Squirrel, How Did You do It - This Time?

Squirrel, How Did You do It - This Time?

There was a squirrel on the bird feeder today. Ordinarily it would not have been much of a surprise to see one up there – they have outwitted most of our attempts to squirrel-proof the feeders. It came, however, at a time when I thought we had made it even harder for squirrels to get up there.

We had just pruned back the full, exuberant butterfly bushes the squirrels liked to use in their attempts at leaping for the seed. The bushes had been knocked over by good old Hurricane Sandy, exposing the root balls and shifting the branches sideways. Some of the branches had cracked off leaving the area littered with dead wood. We repositioned the plants, added soil to replace what had been blown away, and cut down the damaged limbs. The bushes that had previously been high and fluffy look so sad. We hope they will come back renewed in the spring. But, for now, we thought that it would deter the squirrels from trying to use them as a springboard toward the feeders. So how did that brazen critter get up there???

I thought that maybe the squirrel took a flying leap from the first floor rooftop and grabbed onto the feeder for dear life. But none had done it before so why now?

My husband suggested that since there were five squirrels grazing underneath that perhaps they had cooperated and stood one on top of the other to lift the lucky one who would then toss down some seed for all to eat. Then they started chasing each other so cooperation didn’t appear likely.

The birdbath seemed too far from the feeders to provide a viable starting point but then what’s too far for a squirrel determined to eat? We were reaching here but then that’s what squirrels do so well. They are actually able to reach ten times their body length and their brains are well adapted to problem solving. These are amazing beings. Really. Check them out http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/03/20/survival-of-the-nuttiest-squirrels/7018/

I have to admire squirrels. As I watch them I can almost see their brains at work. They are world survivors. Perhaps they could teach us a thing or two about adaptability though I suspect they are not good sharers. I suspect everyone has a squirrel story. I’d love to read about your squirrel encounters.

And while you are mulling over your interactions with squirrels watch this video. It may help you keep seed in the feeders and a smile on your face.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/squirrel_proof_feeder.html

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Roses for a Philosophical Garden

Roses for a Philosophical Garden

I was fretting after the election that our country was still in adversarial mode. It seems to me that we could be working together for the benefit of people rather than the advancement of political agendas.

It was in this frame of mind that I taught my Wednesday morning class at the local recreation center. We did not talk about the election and what divides us but rather what we can do to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. We discussed how supporting ourselves in positive ways can help us to support the people we interact with – family, friends, neighbors, those we meet casually or formally.

When class was over, one of the participants handed me a bouquet of peach-colored roses. She thanked me and said how much she enjoyed the sessions. I was touched by her gift. It reminded me that appreciation is a beautiful gift we can all offer.

I thought of our politicians. They have a new chance to encourage each other to help our country fulfill it promise. Wouldn’t it be more functional to give appreciation for what works instead of trying to negate it to boost an opposition opinion? And if something isn’t working, why not dig deeper into the situation to find seeds of other possibilities while maintaining an atmosphere that nourishes growth?

What a marvelous philosophical garden we could have if everyone could plant his or her people-supporting ideas within our society. Some of them would not prove viable, no doubt, but some might be just what we need. And it wouldn’t matter which side of the aisle the planter came from because a good idea would grow into something beautiful and benefit all.

I am grateful for my roses and for the kind appreciation they represent. Yes, roses have thorns but their splendor makes our cautious handling worth it. Governing presents thorns, too, but when we work together, when we genuinely cooperate, we can grow a magnificent garden.

  

Interested in growing roses? Here is a site to get you started:

http://www.backyardgardener.com/rose/rose5.html

Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy

We have been hearing about the approach of Hurricane Sandy for days and now it is finally here. So far it’s not too bad where I live. The winds are blowing hard and our backyard suddenly looks bare as the remaining leaves on the maples, Redbud and Tulip trees have been stripped from their branches. The butterfly bush, still lush as a curtain outside our dining room window, is bending low, the remaining flowers gone. Our rain gauge shows over two inches of rain so far but more is predicted. The bird bath has water up to the top and spilling over.

We left our bird feeders in place although I know that some people have taken them down for fear that they might be dislodged and crash into a window. I am keeping my fingers crossed that doesn’t happen here because the birds are still eating. When a burst of wind swings the feeders they take off. Yet, with a forecast of possibly ninety mile and hour winds heading for our area, I think we will probably opt for caution and remove them later today.

All this, so far, is more maintenance than worry. People who live near the shore are seeing a different story. They have been ordered to evacuate, which is probably wise as pictures on the newscasts show flooding in the streets and jetties askew in the ocean where their supports have been undermined. And a particularly high tide is expected mid-evening. Rain + wind + high tide = trouble. Not a good equation. The bridges leading onto the shore towns are closed. 

The storm is making its presence known far and wide. I have been receiving messages of concern from friends and relatives in different states. I even got one from Japan. Thank you all.  People seem to come together when there are difficulties. When we can care about each other and express that caring we become like a family. In troubling times, whether physically based like a storm or politically motivated, if we can remember that we are a family and care about what affects us all, we move into the space called humanity. I hope everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy is safe. And I wish the best for all of us no matter what circumstance presents itself.  

My lights just flickered. Maybe it’s time to lower the bird feeders. Don’t worry, birds, they’ll be back. I take care of family.   

Stats about Hurricane Sandy:
 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2012/10/29/hurricane-sandy-east-coast-frankenstorm/1666105/