Someone special came into the world.
He thinks sometimes
He is full of plans that will not necessarily please the grown ups
He can stick out his tongue
He can make his eyes wide open
Or “wide shut”
“Who do you love Mark?” “You Grandma!”
“How old are you now?” “I am three!”
He is the The World’s Most Fabulous Grandson and today is his Birthday!
Today’s interview actually took place a couple weeks ago as you can see by the snow on the ground. Anyway – this cheery little fellow is a red squirrel and to say that he is a bit jumpy is like saying that Donald Trump has a comb over – an exaggeration that defies quantification. It is very difficult to get him to calm down enough to answer a few questions, but we will get started and see how we do.
Intrepid Interviewer: Hello Mr Red Squirrel!
Red Squirrel: I’ve heard if I just ignore her, she will go away – that is what the blue jays say anyway.
Intrepid Interviewer: Um – Mr Red Squirrel?
Red Squirrel: Ignoring her, ignoring her, ignoring her. Not working not working, not working…
Intrepid Interviewer: Mr Red Squirrel, do you have a moment?
Red Squirrel: Good grief – what do you want?
II: I just have a couple questions – can you come down and chat?
Red: Yes, Yes, Yes – stay right there – I will be right down! 
Red: How about this? Is this close enough?
II: Well not really – can’t you come down here to chat?
Red: Okay! Now, what do you want? I don’t have all day you know!
II: Just a few questions about what life is like out here in wilds of an Upstate NY back yard – would that be too much to ask?
Red: I guess it’s ok, but this isn’t exactly the most exciting place on earth you know. The best thing you can say about it is that there aren’t any cats living here these days.
II: Why do you stick around then?
Red: Well, there are some pretty good seeds here on the ground. 
Red: They are really quite good – would you like to try some?
II: Not right now, thanks. Is there anything else you would like to share about your life here?
Red: Why yes – there is! Follow me up this tree!
II: I am really not very good at climbing trees – can I just watch from here?
Red: Yes – just step a bit closer to the tree, so I can show you something.
II: Alright – how is this?
Red: Very very good! Now see right there – that wooden bar thing? Can you just hold that for me, so I can climb down there? That is where the REALLY good seeds are and every time I try to get on it, the whole thing jerks shut and I fall on my butt! If you would just hold it for me…
II: Um, no. I don’t think so. Bird seed is very expensive you know and you throw it all over the place! That is why they spent a bunch of money on a squirrel-proof feeder!
Red: Oh well – it was worth a shot. I wonder what the seeds are like across the road. Time to go find out – the grey squirrels will be here soon anyway and I can’t stand those pushy guys!
II: But wait – I had more questions!
Red: See ya!
I don’t write about this a whole lot, but our very own Sgt. is beginning the process that will find her in Iraq in a couple months. Her unit leaves today for their final phase of predeployment preparation. She has been in the Army for 6 years and this is her first deployment so she has been more fortunate thus far than a lot of others. We are praying Psalm 91 for her every day if you would like to join us. And please keep her husband, Steve in your prayers too. It is going to be a tough year for him as well.
The other day, I had some pics of begonias outside in the summertime. This one has been growing on the windowsill inside since last fall. It has bloomed on and off but now that it gets a little more sun, the colors are really coming out. And I can’t afford an actual macro lens right now, so I got some screw on magnifiers that seem to improve things a bit – what do you think?
Due to the preferences of my houseguests, we are subject to repeated performances of the following video. If it has to be stuck in my head, I figure it ought to be stuck in yours as well.
Have a great Saturday!
