photo #1664400

First and foremost, we'd all like to wish all y'all a very Happy Thanksgiving. In spite of everything we're facing right now, we need to take a deep breath and acknowledge all the wonderful blessings we've had and accept the many more in store for us. I was contemplating quite a few yesterday at applejack hour when my trusty rodent friend showed up for his bowl of applejack. Most of you know George can get a wee bit "testy" when he's had a bit, so I trust y'all will ignore any stories from his perspective today if he wakes up. Before any of this gets out of hand, I'll tell you exactly what happened. The Sheriff's incident report isn't totally complete, as I left out some parts to protect the guilty. The ASPCA never showed up after the Deputy called them because they couldn't find the place. Even if they did, George is too crafty to be in the right place at the wrong time. When he does finally wake up, a trip to the Veterinarian MAY be required, but I doubt it. He's got quite a hard head. In more ways than one ! Suffice to say, it'll have to wait until tomorrow, 'cause I ain't paying holiday rates at the Vet for HIM ! It all started when he asked me about Thanksgiving. I really tried my best to explain everything I was taught, but I had no idea squirrels have stories passed down from generation to generation, too. I'd just about finished explaining the concept of inviting others to our table today when all Hades broke loose. George went wild, chattering and carrying on like I ain't ne'er see'd before. It was so loud and prolonged, all his relatives came a'runnin', Sammy the black snake came out of hibernation, Ronnie the Republican rabbit, and even Timothy the turkey came to see what the fuss was all about. Needless to say, I ain't used to this kind of affrontery, and I sat back and watched as George proceeded to gin the crowd up better than a holy roller preacher at a revival. Woohoo boyyyy, that critter knows his audience. I could only half understand him, and there's still many things he'll have to interpret before he gets any more applejack! Seems that old expression "no good deed goes unpunished" is true, after all. It wasn't my intention, swear ! As I explained to the Deputy, I was bereft of squirrel stories ! It all occurred when I asked him to come to Thanksgiving dinner. Turns out, squirrels were invited to the First Thanksgiving, too, but not as guests! After he heard about cooked and fried meats, he went wild! He started screaming about stuffing put in certain places, apples in mouths, and liver gravy. He wound up so bad I was literally attacked by all his kin, Sammy spit some really stinky stuff at me, Ronnie swore he was going to change parties, and Timothy hasn't been seen/heard from. The gossip I've heard is that he had a heart attack, but I think my neighbor is enjoying his fleeing my property. The cacaphony resulted in the calls to the Sheriff's office, who showed up right at the moment I was chasing George with a stick. He then called the ASPCA. I must've caught George 'longside his haid, 'cause he fell out of his tree halfway up before he disappeared. I still don't know who/what bit me. Applejack was spilled everywhere, and I had to explain what it was to a very interested Deputy, who was very happy to take a 64oz. bottle home after two glasses consumed while writing his report. I doubt I'm off THAT hook in the future. Anyway, if y'all see George, try and explain it was an innocent invite instead of a culinary expectation. Wait....... what's that splashing in the outhouse? GOTTA RUN !