UH-OH

5.1.2020

9 P.M.

"Shazaaaaaam"

I was quietly finishing up my bill payments, when a very fat, healthy brown mouse ran from under the radiator and across the front room past my bed.

 

DRAT.

Haven't had mice for several years. I called the Super, explained to him that the tenants from #7 (under that radiator) reappeared after a two month absence late on Wednesday evening the 29th, unloaded lots of stuff, stayed an hour or so and departed. They may have left food stuff unprotected. He promised he will come tomorrow around 10 or 11 a.m. to see what he needs, then move the radiator here, patch all the holes around it and bring traps. "No glue traps please" I said. I have those (won't use them). He/she was adorable in the flash I caught and I think of her/him as: "Shazaaaaaam", but I sleep there and feel I have to do something tonight!

 I set a quick-kill trap baited with chocolate, feel lousy about it and hope the mouse just found an escape space and is gone, though I know that's unlikely. I also know what it's like to have them from the invasion years ago. They ruined clothes that could not be cleaned due to urine and feces. Lots of other random damage too.

 

Earlier

The sun appeared and the afternoon was beautiful.

I opened the window and let freshly washed clean air circulate through these locked-down musty rooms.

 

I was drunk with relief and joy.

Then

I watched unknown newbie-neighbors from the attached building next to mine (same landlord) drag practically new furniture, house-ware, bedding and just everything they had in their apartment out to the street garbage.

Our diligent super met them and spent the next hour sorting and bagging according to city rules (failure gets a big fine).

Such a waste, I thought. Shame on us. Think of all the folks that have nothing at all. Of course, thrift shops are closed and few charities are accepting donations without viral and bug free certification, so of course, what could they do but discard. 'ClapBecauseWeCare" erupted as sundown reflected off windows across the street...

...and building to the East

Next

I fixed a nice Supper, ate it while watching TV and washed up after. Back to finishing payments to be mailed tomorrow.

~*~

"Shazaaaaaam"

(reread first two paragraphs if necessary)

Add on that even after super plugs holes, I'll have to go into the closet room and start plowing through storage there to see if there's a nest, all the while hoping I find none. I donned my mask and gloves, walked several blocks around the neighborhood to clear my mind for sleep.

(Lovely Japanese Maple)

<<<<>>>>