We awoke a few days ago to a mystery.
A mystery that continues to perplex and rob us from renewing slumber.
What frenzied animal attacked John & Sue's Ponytail palm?
John found, at first light Wednesday morning, a maelstrom of shredded fronds, chewed limbs and kicked rocks in front of their home. 
The dogs were no help, or rather, they helped by taking a whiz on the site.
The dogs were no help, or rather, they helped by taking a whiz on the site. (No picture available)
Resident experts offered opinions.
Resident experts offered opinions.The limbs were chewed and peeled, and whatever did the deed even left blood behind on the pieces of chewed branch. Those fronds are sharp and cutting.
DNA testing is possible.
Perhaps a rabid constipated beaver looking for roughage.
Perhaps a disgruntled, turned away, wanna-be guest looking for revenge.
Had to be deer (This from the paper guy).
Possums with an attitude.
Coons with a grudge.
Whatever, it sure smells interesting!
Can anyone say Chupacabra?
Can this be related to the mouse heads (only the heads!) we keep finding in traps under our house? Say it ain't so!!!
14 comments:
At least "The Thing" left you a lot of beautiful tree. Are ya'll doing something creepy back there? It makes you wonder, especially with the mouse beheadings going on next door. Why don't you set an alarm system? Hang some noise-makers on the tree, like bells, tin cans, etc. We could make it a parkwide contest--identify the culprit. (What is a Chupacabra?)
Is this the same "anonymous" striking again? Anonymity is a great way to say that which one has not the courage to face up to those to whom their comments are intended
The Chupacabra, from the Spanish words chupar, meaning "to suck", and cabra, meaning "goat"; literally "goat sucker"), is a legendary cryptid rumored to inhabit parts of the Americas.
The name comes from the animal's reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock, especially goats. Physical descriptions of the creature vary. Eyewitness sightings have been claimed as early as 1990 in Puerto Rico, and have since been reported as far north as Maine, and as far south as Chile.
It is supposedly a heavy creature, the size of a small bear, with a row of spines reaching from the neck to the base of the tail.
Biologists and wildlife management officials view the Chupacabra as a contemporary legend.
Ammend that description to Ponytail Palm sap sucker and we have our culprit!
"Perhaps a rabid constipated beaver looking for roughage."
BWAAAHAAAHAAHAAHAHA! PICTURE IT!!
"Those fronds are sharp and cutting."
Perhaps a denuded porcupine seeking to rebuild his coat of armor?
:-)
Alan, It happens that I just forgot to sign my name. Sorry! I don't know what all those things at the bottom mean, so I always just sign "anonymous". Does it bother you? Patsy #108
I think I have the solution--it's almost Halloween and the ghouls and goblins are out in force. Maybe it's a "Nocturne", from a poem written by my grandson, Emery, age 10:
I come back home
When the darkness
Is churning
I think I see
The doorknob
turning.
Out comes a
Nocturne,
Whose face
Unknown.
All that
Is left
Of me,
Is a pile
Of bone.
Patsy #108
Patsy #108
Patsy, That is some poem for a 10 year old! I am very impressed. A real budding talent you have there!
Well I know we didn't hit that tree as our car is still parked up here in Indiana. Hope you get it solved before we get back. Hope that is all they were after--how about the backyard plants?
Patsy, I love your grandson's poem! Does he write a lot of poetry or was he just inspired by the season?
Patsy, you normally add your name when you blog. This identifies your entries.
There are those who blog that use "anonymous" when the commentary could be construed as "uncomplementary" or worse. I do not consider this to be appropriate use of this service.
I like to know with whom I am communicating, as I think most people do.
You have been an excellent "blogger" Patsy. You should be pleased to receive credit for your commentaries.
We look forward to seeing you and Garland this winter.
Sue,
Where DO you learn these big words? "cryptid"? I'm a big crossword puzzle fan but never heard of that one. I'm impressed.
Patsy #108
PS. I did look it up.
It's been two days (overnights) and nothing more has happened to our poor ponytail palm. Kalie and I were on guard the first night but all we got was no sleep. Slept like a rock the next night.
And no, Bernie, nothing was done to the backyard plants. Gnawing, sap-sucking creatures would starve on the plants we have. Thanks for asking. Miss you.
How is my wonderful pink Geranium doing Sue? Has it survived to see our porch again. See you in a couple of weeks.
Terry, Your wonderful pink geranium went the way of many plants during our long, hot, miserable summer. Nary a geranium left. 48 days of temps well over 100 degrees will do that to a geranium. I mourned it's passing for you.
Post a Comment