OH NUTS TO YOU! by b. Malin
NUTSY THE SQUIRREL
Before I start this little tale, I must tell you that Lover Man and I live on what is called a "Barrier Island" here on the Jersey Shore. Having said that I will tell you that we have Rabbits here, and So far, ONE Squirrel on our Island. This story is about the ONE Squirrel, so sit back, grab a Peanut or two, as I fill you in.
We bought this little House about three years ago and Love it here. We are surrounded by the bay and the Ocean which meet eight blocks away...As I've stated it is an Island with two ways off, a small Bridge or the Black Horse Pike Bridge...Which can Flood when it rains. So I ask, how did this little Squirrel get here. Did he hitchhike? He doesn't seem to have Friends (other Squirrels) or a Family...It's just him. And HE THINKS HE OWNS THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
On year one, a few days after we moved in, I am driving home from the Super Market, coming slowly down the block. Mr. Squirrel is standing ( I swear) in the middle of the street eating a Peanut. I gently honk my horn. He looks at me and continues to munch on his NUT...ever so slowly chewing it and staring at me. I get out of the car and say "Hey, do you mind"? Yes, I am standing there talking to this Squirrel and he in turn is IGNORING ME. I tap my foot to show my Indignation, as he seems to be washing off his face and hands before giving me one last LOOK as he turns... He gives me "The Tail", before running off down the middle of the street. I later relay the story to Lover Man as we unpack the groceries and have a good laugh.
We get some home repairs done, and also put up a New White Vinyl Fence. The top of the Fence is flat, so I am able to hang a few Flower Baskets from it. Everything is shaping up nicely. Well my little Squirrel Friend is back running the Fence... Like HE owns it...If I didn't know better I'd think he was getting his Exercise by running back and forth. Once in awhile he stops and stands up to look at us with his little hands on his Hips...as if he's studying US!
Year two, we decide to enclose the deck making an "outdoor" room out of it. Spring, through Summer, it is delightful to be able to eat our meals out there, and "Nutsy", we have given our little friend a name, usually knows what time we eat, and comes by to run the Fence...He's really become quite entertaining. Lover Man thinks "Nutsy" got a thing for me...I tell him, He's NUTS!...That Squirrel cares for NO ONE, but HIMSELF and where is next Nut is coming from.
None of the Neighbors like to admit it, but someone is giving "Nutsy" Nuts, which to my surprise, one day, as I am gardening, I come upon his Garbage. Nutsy has taken to leaving his shells near my Rose Bushes...or actually wherever he pleases. It's like his calling card to Me to say, Ha, Ha, I was here. So of course I have to pick up after him. Sometimes out of frustration I will say aloud, "this has got to stop Nutsy" and from out of nowhere he appears. Lover Man thinks he likes the sound of my voice...Well, I'm not feeding him EVER... and when we leave for Florida in December, he'll probably stand in the middle of the street and wave Goodbye...Before giving us "The Tail", as he runs down the middle of the street. And I'll say, silently to myself, stay safe my little friend through the Winter...Until we see you again next Spring.
