Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

Dear Tasha,

I really love my aunt and have been going over to her house since I was a little girl. She has always been the one in the family that has the backyard barbeques, holiday parties and some years ago, she made up her own holiday; Byrd-Splurge weekend (Byrd meant we were working with a budget). What I can say about Byrd-Splurge weekends is, my cousins and I had a ball.

We would go shopping, take in a movie, cook a smorgasbord of food in her kitchen and the best part about the weekend was the nights we would just sit on the back deck and talk about life. This is what we did on Saturday, but on Sunday after church, she would force us to help her with the yard work: pulling weeds, cutting the grass and planting new flowers. At first we had issues, but over time what she was really doing was teaching us the importance of caring for your home and I'm grateful for everything she has taught me over the years and wouldn't change a thing. Gardening has become one of my favorite pastimes and I call on her for advice every year for my own yard work.

But, this is my issue. A few months ago my aunt was in her back yard and saw a groundhog dip into the ground. This groundhog has completely taking over her yard and she is going bananas about it. The moment she closes up a hole, he creates another.

Well, a couple of weeks ago she thought he was gone. Much to her surprise, he came back with a family. I know you are probably laughing right now, because I can hardly write the story for laughing. I keep telling my aunt it's just a part of nature and she shouldn't worry about the groundhog and it will go away. She has become totally obsessed with killing this groundhog and his family. She's online doing research and has resorted to using her girlfriends used kitty litter to get rid of it and has even stated that she and the groundhog had a stare-down from her patio window. I can't take her serious anymore when she calls with stories about the groundhog because my side is busting from laughter. I've got to find a way to help her with this obsession. The last thing was she knows it trying to come in her house.

Signed,

Not Today Auntie

Dear Not Today Auntie,

OMG, my side hurts from reading this story. First, let me just say that I love the relationship that you and your aunt have, because family is so important and as you know, it takes a village to raise a child. I really like the idea of creating her own holiday and starting a new family tradition. One things for sure, is that positive memories will last forever and keep you smiling when you reflect on the past. It also looks like your auntie gave you and your cousins a new hobby. I know a lot of people that do yard work and find it to be very relaxing, however personally I don't do soil. I'm sure your yard is beautiful so please send me photos.

But, on a more serious note, your auntie is right on the money with the issues of groundhogs. If you don't take drastic measures to get them out your yard and into someone else's yard; they will return year after year and your aunt's back yard will be filled with holes, which she will have to continue to fill with dirt. Who wants to keep coming out of their pocket for dirt? I'm with her on this one and if it takes, used kitty litter, Horse dung or Fox urine, I say DO IT! Keep me in the loop! Curious to know how it turns out.

Signed,

Tasha

Talk to Tasha at: [email protected]