Squirrel work along the hiking trail at Gamble Lake amazed me yesterday.
These little urchins are busy, and they leave abundant evidence of their hard work---hundreds of scales and cone skeletons.
I don't think I've ever seen a cone so thoroughly processed by those tiny teeth as one I saw yesterday.
The cone seemed more like a work of art than the bare naked reminder of a full-fledged rodent assault.
Maybe there's a market for squirrel art.
The little urchins are busy everywhere, it seems.
This morning while watering I heard and saw a white pine cone fall through the tree limbs to the ground.
Then, I heard and saw another. Then another and another . . . all tolled about a dozen tumbled to the ground while I was there.
Eventually, I could see the squirrel, moving from limb to limb, busy and too focused on its cone-harvesting work to look back at me.
Bill says this is the time of the year when the seeds have formed and the start causing their protective cone covering to loosen up.
He figures squirrels have learned over the centuries that they had better get their winter goodies early, so they follow their meticulous regimen.
Anyway, we are fortunate to live in an environment where we can witness so many of the priceless aspects of nature.
We took a late afternoon drive yesterday, and, after some time spent sight seeing at Garfield Bay on Lake Pend Oreille, moved on to Gamble/Gamlin Lake where the lily pads are blooming and beautiful.
It was a great time, after the overnight rain, to see the picturesque little lake, where we visit and hike occasionally.
Actually, it was great day overall with soaking rain throughout the morning, pleasant temperatures and then moments of sunshine throughout the afternoon.
Such days inspire a desire to get things done. I completed some indoor stuff and then thoroughly enjoyed my outdoor chores---all in somewhat leisurely fashion.
We all ( the doggies, Bill and I) also enjoyed the drive.
Overall, it's starting to feel like we're in a transition from summer to fall, especially with a slowdown on the busYness, which is most welcome.
Looking forward to another pleasant day with a leisurely pace.
Happy Sunday.
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