That Darn Squirrel

I'm being polite in the title to this post. I have a few other not-so-polite names for that little red squirrel in the garden. I've spent far too much time on it this week. There are a lot of squirrels in our garden, all varieties including other little red squirrels, but it's just this one that has a sweet tooth and really wants that grape jelly/jam and if it can't get hold of that it wants something else up the poles unavailable to critters on the ground. 

When I first put the baffle up it was confused. When it couldn't access the jelly/jam it went for something else. On another pole feeder it figured out a way to jump from just below the baffle up to the container where it could hang on and eat its contents. I then moved it up higher so it couldn't do that. Problem solved, right? Nope. It then decided the suet up the next pole would be worth going for. It went up onto the bird bath and jumped onto the suet. Sigh. I moved the bird bath. Problem solved. Nope. It then decided to go back to the jelly/jam. It decided the best course of action would be to climb up onto a planter (quite a way away) and try to jump from the planter to the jelly/jam. Darn Squirrel managed to do it too! I then tugged and pulled and managed to turn the planter a bit. Hope that's problem solved. At least it has been for today. I'm sure that darn squirrel has gone away to contemplate its next move. My imagination has this playing like a cartoon in my head, sort of like Peter Rabbit and Mr McGregor. Sigh. 

I had a pleasant walk this morning. It was a lovely day, not too cold, not too hot. My sort of Goldilocks day lol. I didn't go anywhere after my walk. I came home, did a bit of house stuff and even went into the craft room for a bit. I didn't get a lot done, more shuffling one thing from one pile to another. At least it was comfortable enough to get up there! In the afternoon I chatted with my sister. It was a nice sort of day. 

The weekend should be relaxing too. We won't be going far. Husband had to go away for work this past week. It involved a drive of over 700 miles, sleep one night, work the next day, sleep and drive back another 700 miles! Next week, on Thursday, we are going with MIL & FIL (so they can meet the baby) to meet up halfway with daughter, SIL and baby A (another 300 mile journey). A lot of driving for husband. It's also his birthday on Sunday so I'm gifting him a day off taking me anywhere lol. 

That Darn Squirrel up on top of one of the feeder poles. 

The weather has been all ups and downs. It's making me quite dizzy and my body is finding it difficult to adjust (that may have something to do with my age too lol). One day it's sunny and quite warm, the next it's cold, blustery and snow showers (that was this morning's walk). Spring is definitely in the air though as the buds on the trees are beginning to open. I can't wait until spring does spring and the trees become full of various shades of green. It's a beautiful time of year - when it happens lol.

We went for a walk on Sunday which was quite nice. The sun was shining and it was definitely a little warmer. I can't wait until we can go back to our Sunday adventures and further afield as I feel as though we are walking the same places over and over again. At least we are able to get out.

On the nice days I've been sitting in the garden for a little while and watching the antics of the garden visitors. It's quite fun to watch the different personalities of the birds and the squirrels. I have to admit the favourite of my squirrels are the little red ones we have here. They are so funny. They seem to bounce across the garden and are so speedy. They seem to find goodies everywhere - even the ones hidden by the other squirrels!

This one was hiding up in a tree (looking rather relaxed) as he waits for a couple more squirrels to chase one another. He was certainly patient and bided his time!

Daughter has reported there are six eggs in the nest on her front door! She has purchased a suet feeder and put it up in a nearby tree in her front garden. The dogs don't go out in the front by themselves so this is the best place for it. This isn't the greatest photo but she took it through the front door as it is the best way for them to see the eggs without getting really close and disturbing the birds. The angle is tough but she managed to get it! As you can sort of see it is completely built in the wreath!

I hope everyone had a good weekend! I have some catching up to do - don't I always!

Another Day...

Yesterday it was pretty icy and I didn't go far. Today the roads were better so I got out for a walk and to the shops. On Wednesday's I ring Mum too so we chatted for a while. I didn't get as much done as I wanted. I didn't get out until later for a walk and by the time I'd done that, gone to the shops and rang Mum time was marching on. I did do a little cross stitch and knit a few rows.

It's going to be a squirrel! I got the kit on sale one year while I was visiting Mum. I'm pleased to get a start on it and it seems quite fitting as I've been taking a lot of squirrel photos lately.

Christmas Eve Eve

Well, the time is almost upon us. I have finished shopping. The presents are wrapped. I still have sausage rolls to make and maybe some cookies. We went out and took a walk today to get away from everything Christmas-y. It was cloudy, dreary and quite cold (really cold by the lake!) but it was nice to get outside and take some photos. I am already thinking about the days after Christmas and sliding into the New Year. There are some many thoughts and plans running around in my head. I know it's just another day, but it feels like the slate can be wiped clean and I can start again. I will be choosing a word of the year, but I don't think I'll be declaring resolutions. I think if I do that I am setting myself up for failure. Instead I think I might do monthly goals. Those seem a lot more manageable. So each month I shall set myself a few goals.

No outdoor photo today as I haven't sorted through them yet, but I'm sharing this lovely Christmas ornament my talented MIL made. I LOVE it! I really enjoy taking photos of squirrels so it seems quite fitting. Hope everyone has a good weekend!