Backtalk

Wind chimes

One reader wrote to tell us that wind chimes are excellent no-kill pest controls. The chiming keeps raccoons and skunks off his property, he says, as these critters are much more sensitive to rattling and noise than humans are.

My guess would be that this works excellently, but you may have to put up a new chime once in a while, so the little critters don’t get used to it.

Another reader suggested that the quality of the wind chime is what counts. He says his chimes are tuned “in a pentatonic scale, each unit consisting of five individual pipes, that emit a beautiful harmonious tone.”

That does sound slightly more appealing than the usual tourist types.

Little pitchers have big fans

After reading about tiny creamers in last week’s Treasure Hunt column, Christina Marino e-mailed the details of her collection of more than 75 pitchers of all sizes.

“I found my first pitcher at a yard sale in 1971. Since that time, without realizing it, I have collected 76 glass, ceramic and metal pitchers,” she wrote. “The story you just ran on the cylindrical creamers with no handles was great as I have four of those diner creamers. I look for them every time I go to an antique store or thrift shop –unfortunately, the creamers are not easy to find or they command a hefty price!”

Display and protect your treasures

Elise Beattie wrote to us after reading about the Native American wedding dress owned by Dr. Ed and Mary Lohoff of Deer Park.

In order to keep the garment from deteriorating, the Lohoffs no longer display it.

Beattie suggested the couple look into having it professionally framed using archival methods and materials.

“A framing package using only museum quality rag boards and archival quality adhesives or other attachments would allow the couple to both protect the dress to archival standards as well as allow them the enjoyment of display.”

Beattie suggested contacting the Seattle Art Museum for advice.

Moons and gardening

A reader wrote to tell us he believes it’s coldest around the time of a full moon. That, he says, he learned from his dad and that’s one thing he always takes into consideration when gardening.