Tuesday, June 16, 2009 -
It is overcast again this morning and NWS is predicting thundershowers for the afternoon. The wind has picked up and was blowing at a steady 9 or 10 mph, but then calmed down after noon. The ground is very muddy, after yesterday’s rain, so roadwork is out of the question.
The dirt around my place consist mainly of clay, so when it is wet, the mud sticks to anything and everything, making grading almost impossible. When I have attempted to work in it, I had to stop the dozer every 50 feet to clear the mud that stuck to the box blade. I spent more time clearing the mud than working the road, so now I wait until the dirt isn’t so wet.
I have spent this morning reading my emails and researching chipmunks. I have been enjoying their antics in and around my woodpile, so wanted to find out a little more about them. According to all of the sites I investigated, there are 25 different species, and with the exception of one Asian species, all live in North America. I discovered that their average life span is 7 years, which is longer than I would have guessed. But National Geographic’s site states that in the wild, they only live 2 to 3 years. Wikipedia states that they are omnivores and even eat bird eggs, while another site states that they also eat fledglings and small frogs.
They have had many different names through out history, but we know them as chipmunks. They have been called: chitmunk, chipmonk, chipmuck and chipminck. They have also been known as chip squirrels, striped squirrels, chippers, munks, timber tigers (I really like that one), and ground squirrels. I found out that the Eastern chipmunk is larger than the Western chipmunk and lighter in color, while the Asian chipmunk is the smallest of the species. All of them hibernate in the winter, but rather than put on fat and survive by sleeping the entire time, they wake and eat some of the stored food every couple of weeks. The Eastern chipmunks have two litters of 4 to 5, spring and late summer, while the western chipmunk only has one litter in the spring.
Chipmunk nests, or tunnel system, can be as long as 30 feet, and have many chambers. The sleeping chamber is usually filled with leaves, grass and even feathers, to make it comfortable, while the other chambers are used to store food and their waste. One site suggested that some chipmunks use bird’s nests as a home, but I doubt that happens around here, as they couldn’t be protected from the winter weather.
Of the 20+ species that comprise the Western chipmunk, I have the Least chipmunk at my cabin, although I would be hard pressed to tell you the differences from all the other species. Evidently, chipmunks make good pets if they are hand raised, but I certainly don’t need one while I have multiple families of them entertaining me right outside my window.
On another note, I did research on Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), which is just one of the zoonosis diseases that can be passed from animals to humans (Dogs can also carry the CSD and pass it to humans). I had just read an article in one of the magazines I get from the AKC and my vet; about CSD and it all of sudden dawned on me that it may account for the non-healing sore on the top of my foot. While Zack and I played at the Salton Sea, he stepped on the top of my bare foot, scratching it rather badly, to the point of bleeding. His claws and pads are sharp and my skin is thin, so it left a wound that scabbed over, which as it healed, itched. This occurred some four months ago and now the area of the wound has lost its scab, but still doesn’t look like it is healed. It has begun itching so badly that it will awaken me in the middle of the night.
After connecting the information in the CSD article to my symptoms, I realized they matched, so did additional online research on the matter and discovered that while CSD isn’t considered common, it does occur and there doesn’t seem to be a cure. If I have contracted a case of CSD, then it should run its course in six months and leave no after affect. There are case studies of it causing additional medical problems, but the possibility is slim. I will share the information I downloaded with my doctor, at tomorrow’s appointment, and see if she is even aware of CSD.
The sun has broken through the clouds and in the clear spots I can see beautiful Cumulus clouds rising to 30 or 40 thousand feet. Zack is out on the deck enjoying the sunshine and dreaming about chasing something. His feet are moving and he is woofing under his breath. He seems to be enjoying the chase, and it may be a reenactment of him chasing Jackrabbits at Salton Sea.
I am going to conclude my research on Healing Through Humor, as I have ordered and had three books sent to my friend Bruce in Wisconsin. His prognosis is only months, if not less, and I remembered reading about Dr. Norman Cousins healing himself through humor (his book is, Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient). His resulting research, concluded by doctors and scientist, indicates that laughter releases chemicals that help manage pain and boosts the immune system. Most of my research concludes that indeed laughter can cure many human maladies.
Hughes has slowed down my download speed again, so I am going to quit for the day and after playing with Zack again, I’ll feed him and them myself. A nice shower and some relaxing television should finish off my day.