Up at Dawn....and HUNGRY!

  I have a habit of rising pretty early each day.  I feel better when I am up before dawn and for some strange reason, that first mug of coffee tastes much better when consumed with the rising sun in view.  This morning, I sat on the small deck in front of the house.  The morning air was cool and the area quiet.  I had brought out my breakfast which consisted of two pieces of toast and some fig jam.  What a perfect way to start the morning!

  While I was sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet, I noticed a bit of movement in the arbor to my left.  At first, I thought this might be the mockingbird that usually visits but I was mistaken.  A tiny squirrel was eyeing me cautiously.  The tiny rascal was at that age where it still did not have great fear of humans.  I wished the squirrel a good morning and continued with my breakfast.  Well!  That little tyke came right up and begged to share my toast!  He crept closer and closer until he was just a few feet from me.  He hopped up on the deck and eased his way toward me.  Hmmm....I felt there was nothing else to do but give him a bite as much as I hated to share my fig jam! Little Tyke snatched the piece of toast and scampered off to the nearby tree to feast.  

  I have to admit that this little squirrel made my early rising worthwhile. To share breakfast with a wild critter is always a thrill.  I have to think that my feeding the little squirrel made his morning a bit better, too. Sharing is good.