When he’s right, he’s right. Hubby (Paul) offered a cautionary comment recently re: a frequent flyer on our deck. A squirrel I’ve become fond of – he with the ragged tail, suggesting he’d been in more than one skirmish, but survived.
On first acquaintance he looked as though he was fresh from a brawl. Exhausted and overwrought, collapsing like a squirrel-sized version of a bear skin rug, relaxing in a shady spot near a potted fern.
I sat with a glass of iced tea, catching a moment of quiet in the early afternoon. I wasn’t expecting company. Squirrely lifted his head slightly but didn’t budge from his collapsed pose. I nodded in reply and offered, through the screen door, “Tough day, buddy?”. His ears popped and he cocked his head and we sat — each of us catching a breather.
Later than afternoon, I got a better look at my new friend. Scrawny was the word that came to mind. Hungry and thirsty? I’d just had my daily nosh of a few almonds and walnuts and felt gluttonous, eating in front of my friend. Deciding to share, I slid the screen door open and tossed a couple of nuts in his direction with a, “Here you go, friend.”
That was Day One. For several days after, we’d meet at the same time, same place. Me with my iced tea and a handful of nuts, he with his hopeful eyes.
But when Paul recognized the routine, he shook his head and said:
“No, no, no. You’re gonna be sorry. Too close to the door. Next thing you know, he’s gonna be popping in to help himself. Mark my words.”
I sighed and complained.
“You’ve got no heart at all, do you? Look at him. He’s been to hell and back. I’m just being friendly. And he’s such a good listener. Attentive, even!”
When you’ve been married 40+ years a little jab here and there is necessary for one’s sanity. A little jousting. All in fun!
Paul harrumphed. I smiled. Until the next day. When I saw my furry friend positioned just inches from the screen door — a full two feet closer than he’d been before. I reconsidered my husband’s wisdom. Squirrely was readying himself for a buffet. Wondering if he might serve himself and hop on in? I dunno but his presence, sniffing the frame around the screen door, startled me for sure.
I sat and watched him, watching me.
But I didn’t have the heart to eat in front of him. No nuts for me as we began a standoff. Squirrely staring at me as I pretended to read email on my laptop. Occasionally I’d peek as he sat, fully frozen like a statue in a beggar’s pose. Whoa boy. I’ve done it now. Paul was right.
I ignore Squirrely and moments later, I sigh with relief when I notice he’s no longer by the door! Hurray! I’m the winner. He’s left. On to other adventures. Until I feel beady eyes glaring at me, sitting atop a deck chair. At eye level. I swear he was thinking, “Try to avoid me now, okay, lady?”
I swiveled my chair. Determined not to be ousted from my comfy spot because of pushy wildlife. My once-upon-a-time docile friend was an immovable critter for a whopping fifteen minutes. Talk about determination. He didn’t flinch — not even when I lifted my phone to snap a pic.
There’s a lesson here, of course. But can we please keep it between us? Paul was right. Don’t get too friendly. You’ll be sorry. And while we’re at it, can you keep one more confidence for me? I’m still feeding Squirrely. I just moved into the yard and away from the door. Speaking of which, it’s about that time. Don’t mind me…I’m only moseying out to get the mail…
Vicki 💝
P.S. Our apple tree is doing its thing. Attracting plenty of bunnies and a new family of deer. I know it’s aggravating when the deer eat all sorts of things – hydrangeas, hostas, etc, but aren’t they sweet? A new couple – yet to be named:
I wish I knew how I managed to get the ultra-soft focus for the pic of the doe…a total accident. She looks like she’s stepping out of a painting, and I have no idea how I did that.
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Victoria Ponders 
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