Moving Day

It was another sweltering day when I stepped outside. White tips, the grey squirrel was sitting in the maple and began to natter when he saw me. What? Moi? He knows me well enough so I thought a cat must be nearby.

Movement among the shrubs led my eyes to a black squirrel. Struggling, it climbed up the fence and on to the rail. I stood and squinted, wondering why it was so large and then I realised it was carrying something.

Moments later, after running into the house for the camera, my eyes focused on its luggage.  AHA ! It was moving day ! In its mouth was a baby being gently carried along the fence top.  Every time it stopped there were squeaks of I don't wanna go!  Well, I'm imagining that was the phrase.  

I watched as it ran, well more like scampering as squirrels tend to do. Across one side, a tight right onto the chain link fence pipe, then into the hedge. Another squirrel joined the parade but I believe it was more of an escort. Onto the neighbours roof and out of sight.

I had seen this only once before when there was a parade of adults carrying their young ones to a nest in the front garden. Then as now, it's amazing how caring they can be. I do hope they haven't moved far as I've been enjoying watching 5 or 6 youngsters spill out of the nest at first light, wrestling, chasing and cavorting with each other.   

As I watched them scurry across the roof I whispered...don't forget to write.

My Hero

I had searched through friends, phone books, the world wide webs for a hero and finally found him. It came about last week when a neighbour called to warn me of a porcupine in the apple tree. Sure, ok, why am I not surprised Ross. An elephant yes, I would be surprised as they aren't native to this area, but a porcupine, ummm no.

While I had him on the phone I enquired who his roofer was, having had a new roof installed the week before. He gave me his name and number with a great reference. I called the next day and left a message. The following day he called me back saying he was in the neighbourhood and could he drop by. YES! I practically screamed.

We met and reviewed my predicament. The removal of the three old roof vents to be replaced with heavy metal; and I would not object to them being electrified. We discussed dollars and time line; and he left saying I'll let you know. I've heard that before but I had hope in him.

Fryday his truck pulled in and I ran out to meet him. Screw the acting cool and nonchalant, I was desperate. Here was a man with tools and knew how to use them! I was NOT letting him out of my sight.

I stood guard as the red fecker was in the walnut tree nattering and foot stomping knowing full well what was taking place. My Hero replaced all the vents with heavy duty screening over the openings, then screwing down the metal roof vents.

This morning I laid in bed laughing while listening to the red feckers wee fists beating on the vents and nattering like a sailor. I finally won and there is no way he can chew through them.

If something does happen, my Hero will be here after one call. Life is good again.