I posted this post from home on Friday, when I had the day off (and back when my internet connection was working). Looks like it didn’t stick to the post. So I’ll try to replicate it today.

(Sorry for not catching it sooner. My life is already so full as to strain credulity, but last week I was called to be the president of our local branch of the Church. I am glad and grateful for this call [I enjoy Church work more than anything else on earth], but it does mean that my attention is somewhat scattered.)

Well, last week was the annual ritual known as Missoula Childrens’ Theater. This year’s production was Jack and the Beanstalk, and we had four kids participating (Emma as pianist, as usual). We were coming home late from a rehearsal and remembered that the poultry had not been “put to bed” (our term for locking them safely in at night). I stopped the BGF at the garden driveway to drop off Emma and Becca,, so they could put the birds to bed and then come up to the house. But as soon as they opened the car door,

Hoo-EE! Skunk bomb.

Judging by the strength of the smell, Jess and I was sure that the skunk had sprayed (as opposed to merely walked by). We thought we knew who the lucky winner was. And sure enough, for the fourth time in his young life, Hank had received the honors.

Fortunately Jessica knew what to do. Hank smelled so bad that she wouldn’t even let him in the house for his bath, as previously. So she brought a bucket out to him filled with the following potion:

2 gallons warm water
1 T dish soap
1 bottle hydrogen peroxide
1/2 box baking soda

Those are the precise scientific measurements (I think). The amazing thing is that this potion works. When washed thoroughly with it, not only will a dog not smell like skunk—he won’t even smell like a dog. He smells like nothing. The stench is utterly neutralized.

Well, it worked again. We’re just hoping Hank doesn’t encounter any porcupines.