Country style garbage disposal

Is it just me or when they took the seeds out of watermelon did they also suck out the color and taste?  Now I used to pride myself on being a good picker, checking the color of the melon, where the vine attached and thunking them.  But the last two I've purchased I've cut open and promptly disposed of after one bite.  How I hunger for a red juicy sweet watermelon!


Living near a hillside affords me some creative disposal techniques.  I can generally compost most of the excess vegetative material and toss other items near the bird feeder for the birds, squirrels and chipmunks.  I throw old meat further up the hill for the fox and raccoons.


But, it was raining again when this melon disappointed me, so I set it in the enamel pan I had used for picking the garden and set it by the backdoor.  I figured I'd take it up the hill later when the rain stopped since my throwing abilities don't include melons.

I like treating the wildlife in this manner and recycling our waste to them.  But, I get frustrated at the loss of bird seed in the feeder.  I've tried two different squirrel baffles...even at the same time...to keep the raccoons out, but to no avail.  So, the other day I added a 3" wide piece of PVC pipe over the pole.  My theory being that their hands are not large enough to grasp this to pull themselves up.  If I find they can dig into it, I will add a layer of tin to it.  I will WIN this battle!


To my surprise and delight this morning the melon was nicely scooped out and disposed of!  All I need to toss up the hill now is the rind.  Thank you raccoon buddies!  This is my parting gift to you for not being able to get into the bird feeder.


Long Live the Queen of Recycling