Outside my condo is a squirrels nest located in the upper branches of a tree. I enjoy observing their daily life. At times I wonder what it would be like to be one of them. As aging causes me to slow down with aches, pops and cracks I’m envious of their enormous energy. They scurry everywhere, always on the alert for danger but living life to the fullest. Their day seems to be full of searching for food, chasing each other in a game of tag or claiming territory and chattering. Their beautiful fluffy tail that makes them cute and is also works as a warm blanket for colder weather. They twitch those tails when they are scared, mad, uneasy, a predator is in the area and/or a way to leave their scent from their glands to other squirrels. The twitching of their tail is a way for them to get the message to the other squirrels that danger is around. It is my warning to keep my distance.
They are not worried about mortgage payments, unnecessary wars, or what’s happening on facebook. After a busy day and the sun falls below the horizon they climb up to their nests made of twigs and leaves and curl up for the night. I imagine sleep comes quickly as nature rocks them to sleep. Yep, life is about living it a day at a time.
8 Comments
paul
It does sound nice, but at least we are higher up on the food chain! They have to always be on the lookout – they have those “prey” eyes and these guys take no chances … unless they’re in a place where people feed them all of the time, then they’re quite bold about asking for what they want! 🙂
Monte Stevens
Almost sounds like a human 🙂
Bob Dein
Yeah, and squirrels are surrounded by nuts.
Monte Stevens
LOL
David Leland Hyde (@
All you say is true and a good reason to be a squirrel. The Native American medicine for squirrel is storing up energy and resources against difficult times. Another quality good to emulate. On the other hand, squirrels are a bit too nervous, jittery and skittish for me. I’d rather be a gentle robin. Both of these run around on my lawn in front of my windows here all the time.
Monte Stevens
And, as a robin, we get to fly. 🙂
Mark
Think I have to go with Paul here and want to be higher up on the food chain. Not that it has to be human, maybe dolphin or eagle. 🙂
Monte Stevens
They are a nervous little critter due to their status on the food chain.