "Survivor." The key to my strategy is my garage. As long as I keep the truck and the Ranger – with their tasty electrical innards – parked indoors, they will live to start another day. And when guests come calling, all hoods are popped overnight to prevent opportunistic creatures from building nests atop the warm engines. I've also learned to always pre-heat the grill (see Exhibit A and Exhibit B). Mercifully, I've never had them find their way into the house. Apparently Snapper's reputation precedes him.

From Anonymous:
Q. Where on earth did you get Smooch's Ranch Security tag?
A. Fetching Tags. Besides making awesome tags with the saying of your choice, they have a funny, funny blog that showcases the proud wearers.

And finally...

From Sandra:
Q. Would you get a tattoo to match your two furry friends?
From Wrensong Farm:
Q. Maybe all of the people that have been wanting to get a tattoo should take an oath to get one and we can do a post of all the new tattoos.
A. There is a tattooed freeze-brand in my future. Just waiting for another BLM burro mom to clear her schedule. Hi, Justina! Got any plans for Saturday, the 10th?