Upper Grant Creek Wildlife VII
Monday, December 4th, 2006While the calendar implies it is still FALL, the accumulation of 12 inches of snow on the old geezer and geezeress’s Upper Grant Creek plantation inequitably proves that not only has WINTER begun, it probably has set in not only for the rest of fall, 2006, but on into winter and possibly a good part of spring, 2007. For the past several days the old geezer has enthusiastically, aggressively, and with much vigor commenced to go out once or twice a day when it snows to shovel the drive way, patio, sidewalk and paths between their homestead and the neighbor’s complex to the south.
This exercise differs considerably from the “short sleeve, shorts and tenny runners walk/jog on the beach” type of exercise the old geezer has been accustomed to some or all of the past several winters. But thus far shoveling snow has been both enjoyable and beneficial to the old geezer. How long this exaltation of the senses that shoveling snow implies a positive happiness or gladness of the mind lasts, remains to be seen.
The bears have apparently bedded down in their dens for their long winter sleep, the coyotes must have gone to milder climate areas, as have the turkeys and the deer must still be hiding from the hunters. The majority of the birds migrated south. A few local birds still occasionally partake of the gourmet cuisine featured at the old geezer’s bird cafe. To entice the squirrels to visit frequently, the geezer made another spinning squirrel peanut butter feeder. This contraption causes the squirrels to utilize their Sherlock Homes abilities as well as their athletic skills before they can obtain the tempting ,eatable goodies (smoothie peanut butter; not Trader Joe’s gourmet type, however), As of right now, the score between the squirrels and the old geezer is tied. However, the old geezer and the geezeress have had several belly shakin’ laughs over the squirrels’ antics trying to get to the grub off that new feeder.
Since we have about a foot of snow in the front yard, I thought the deer had given up on trying to get to the dried up flowers planted along the front of the house, especially since we have deer netting covering them. However about 2 AM this morning we heard that big old four point buck scrappin’ against the house tryin’ unsuccessfully to get at that succulent feed. ‘Guess he came out of hiding since hunting season is now officially over.
So, today, after church, I removed all the deer netting, since the flowers done bit the dirt and are kaput for this year. Besides, now if the ornery deer critters eat the dried up flowers I won’t hafta’ cut ‘em down next spring. Right? I mean, this ole coot ain’t lost ALL his brain cells yet. Maybe I should use the same kinda’ reasoning with the snow removal. Since God put it there maybe I should just let him take it away when he gets ’round to it next spring (or summer).
Nah…..Can’t do that……Shovlin’ snow is toooooooo much fun. 
Papa (Jim Diede)