Squirrels & Chipmunks

Journal entry by Ann — Sep 30, 2017
Before you read this journal entry I have to warn you that its contents contain some talk of hunting and the end of rodents lives! Please understand I write this in honor of Logan. Also that these critters I write about not only steal the birds food constantly, but they also get in our buildings and cars. If you have had a problem with these guys you know they ruin numerous things which in turn can cost much money to replace. Its not just for the purpose of shooting something.

I am absolutely positive that the squirrels and chipmunks in my yard are taunting me!😉 Logan was the rodent hunter at our house. Let me say that their population was at an all time low last fall. He was always on the look out for the flash of them scurrying around. Once the critter was in site he did not quit until it was “sleeping with the fishes” It was then captured, a picture was taken, and he then cut the tail off. The tail was then put in a baggie that was on a bulletin board in Logan’s room or hanging from his tree fort a souvenir of sorts. Gross right! I asked Logan to have the job of ridding our yard of these critters and it was a mission that he took quite seriously. We have MANY pictures of him smiling proudly holding up his catch.

But now they have come back with great enthusiasm. I am guarding my bird feeders with much ardor. Logan told me the squirrels had a system and they always came in pairs to steal my birdseed. I would just nod my head and say, “Sure they do.” I should have believed him because they DO! So one squirrel stays on the ground or in the tree near by as the look out and the other comes to raid my feeders. With one chirp from his buddy the thief is off and jumping from tree to tree until he is hidden from my sight. I am sure Logan studied them quite fervently, probably while he was supposed to be doing school! As we all know he was hard to focus when it came to his studies! Though I see now he had complete focus and clarity when it came to the mission of those critters.

I am sure they all know Logan is gone. I picture them in the woods chattering amongst themselves saying the coast is clear lets raid the seed, destroy things in their buildings, and get up in the car building nests and chewing wires! The crazy part in this is that it makes me sad when I see them know, I can’t depend on Logie for help. The thought of him not being here is difficult enough to deal with, but on the other side the thought that they don’t care he is gone makes me sad. Kind of strange right!

One day I looked out the front door and saw a chipmunk digging in a car seat I had placed on the steps. I made a noise he did not move. I opened the door only a little so he didn’t run in the house and he just looked at me. I then stepped out onto the porch he jumped out of the seat, stopped, and stared at me. I yelled at him and he just sat there peering at me through the slightly opened door. I attempted once more to step toward him to chase him away and this time he finally scurried under the steps out of sight. All I could think was what nerve how dare he just sit there when I’m trying to scare him off. I thought if only Logan were here he’d sure be running then! As I stood there thinking I probably looked crazy yelling at this little chipmunk. I began to sob. I wept with the realization that Logan would no longer be my go to guy for this job. And my heart ached with an emptiness longing to touch, talk to, and hold my brave hunter.

Laney actually got a dear last year so she has no problem being the huntress. Though she is willing I would rather it be my boy. I’d rather he were here to be my hunter and protector. Who knows maybe I can learn to shoot in honor of Logan! I wonder though could I really fire upon Gods creation!! Maybe with my eyes closed, though that’s not quite the safest way to shoot! I’m not sure about that question and at this time I have no answer.

Okay just so y’all know I don’t have a problem with all of God’s creatures. Snakes are yucky I’m but not afraid. Bugs don’t really bug me. As for spiders I’m fine if it’s by me I just don’t want it to jump on me. I don’t believe rodents are trying to jump at me and kill me. They are not trying to attack me like I believe all frogs and toads set out to do. I know many of you know of my giant fear of frogs and toads. I always say they leap at my throat and try to bite me with their fangs. Though I really know this is not true and they don’t have fangs I do wonder why they always jump right at you?? Never mind I know they are trying to get me I am sure of it!

Have a blessed day! Ann