This is the time of year when my wife Lisa really shines. All our birthdays are over the next couple months, and nobody is better at making each birthday special than Lisa. Gifts, decorating, making cakes, making everybody's favorite meals, she does it all. We are very lucky! My son's 14th was yesterday.

Here's my homemade ant-moat, which so far has kept most of the ants off the hummingbird feeder. I say most, because somehow a couple have gotten through, but that's okay.

Unless the "Moses Of The Ants" comes and parts this sea of tap-water, I forsee no further ant problems.

1. Wire from an old clothes hanger

1. Mott's applesauce cup

1. Dab of caulking around hole

And the winner is (dramatic pause...) Lilac!

My daughter carefully considered all the names suggested (thanks!) and did some very scientific experiments which involved calling her to see which one she responded to best. Okay then, Lilac it is!

She's doing great! She's starting to get the idea that she'll get a little chicken-flavored dog treat if she goes to the bathroom outside, instead of on the rug by the stairs, so that's progress.