Gray Squirrels...Fiends or Friends?

  Every squirrel I know has a bad reputation.  Perhaps it is just those that live around the Bayou but here, they are thieving, destructive little critters.  They swipe the fruit from the trees, steal my tomatoes before they are ripe and can gnaw their way through just about any surface.  More than once has Son had to repair the roof, siding and doors just because a squirrel has decided our house is its house.  And don't think they are not sneaky enough to try entry in the middle of the night!  Son and I were out on the rooftop at 2am because one persistent rascal was ripping the siding off the upstairs walls!  Bird feeders, gardens, kitchens...none of these are safe.  We have had our battles in each case.  Squirrels...the evil ones of the rodent family.  Well, rats are not nice either...nor are shrews!  Shrews are downright wicked!  They are quite feisty!

  Now that it is settled that squirrels can do a lot of damage, I want to repair the damage done to their reputation by the previous statements.  Squirrels are not complete fiends bent on driving humans mad with their antics.  In fact, some squirrels are helpful!  Yes, you read that right and, yes, that did come from me.  Squirrels can be helpful!  Just today, an example of their good deeds came to light. I was overjoyed to be the recipient of their kindness!  Oh, lucky me!

  While I was out doing a bit of yard work, it occurred to me that I should gather a few "fire sticks" (as my sweet granddaughter calls them) or twigs.  We are to have a bit of cold weather here for the next few days and the old woodstoves will need stoking.  Twigs are a great fire starter and in the enclosed iron stoves, they last a good while.  It is my custom to gather a handful or two on each outing so it is not a big chore to get them when needed.  I found just what I needed in the lane.  There are several large squirrels' nests in the hickory trees that line the lane and beneath those, there were dozens of fire sticks.  It seems that the ideal size to gnaw a twig for use in nest-building is also the perfect size for my woodstoves.   It took only a few moments to gather a nice bundle of the 14 to 15 inch sticks.  Squirrels are great at measuring and gnawing the limbs but, apparently, not so great at holding on to each one they cut.  The lane was filled with lovely fire sticks...or nesting supplies...whichever.  So, a big shout out to the gray squirrels that live down the lane!  Your help is greatly appreciated and your status has gone up a few points in my book.  (At least, until you steal my plums come this spring.)

Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

  With another cool spell descending upon the Bayou, it was quite pertinent that I gather a bit of kindling for the old cast iron stove.  There are, in fact, two wood-burning stoves in the Little Bayou House that need to be fed when the weather takes a turn on the cooler side.  These early stages of winter just beg for a bit of warmth and the stoves provide just that.  The cat, old dog and I will huddle near the crackling embers and while away the evening hours.  Ms. Nycto will be on my lap and Mr. PJ will rest near my feet.  All in all, it makes for a perfect evening but only if I gather enough sticks to stoke the fire a bit.

  I took the long way around the property to gather an armload of "fire sticks" as my sweet granddaughter calls them.  The old stoves do not need large logs to put out a nice heat.  An armload or two of small branches will burn for hours.  The path took me around back to the canebrake.  This path heads due north and is, more or less, a tunnel like feature with large trees making a canopy overhead and thick underbrush lining the sides.  Sometimes, it can seem quite dark even during the bright of day.  This afternoon, the "tunnel' was cast in gloom from the overcast skies and a brisk north wind made it feel icy cold.  I was ever so thankful to feel my canvas log tote weighted as it meant my hike was about complete. At this same time, the sun shone through just enough to give me that "light at the end of the tunnel" feeling.   It was time to head back to the Little Bayou House and get warm.  A mug of hot ginger tea and some warm pumpkin bread fresh from the oven awaited my return!  All is well.