Monthly Archives: July 2013

The Games Continue…..

She’s Back! The brazen hussy chipmunk decided to visit our deck again; the deck where we grow tomatoes and herbs for our enjoyment. This time my hunter man was home. He got his weapon and was ready for action. The chipmunk avoided positioning herself in a good shot area. The goal is to hit the vermin not a piece of glass or a shop door. She dodged behind and between the potted plants. She was at the end of the deck, ten feet above ground. We were sure we had her trapped and simply had to wait for a good shot. Not so! Standing on the edge of the deck, she looked around and then she jumped over the edge. We could not believe it! We headed toward the edge and then heard “Kerplunk”! We expected to see chipmunk splat, but instead she was running for the rocks. The fact she survived the fall was more surprising to us than the fact she jumped from such a height.

Fast forward 24 hours and we looked out the window to see said chipmunk stretched out on our cement umbrella base. Who knows if this was a cooling position on the cement, a sunning position, or an announcement of ownership of the deck? The hunter and I headed outside again. The critter appeared a little confused, running to hide behind patio storage boxes. We moved the boxes and the chipmunk ran. I chased it thinking it would run to the planting area and dodge in-between the pots. Surprised again! She raced right up to the end of the deck and jumped. There was no hesitation she just jumped. Gone again.

Who would have thought a chipmunk we could be involved in training chipmunks for the miniature circus?

Breaking Up With Writers Block…..

Note:  I have recently turned to some writing prompts to get back to the practice of writing regularly. You may or may not find this humorous. Please feel free to share your comments. A recent prompt was 

It’s time for you and Writer’s Block to part ways. Write a letter breaking up with Writer’s Block, starting out with,

Dear Writer’s Block, it’s not you, it’s me …

It is time for me to be honest with you. I don’t like myself when we are hanging around together. Liking ones self is essential to personal satisfaction and happiness. When I’m around you, I don’t accomplish anything. There are so many things in my head I want to get down on paper, or things I’ve started knowing I need to revisit and refine. I find myself thinking, “I can’t!” instead of thinking “I can!” You make it too easy for me to settle for thinking “someday I’ll get back to my writing”. I’m a happier and more fulfilled person when I think, “I can!” We just aren’t compatible. I have taken the liberty of packing your stuff and have even booked a hotel for you in town. With your personality and way with people, I’m sure you won’t have a problem finding someone else to hang around with. If you find yourself bored in town or with no companionship, hop on the train. Enjoy the scenery and the ride. I’m sure things will work out for you. Best of luck to you. I’ve got things to do.

Bye…..

Survival War Games

I need my hunter home. I spent the best part of the day protecting our patio tomato plant from a brazen chipmunk hussy who thinks she can sneak from one end of the long deck to another to eat the fruit of our labors. I see her scamper past the patio door. She hears the door open and freezes, looking first to the right and then to left. Her dilemma – where to go? To the left is a drop-off, to the right is a solid wall, and to the rear is another drop-off. Oh, my! The only way out is to zigzag back the way she came, with me chasing her. Racing off the deck, she jumps to the walkway then leaps off the wall and scampers under the island deck. Safe again! We have played this game for hours today, and she wins once again. Or do I? Our tomato plant is still unharmed. Or so I think….

I do not see her again for some time so I return to my work. Later I look out the front door to find an entire branch from our patio tomato lying at the threshold. She did not even bother to eat the fruit, just left it by the door to wither in the sun.

When the hunter arrives she will have more than I to face. His aim is good. He has nurtured and protected this tomato plant from the wind and extreme heat. I do not believe he will be willing to surrender the plant to the chipmunk. I believe the rules will change! Let the games begin…..