| General Non-Fiction posted October 4, 2025 | Chapters: |
...36 37 -38- 39... 
|
  |
Squirrel problems or fun.
A chapter in the book Reminiscing
Chapter 32 Brian vs Squirrel
by barbara.wilkey
| Background 'We don't remember the days; we remember the moments.' By Italian poet Cesare Pavese |
Chapter 32
Brian vs Squirrel
We bought our house about nineteen years ago. The first thing Brian did was plant peach trees. He wanted a peach orchard. According to him, one needs at least five trees for an orchard.
Brian planted his first tree, and the deer ate it. He eventually planted all five trees and put a wire fence around them to keep the deer away. Through the years the trees got large enough to be deer proof and he removed the fence. We had enough peaches to enjoy eating them and made peach jam.
Unfortunately, three years of severe drought conditions and then a rare Texas winter storm killed all but two trees.
That brings us to today with the peach trees. We've, again, had drought conditions, but these two trees remain with us, but only produce a few peaches.
The peaches have been disappearing, but we couldn't' find the thief or thieves. One day while inspecting the trees, our neighbor stepped outside and joined in the discussion. He directed us to his large oak tree and presented the evidence of a squirrel carrying peaches to his tree, eating them, and dropping the pit to the ground.
Okay, Brian decided the squirrel was hungry and let it go.
*****
In the meantime, Brian planted an apple tree in the backyard. Not the front yard, because previous experience says deer eat the trees. Our backyard is fenced.
This tree grew and started producing apples, although not very many. This year we got the pleasure of eating one apple. Brian split it in half so I could enjoy part of it. There has been evidence that our friendly squirrel has helped himself to apples. The tree he carries them to is also in the backyard. I guess he got upset over the peach situation.
The final straw for Brian was the pecan tree he planted a few years ago. Finally, this year, the tree had so many pecans that the branches bowed from the weight. He was looking forward to pecan pies from homegrown pecans for the holidays.
The squirrel, I think he has friends and family, but we have only seen one, decided pecans were his favorite.
The squirrel carried the pecans back to the tree and dropped the shells on the ground. He was taking so many that Brian commented that our squirrel's life expectancy was limited.
My version is the squirrel overheard this conversation because the following day the squirrel left the pecans but took a bite from each one. I think this squirrel said, "Take that!"
I enjoy watching this furry little stinker walk across our back fence and play in the tree. He does enjoy teasing our dog, Harley. He's very industrious, and his antics are hilarious. Like I said, I'm sure there are more, but I've only ever seen one at a time.
When Brian mentioned the possible demise of our squirrel, I was actually praying for the squirrel. We can afford to buy pecans. I've tried to keep score. I know Brian has zero, but no clue what the squirrel has.
*No squirrel was injured in writing this. He is alive and free to continue ransacking our produce.*
Brian vs Squirrel
We bought our house about nineteen years ago. The first thing Brian did was plant peach trees. He wanted a peach orchard. According to him, one needs at least five trees for an orchard.
Brian planted his first tree, and the deer ate it. He eventually planted all five trees and put a wire fence around them to keep the deer away. Through the years the trees got large enough to be deer proof and he removed the fence. We had enough peaches to enjoy eating them and made peach jam.
Unfortunately, three years of severe drought conditions and then a rare Texas winter storm killed all but two trees.
That brings us to today with the peach trees. We've, again, had drought conditions, but these two trees remain with us, but only produce a few peaches.
The peaches have been disappearing, but we couldn't' find the thief or thieves. One day while inspecting the trees, our neighbor stepped outside and joined in the discussion. He directed us to his large oak tree and presented the evidence of a squirrel carrying peaches to his tree, eating them, and dropping the pit to the ground.
Okay, Brian decided the squirrel was hungry and let it go.
*****
In the meantime, Brian planted an apple tree in the backyard. Not the front yard, because previous experience says deer eat the trees. Our backyard is fenced.
This tree grew and started producing apples, although not very many. This year we got the pleasure of eating one apple. Brian split it in half so I could enjoy part of it. There has been evidence that our friendly squirrel has helped himself to apples. The tree he carries them to is also in the backyard. I guess he got upset over the peach situation.
The final straw for Brian was the pecan tree he planted a few years ago. Finally, this year, the tree had so many pecans that the branches bowed from the weight. He was looking forward to pecan pies from homegrown pecans for the holidays.
The squirrel, I think he has friends and family, but we have only seen one, decided pecans were his favorite.
The squirrel carried the pecans back to the tree and dropped the shells on the ground. He was taking so many that Brian commented that our squirrel's life expectancy was limited.
My version is the squirrel overheard this conversation because the following day the squirrel left the pecans but took a bite from each one. I think this squirrel said, "Take that!"
I enjoy watching this furry little stinker walk across our back fence and play in the tree. He does enjoy teasing our dog, Harley. He's very industrious, and his antics are hilarious. Like I said, I'm sure there are more, but I've only ever seen one at a time.
When Brian mentioned the possible demise of our squirrel, I was actually praying for the squirrel. We can afford to buy pecans. I've tried to keep score. I know Brian has zero, but no clue what the squirrel has.
*No squirrel was injured in writing this. He is alive and free to continue ransacking our produce.*
 Recognized |
I do want to note, after receiving three stars on my last Reminiscing post, that I only write these for fun. The reviewer stated that it wasn't professionally written. This person was correct. I write them for fun as if we're sitting on my back porch drinking tea together. I don't want them to be professional. Now, my novels, I am striving for professionalism.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. 
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2025. barbara.wilkey All rights reserved.
barbara.wilkey has granted FanStory, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
