As they come to our back door, one by one, they aren't really reporting for duty - just for handouts, mainly - but I am taking attendance nonetheless.
The passing of 2009 left behind so many. We have long since ceased calling their names: Miss Tillie, an indoor rehab squirrel, died. Miss Daisy, who was caged right near her, survived to be joyously released. And then there were the anonymous squirrels relegated to the euphemistic status of "roadkill." The young males. The aging mama squirrels. They had no less dignity, no less worth, than the ones whose faces we knew, the ones we'd graced with names.
With 2010 upon us, we are taking attendance again. When they come, they bring a sigh of relief. Another long year awaits us all.
I will continue to call their names and hope for the best.
2 comments:
Here is hoping all of your little furry friends check in with you this year.
We have been busy feeding our neighborhood squirrels. Seems like the number of visitors is down for some reason.
Let's face it. Name taking and/or attendance is far, far better than reporting, "Hey you showed up this morning."
Or it could get worse and degenerate into a "Who's on first" routine.
Of course, if it were me, I'd be taking a photo record as well. (Afterward you can issue IDs and climbing licenses.)
More important, I look forward to another wonderful year of your blog entries!
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