I’ve been spending a lot of time looking out my dining room windows lately. Our house is an old (1885) farm house, situated in the middle of one of the first cities founded in Minnesota. We have an abundance of critters which bring entertainment to our cloistered lifestyle right now. While sitting and watching, I can’t help but wonder what goes on in their little minds as they prepare for the upcoming cold winter. So, in my moments of alone time, I’ve been trying to come up with some stories that might entertain others – especially children. I do have the mind of a child after all. So I will be putting these out there and see what everyone thinks.

This is the beginning of the first in a series of “Animal Tales (Tails)” by Kathy Boecher.

STUBBY, THE SQUIRREL

My name is Stubby. I guess you know by now that I’m a Squirrel.  Pleased to meet you. Bet you never talked person to squirrel with someone like me before, have you?  Yes, I can talk, but not all humans can hear me – only those who have the gift.  Most people consider us a nuisance, but there are a few that see our true value.  I think you must be one of them.

I love living in the city, don’t you? I have friends who prefer the wide open space of the country, but as for me, there’s something about the city that calls to me.  By the way, I love your house.  To me, it’s the best of both worlds – a cute little country house, smack dab in the middle of a bustling little town.

Oh, and the black walnut tree out back is sublime.  I look forward to jumping from branch to branch.  I notice you don’t do that, do you?  Well, I guess we all have things that make us happy.  When I peek into your window each morning, I can’t help but notice that you’re very busy pounding away on some kind of contraption that lights up. 

For me, my satisfaction comes when those black walnuts start to fall.  I love those things.  At first sight they look like green ping pong balls, but once you get through the tough outer skin, it’s nothing but nut.