The House that Went Away

As close-in Austin neighborhoods fill in, the only construction sites left are ones sold as tear-downs. At the end of May, I was encouraged to see signs that this one near me might depart.

May 30, 2007

Nothing happened for a week or two, then I saw yellow tape and muddy tire tracks.

June 12, 2007

I'm so glad to see this one ease on down the road. I hope something nice goes in.

June 13, 2007

Pigeons Relocate to My House

Some pigeons took advantage of poor workmanship and penetrated the plastic screens under my carport eaves. I grabbed a ladder and cleaned out the nest under construction. Fastened the edges with a staple gun. Within twenty minutes, the pair of pigeons pictured here were back, having found another gap. They had stopped building and seemed trapped. I loosened the screen with a broom stick, and they were glad to exit. I grabbed the ladder and tools again, and began stapling the whole row of cubby holes. Many of the screens were cut too narrow, leaving up to a half inch gap on the sides. These I "extended" by pushing ring shank underlayment nails through the edges of the screens, and then hammering the tips into the wood. Teetering on a ladder cursing at wildlife turns out to be a great way to make an impression on new neighbors. Mine said of the pigeons, "They're industrious. Plus, they have nothing to do all day but make nests and babies." The solution held, which allowed me to stop and prepare for dinner guests.