JM Perez

493 posts

Poet, Writer and Published Author. Insatiably passionate about gardening, Health and Wellness. I enjoy collecting Vintage and Antique choice pieces.

Gopher Animals Gardening High Desert

DIY: Gopher Trapping

By JM PerezDecember 3, 20131 min read1.5K views

We are rejoicing today as the trap we set in place finally caught the Pocket Gopher, which has been digging holes on a daily basis around my Photinia Fraseri (Red Robin) shrubs. Last week, I covered a hole it dug at the base of one of the huge barrels in the front yard and it kept returning to the same hole. Yesterday, we finally had enough and my husband decided to set a Macabee Gopher Trap in the freshly dug hole.

Materials/Tools Needed:

Macabee Gopher Trap
Shovel, Garden Trowel
Wire chain (to secure the trap in place)
Stake (to hold, support and secure the wire chain in place)
Gloves or your bare hands
Fabric, cardboard, leaves, mulch or anything light to cover the hole.

Step by Step:

Using a shovel, open the tunnel wide enough to set the trap
Use a stake to secure the wire chain (attached to the trap) to prevent the injured Gopher from running away with the trap. Otherwise you will have to dig further to pull out the dead rodent and recover your trap.
Cover the hole with plastic, fabric, cardboard, plywood, leaves, mulch or stones (to help create the illusion that the hole has been closed from the outside).

This is the fifth Pocket Gopher we have caught since we moved here.

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Christmas Vintage Gratitude People

Vintage Christmas Decorations

By JM PerezDecember 2, 20132 min read1.6K views

In June we received a nicely wrapped gift bag from our oldest neighbor across the street, who stopped by to help us cut down the Pine Tree in our backyard. We had so much going on at the time that I grabbed the bag and set it somewhere in the garage. A couple of weeks later I opened it to see its contents and found a gorgeous set of Vintage Snoring Santa and a matching Vintage Santa Door Hanger, both battery operated (uses three “AA”). Also in the gift bag was a Water Globe Box with interchangeable top.

The first is the Santa Claus Wall/Door Hanger and plays ‘Jingle Bells’ when the sensor detects a presence and wishes a Merry Christmas to the Guest at the end of the song. It has a loop on the back for hanging and requires two “AA” batteries to operate.

Vintage Santa Door Hanger. — *Vintage Musical Santa Face Door Hanger.*

The second is Santa sound asleep in his bed. He snores and his belly moved up and down for approximately 20 seconds.

The third is the Kirkland Signature Water Globe Box. I love its interchangeable top which allows me to pick one of the two options. You can choose to either display Santa in the Globe or the Bird by the Chimney Flue.

Mrs. Santa Claus is made of felt with styrofoam head, plastic boots, felt clothing and cloth apron.

A couple of weeks ago I found the gorgeous Vintage Jewelbrite Star Angel Unbreakable Christmas Tree Topper at the Estate Liquidators. It will look lovely at the top of our White Christmas Tree.

Happy Christmas Decorating everyone!

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By JM Perez

Hobby Kids Craft DIY: Projects

DIY: LEGO Offroad War Jeep

By JM PerezDecember 1, 20131 min read586 views

My Son’s one week break is over and tomorrow is back to school. We had a great time together doing the things we enjoy the most (eating, playing games, dancing, sleeping late, traveling, watching movies and so much more). He is so exited to see his friends and teacher.

This morning he got busy with the LEGOs and started creating beautiful things such as the ones below.

Until next time, have a blessed Sunday.

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By JM Perez

Weather Nature High Desert

Nature in My Backyard

By JM PerezNovember 29, 20132 min read468 views

This morning in the backyard I spotted a Mealworm, which is the larvae form of the Mealworm Beetle.
According to Wikipedia, Mealworms are useful for their high protein content. They are typically used as a pet food for captive reptiles, fish, and birds. They are also provided to wild birds in bird feeders, particularly during the nesting season and they are also used as fishing bait. The Mealworm beetle breeds prolifically.

I saw this Metallic Green Sweat Bee (Agapostemon Melliventris) at the base of my Bird of Paradise Bush.
According to Discoverlife.org, The male of this species has a bright metallic green head and thorax, and a yellow metasoma with narrow black bands. The female has a bright metallic green head and a honey-colored metasoma banded with short, dense, white hair.

I also found a Pinacate Beetle, also known as the Stink Beetle, for its defensive tactic of standing on its head and squirting a noxious spray. I am seeing a lot more Beetles within my property compared to the previous years and I can’t help to wonder if there is an outbreak. They are everywhere and always pop out from nowhere.

It has rained so much lately and today wasn’t any different to the exception that a beautiful rainbow came out, brightened the gloomy weather and added cheer to our day.

I started raking leaves last week and today I decided to have some fun with the leaves before the wind picked up. I made a Heart-shaped symbol made with a pile of fallen leaves.

*Heart-shaped symbol made with a pile of fallen leaves.*

It’s a gorgeous day to enjoy Nature.

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By JM Perez

Thanksgiving Food and Drink Family Gratitude

Celebrating Thanksgiving

By JM PerezNovember 27, 20132 min read631 views

I love Thanksgiving as it is one of my favorite holidays. I love the joyful gatherings, food preparation, sweet sounds of laughter echoing throughout the House, listening to everyone take turns expressing their gratitude and even the clean up after the party. Thanksgiving is usually the time I reunite with people I haven’t seen in a long time, since most of us gather once a year, either during Thanksgiving or Christmas because we are many miles across the country from each other. I cherish the memories of Thanksgiving and carry them throughout the year.

Like every single day of my life, there is so much to be Thankful for: Life – Health – Peace – Joy – Family – Friends – Love and so much more. One more thing I wish for this year is having my Mother, whom I love so much, here with me. I want to see her and not just talk to her on a daily basis as we have become accustomed to. The same goes for my beloved Father. I want to express my gratitude for all she has done and sacrificed for me. I want to take care of her, celebrate her life and give back anyway I possibly can.

Seasoned Turkey. — *Seasoned Turkey (Herbs and Spices).*

This year, my husband will be roasting a Turkey and I am sure it will be as delicious as the one he did the previous year. My husband will be off for four days and my Son will be having a whole week off. We could even travel somewhere if time permits; sightseeing, exploring, visiting family and friends. Maybe we could forget about sightseeing and volunteer somewhere; brighten someone’s day and give to the less fortunate.

I am thankful for fond memories. Nothing is perfect in the World, but what I have is sufficient for me to thrive and give back. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and which I have carried with me on my way through Life. My prayers go out to the families of those who have lost so much, that they may find peace, comfort and strength in God’s faithfulness. I pray they may also find compassion and kindness in mankind.