Today was the first time since moving here that I woke up to the absence of the sounds of squirrels. No squirrels knocking down the black walnuts on the tin roof of the chicken coop. No squirrels sharpening their teeth on my wood gate. No squirrels chasing each other. No Squirrels making new squirrels. No squirrels masterminding the takeover of my garden. No squirrels.
I found this to be a relief, but it also made me sad. A relief because getting them out of my yard has been a long time goal so that maybe, just maybe I can enjoy a pomegranate out of my own garden for a change. Sad too. I mean, who will Kiah & Franklin tag team and chase up a tree now?
Truth be told, there’s a deeper sadness. This morning is indicative a greater issue. Humans overtaking the planet and not being at one with nature. I feel that I contributed to that blight – but I digress.
This morning was actually pretty cool once I got over the somewhat deafening silence. I should relish it though because I’m sure they will be back once they settle into their new digs.
At least today I got to enjoy [some] of my breakfast in the front yard without the fear of getting killed by a falling palm appendage. Those things are freakishly big and could easily impale a person. There were however, other challenges.
So why so much greatness this morning? Well yesterday I finally had the twin [Queen] Palms taken down. On the one hand it was an easy decision to make since they were flush against the house & touching the gas meter – something ugly just waiting to happen. One the other, it was difficult for me because I was taking tree life.
Of course they were also the prime housing the squirrels so loved. Evidenced by the trail of [squirrel] piss leading from the top of the trees to the base and the, um, squirrels running around.
The palms looked really bad – I’m convinced because unlike the rest of the plants in my yard they received no love from me. No kindness, no nurturing energy that is the alchemy of every gardener. I think I muttered and rolled my eyes every time I had to go past them – multiple times a day. That and I never watered them. At most likely 25 years they were close to the end of their life span too. Still, I feel responsible for killing them.
But now I have this new space that I can relax in…
once I figure out what to do with these…
I also have to get rid of this..
Any bets on how many months with only one green bin to use? Yea, me neither. I think I’ll call the city & see what options I have. This was a budget job so all of the cuttings stayed here.
Still, I have this new space and yes, there will be another tree. A proper shade tree – or two. Meanwhile I can relax.
The queens are dead. Long live the queens.
