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| Look at his little pink fingers... |
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| This is our fat squirrel watching me take his pic... |
Two of the frequent visitors to our backyard here. Neither are too bothered by my taking their picture.
I know that many people don't like squirrels, or possums, or raccoons, etc. Some don't even care for people feeding the birds. And I do understand that sometimes these critters can be pests... But the truth is, that we've been in this house for 33 years and we've not ever had any problem. We do feed them... and leave out water... and put out a heat lamp when the weather goes below freezing. And in return they don't go into our attic, or chew holes in things, or even disturb our garbage. I know it doesn't make sense to say that we have 'a working arrangement'... but sometimes it does seem that way.
Registered for both my pottery and a walking class this semester. I'm not sure if this walking class is an extension of the aerobic/yoga class I took a while back... but it has the same Instructor and is given at the same time. We shall see. Classes start again in May.
The weather is cold, wet, and dreary today. I can't quite get myself motivated to do very much. Ran some errands early on, grocery shopped, made lunch (1/2 liverwurst sandwich and plantain chips), worked on Minecraft for a bit, read for a while, and now blogging.
The liverwurst is something I haven't eaten in a long time... and thought it might be good for me. I do like it. I also started taking my 'one a day petite' vitamins... but haven't taken them long enough to tell if they will make any difference.
My youngest son, daughter-in-law, and grand daughter are in Seattle this weekend. We took them to the airport Friday. Son had some work related event and grand daughter was excited about her first plane ride. Today our DIL sent some pics from their first day. Look at the snow... and the wonderful wooded areas!
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| snow up in the mountains |
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| owl up in forested area |
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| grand daughter by stream |
Looks like they're having a great time. They love nature... and this area is beautiful!
Happy Earth Day!
How can anyone be young enough to squat down like that!
ReplyDeleteI like possums. They eat ticks.
I like possums too, Joanne.
DeleteI just wrote about a skunk who has been to our place. Years ago, possums were unheard of in Ontario. Now they are fairly common (don't know if the urban myth that they came aboard trucks shipping produce from the States is true). -Jenn
ReplyDeleteJust read about your visiting skunk. I imagine they could use your cat door... but hopefully won't. I knew someone who had raccoons coming in through hers.
DeleteI'm glad you feed the critters. Many humans forget that we're part of nature, that we also are just another type of animal on this planet. We've encroached on the territory of so many other species, we've destroyed their habitats...It's our responsibility to care for them when possible and appropriate, IMO.
ReplyDeleteAs for Joanne's comment about squatting...I still can do that, even in my inflexible state, it's the getting up that's harder. LOL.
I agree, Kim. Getting down isn't too much of a problem for me yet... but getting up is getting harder. I really need to get back to my yoga class.
DeleteI have had squirrels wherever I've lived and have yet to have an issue. (knock wood). My theory is if we provide food outdoors for them, they won't need to come into my home searching for more. I like your working arrangement with the critters.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit the Seattle area again, especially to visit the natural areas in the mountains. It looks like a wonderful trip!
Eileen
I love to see DJan's pics of that area. Now my son is sending me pics from there also. Know they are loving it.
DeleteI think you granddaughter had a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. Beautiful scenery in those photos!
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Olga... a perfect place to be on Earth day.
DeleteI love possums and raccoons, in fact I love all the wild critters and would feed them ALL if my husband would let me. Your granddaughter is a cutie. I love how you take care of the animals. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't feed the critters except maybe in winter if we lived out in the country. But we live in an area that built up around them... with a creek and a greenback in the middle. Their 'wild' became our back yard.
DeleteWe've had so much snow that I don't know when I'll get a chance to get up into the mountains for hikes. But it sure is pretty when the sun is shining, isn't it? I think it takes a special kind of person to appreciate all of our fellow creatures, and you are definitely special. I love your attitude. Happy Earth Day to you! :-)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that you'all still had snow around... except maybe way up in the mountain. My son and his family are sure enjoying the area. They were in Mt. Ranier's national park and were visiting Tiger mountain and Wallace Falls. We got more pics this morning.
Deletelove the photos of your granddaughter; possums eat ticks so they are beneficial; this is the first year we had a problem with the squirrels, must have been a prolific year for them last year, in Florida folks had their wiring chewed by squirrels to the tune of lots of money. Bet they all appreciate that heat lamp. My you've lived somewhere for so long, amazing. we have moved around quite a bit, but so far we love it here, can't wait to see what you create in your clay class this time around.
ReplyDeleteWe've actually lived in this area since we moved to Texas in 1971. Built this house in 1985 and will probably stay in it until it's time to downsize.
DeleteAnd yes, I can't wait to get back into the pottery studio!
I love all creatures great and small and do feed. Never thought of a heat lamp though. You are a much nicer land lady than I. Didn't know about possums eating ticks. Good to know.
ReplyDeleteThey do use the heat lamps, Patti. We put a few out on the back patio... and not only feral cats, but raccoons and possums have been known to lie under them when the weather is really cold.
DeleteDear Rian, looks like your grand-daughter is having a delightful, fun-filled time in Washington. They've had a lot of rain there recently, but the snow must still be on the mountains.
ReplyDeleteAs to "critters," I like all mammals, but I have a fear of snakes and spiders that comes from childhood. I've never been able to rid myself of those phobias. Peace.