• Thursday-What'sUP September 20 - 08:33 pm

Judy Byykkonen has been busy getting her outside chores around the yard done, preparing for fall and the upcoming colder weather. She took the air conditioner out of the window, wanting to clean up the windowsill and ready it for some paint, when she spotted these two guys, who had been hiding out underneath the air conditioner. They put a stop to that project, as she decided to wait until that sleeping bat and resting frog decided to move along. Sure was a surprise to find that unlikely pair there together.

We've found several of these frogs on our windowsills lately, too and never had seen them around before, wonder what's up with these guys showing up all over like this?

Not able to paint the window frame, Judy then moved on to other projects, like putting out her fall yard decorations, including a small gnome who's ready to cheer on the Packers and a smiling scarecrow, ready to greet visitors.

For the heavier jobs outside, like moving dirt around to fill in spots in her yard, Judy enlisted the help of her grandson and between them, they came up with a great way to get that heavy sand distributed to various spots. They attached a kid's toboggan to the four wheeler, shoveled the dirt onto it and then drove it to where it was needed,. A quick dump of the sled and all that was left was to spread out the dirt, before heading back to the pile for the next load. Judy said her grandson was a huge help to her that day and they had a good time preparing for the change of seasons here UP North.

I knew I had seen that first picture somewhere before, lol. Then I found out they were Judy's and I probably saw them on FB.

I love decorating and cleaning up for fall! Fun stuff! Think that's a job for this weekend!

Love today's fall photos. Will be up at the Harbor a week from today to enjoy the colors and close the cottage for another winter. :) about going next week. :( about closing cottage!

A few weeks ago I found one of those gorgeous green and grey frogs (an Eastern Grey Tree Frog) climbing the glass on my slider. In 20 years out on the dune, it was the first one of this species I've seen. I wonder if the hot dry summer has had anything to do with their appearance.

Kudos to Judy for giving both of these charming creatures a chance to move along on their own, especially the bat...they need all the benevolence we can give them. Thanks for the great photos, Judy!

When I looked at that first pic I thought it was just 2 bats.....a bat and a frog? Wonder if those are hollyhock stalks next to Mr. Scarecrow? I love hollyhocks and sunflowers....and Autumn!

I found one of those toads on the front door when I arrived at the cottage in Eagle Harbor in August. He hung around for a day or two before moving on to a more secluded spot.

You can tell where I hang out when I say that I often read comments on here and my hand actually moves on the mouse to click "like"! Wouldn't you love a "like" button on pastycam? Like!

The Tree frogs have wonderful songs. Once I removed one from the covered rocker on my deck. The next day I removed the cover and the gentle critter had returned. The bats eat insects. Both are worthy friends to have around.

There is just something about an ATV that makes "work" more fun!!

I love the "multi-color"/"multi-season" ATV
accessory. Reduce, REUSE, Recycle !!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Hi
There was a lot of bat activity near our cabin outside of Cheboygan when we were up on the week before Labor Day. In fact, one must have got into the house while we were bringing stuff in from the car Friday night. It didn't make it's presence known until the next night.

We tried to herd it toward the door, holding a broom in front of it's path but it kept looping around. Finally it got tired and landed on the arm of the couch near the door. We flung a cloth over it and carried it outside. Although all 3 lifeforms involved (myself, my mom & the bat) were stressed out, no one was hurt.

A fishing net is good for catching a bat if it is in the house, then release it.

By miningandlogging (Pinetreegirl) on Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 04:43 pm:
Love today's subject. Went through the bat thing, twice in our house. Couldn't sleep after that, had Dracula dreams.

The worst that ever happened was the Copperbelly. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/reptiles/cws-fact-sht.html

Went down to the laundry room, barefoot, and the snake came out of the boiler room. I went into shock. Thought to myself, hubby will kill it with a shotgun and blow up the house. So, I got a garbage can, pushed the snake into it with a broom. Took him/her down to the river and released it. It took one look at me and opened it's mouth wide. Not sure if it was thanking me or mad at me. It should have been thanking me. :)

Copperbelly snake is one I haven't heard of...only copperheaded ones. But from the article you posted, Pinetreegirl, I see they're not poisonous. In my book, snakes are right up there with spiders in my "Don't Like" critters!

Very holloweenisheskfeeltype pics!

...and I think they’re in love and getting ready to mate, froggy style.