Scorpions

Forget the pesky woodpecker (mentioned on the 5/2/07 post), we've discovered scorpions living in our outdoor living area. I don't think the problem is as bad as somewhere like Arizona (the area we live in goes below freezing in winter) but after reading more, it seems this is a hard critter to get rid of.There are two routes to choose from: toxic or non-toxic. The first involves a pest control company spraying chemicals around and in your house every few months, definitely not very appealing to me. Dealing with scorpions more organically involves several steps: first, you must remove everything the scorpions desire from around your house. Clear out the spiders, ants and other bugs, which for them, is food. Close up any openings they might use for a den. Pack the areas around your house with cedar chips which equals repellent. And set up some scorpion traps. Here are more details about scorpion control.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa

You've seen the ads for hot air balloon rides in wine country but have you actually seen the balloons taking off in in the early morning Napa sky? A stunningly beautiful scene. The sun just rising over the vineyards, vines green with early summer foliage and young grape clusters -and on the horizon - colorful hot air balloons rising. Seeing the balloons in flight definitely encourages one to book on the next ballon ride and the post flight champagne brunch is included.