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Re:
It might be, lion. Probably the only thing missing is a beautiful young maiden singing and dancing around with a bird on each hand! I wouldn't mind, but the neighbors might get the wrong idea! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 19, 2012 at 7:59 AM
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Re:
Sounds like our yard too, C C T. We have a cherry tree that produces its fruit for only a brief time. The squirrels climb out onto the branches to claim their prizes first-hand, and whatever falls to the ground provides fare for the rabbits, chipmunks and birds. Placing those walnuts around the base of the trees is probably a good idea. Let the critters think that they're growing wild and natural. But make sure they're plentiful . . . we've already witnessed several "food wars" between some of the critters! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 19, 2012 at 7:57 AM
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It sounds like a Disney scene there and a great way to live
posted by
lionreign
on September 19, 2012 at 3:37 AM
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Well we have one squirell Jimmy and two walnut trees, as a rule the crows take most of the crop the squirrel does quite well and buries nuts all over, but this year a heavy hail storm spoiled the crop no sign of the crows and the poor little squirrel So Arthur said was eating a wild plum. I told him to buy some walnuts and put around the base of the trees.
posted by
C_C_T
on September 19, 2012 at 1:02 AM
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Re:
Well then FSI, you too must have your share of critters running between the house and the garage, possibly looking for food of any kind. Any English walnut trees in your area?
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 1:19 PM
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Perhaps, luster, perhaps! But if we are, it's a very long distance relation! Actually, it may be more accurate to assume that my wife may be distantly related to Kabu. This "critter set-up" had been pretty much in place long before we got married! But it's still a very nice environment . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 1:16 PM
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That's neat about the nut...The critters are eating well...Your property reminds me of mine with a detached garage and lots of wildlife.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on September 18, 2012 at 10:22 AM
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sounds like you are related to Kabu
posted by
Lanetay
on September 18, 2012 at 8:55 AM
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Re:
Thanks, Sam. Actually, we do have the shells scattered about as well. If they're already in the yard, that's nature, and they'll return to the soil from whence they sprung anyway. But when they're all over the sidewalk or driveway . . . well, I don't think I'll be able to get "Harry" to grab a broom and clean up after himself!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:46 AM
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That is always a risk, Utah, and believe it or not, we do have a few squirrels who seem to have made a home in our garage ceiling. But so far there hasn't been any real damage . . . so far! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:42 AM
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It really is, TAPS. And I think one of the things that makes it work with nature so well is that we are on a deadend street. The less traffic there is, the safer the critters seem to feel in our area. And I'm quite certain that all of the free food helps too!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:40 AM
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Re: JimmyA
Thanks, Wiley. I used to paint with paint, but now I paint with words. Our home is relatively elevated as well. The up-side is, we almost never flood, because the heavier rain runs down and around us. The down-side is, if there are high winds, our trees take a beating, and the yard ends up covered with twigs, branches and pine cones! But the general serenity makes it all worth it! 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:36 AM
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Thanks, adnohr. We have a handful of skunks around us too, but are rarely visible. They seem to be a misunderstood critter. Everybody assumes they do nothing but go around "spraying" everyone and everything, but of course, that's only when they are threatened. And I guess you can't blame the smaller critters for being overly cautious up there in "doggie territory!"
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:30 AM
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We'll take 'em off your hands, Annicita. Our squirrels don't seem to be overly nocturnal, and when a scary movie is on, they cover their eyes like the rest of us!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:26 AM
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Re: no thank you gift could ever br motr precious than these
See, Kabu? A little interaction with the critters is always rewarding! Sorry the ranks of your "clan" seems to be thinning, but there's always the Spring, when a young critter's fancy turns to . . . well, you get the rest!
posted by
JimmyA
on September 18, 2012 at 5:23 AM
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At least you got the walnut, my squirrels just deposit the shells all over my yard! LOL! Indeed, it truly is the thought that counts! What a great story to read, too! sam 
posted by
sam444
on September 17, 2012 at 10:12 PM
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Well, as long as they don't get into your attic, or your garage and chew your wires up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars like they did to my mother in laws house in Denver.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 17, 2012 at 8:30 PM
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I love homes that are close to nature and inviting to the critters. Yours sounds wonderful.
posted by
TAPS.
on September 17, 2012 at 7:44 PM
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JimmyA
Great homey post that just about mirrors our place. Woods, thousands of trees, animals and peace.We have more traffic because it's a secondary highway kind of thing but we are more than 300' up higher. You're a gifted writer my friend.
posted by
WileyJohn
on September 17, 2012 at 7:33 PM
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Your backyard is like that of my friend, Suzie, who lives in Troy, Michigan. She even has a family of skunks (who get along very well with the other animals & humans too!) that come regulary to eat her 'critter food'. Here in the bush, some chipmunks and squirrels are brave enough to come around...but not many. It's doggie territory. Enjoyed this read!
posted by
adnohr
on September 17, 2012 at 6:49 PM
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if i could i would send you all of my squirrels...they drive me crazy and at times when its late at night and all alone and watching one of those scary movies .... when i hear them running around in the attic above my head....well freak out!
posted by
Annicita
on September 17, 2012 at 2:26 PM
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no thank you gift could ever br motr precious than these
My chipmunk family is almost all gone. She's beautiful a dog amongst dogs ...Zoe the husky from next door but....sadly.....Sniff Sniff...
posted by
Kabu
on September 17, 2012 at 10:45 AM
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