The Tiny Vistor

  For the past few evenings, I have been shelling pecans.  It is times like these, that having a good friend makes all the difference in the world.  Shelling 50 pounds of pecans by myself is not fun.  Throw a friend into the lot and the chore becomes much more pleasant.  Darlene and I shell pecans and do a lot of laughing and storytelling.  It is great fun and the task gets finished in good time. The hulls of the pecans are tossed out the door so that the critters around the Bayou can feast upon any small pieces that we miss.  I figured that it is far better to let them eat than to waste the nuts.  Squirrels and birds have been having a grand time picking through the mounds of shells.

  This afternoon in the drizzling rain, a tiny raccoon was scavenging through the hulls to find its dinner.  The little rascal was so intent on eating that it did not even look up when I went out the door.  I eased my way to within a few feet of the tiny tot before he even realized that I was there.  Once he saw me, he tried to climb the huge oak tree just beyond the shell pile.  The poor little guy wobbled a bit and almost fell.  Oh, geez!  If a predator came along there would be no escape for the little coon.  I could have easily grabbed the little one from the tree trunk.  Ok, so the heartstrings were tugged and I knew I, at least, needed to help him a bit.  A nice handful of whole (cracked) pecans were placed at the base of the tree for the little coon.  At least, he would eat good tonight!  

  I am hoping that after a few healthy meals, the little coon will be strong enough to climb and forage for itself.  Being so tiny and weak makes one vulnerable as it is but with the coming winter cold, the tiny coon will not stand a chance.  As much as I get aggravated at the coons for eating from our fruit trees, I hate to see any living thing go hungry.  I might have to see what else I can find to fortify his diet for a few days if he hangs around.  Such a cutie!