photo #2257600

After the "squirrel call" episode, the most vivid reminder was the effects of those sharp nails. I knew my paybacks HAD to involve those. Yeah, I know they need them to climb trees and dig for things, but they can also be a detriment in certain circumstances. I started planning, and executed it yesterday. During my tri-weekly shopping trip, I brought home a range packing box, and three bags of balloons. We waited until the heat of the day, when George and his scurry were napping. We set up the box, and cut the top off it. While my son was making water balloons, I was blowing others up with air. As we progressed, we tossed them gently into the box, mixing them up. We eventually filled the box, with great restraint to keep from laughing. So far, we'd functioned clandestinely ! We then covered the box with a regular bed sheet. The PLAN was to invite George down during cocktail hour and lure him into performing "on stage" for his first live video performance. That rodent's SUCH a ham ! It couldn't fail. We still had about an hour to go, so we decided to go inside to cool off. Those of you that know about squirrels know they're quite the nosy bunch, and George is one of the biggest. In MANY ways. Anyhow, we were beginning to relax when World War III erupted outside. Literally. Loud bangs, screams, chattering, clacking, and other noises ensued. All the neighborhood squirrels came running, and jumped in to help, only adding gas to the fire. The din got progressively worse, and lasted almost ten minutes. In the meantime, we took our cool applejack outside to watch. Yeah, we were crying we were laughing so hard. By now, the water balloons had soaked the box so a few started breaking out, looking like drowned rats. Eventually, my favorite pachyderm rodent fell out of one side, and looked at me. I thought he'd call a charge, so I picked up my Magic Super Hose Blaster Nozzle and pointed it at him. He knew he'd been had. With tears in my eyes, I poured some in his bowl as a peace offering. Lord, was he soaked ! After he finished, I told him we were even. He grumped, and hobbled off. I 'spect the games are still afoot. Back to planning ! Gotta be prepared !