Isn’t it funny how nature doesn’t usually like picky eaters? Most animals, except for humans, usually go for the easier, nearby meal instead of the more delicious snack that takes a bit of effort to get. It makes perfect sense when survival is on the line; favorite foods often take a backseat to the more accessible, even if less tasty, options.

HUH!

But guess what? Some new research suggests that at least one species, the fabulous squirrel, is willing to put in the extra effort if it means getting a taste of their favorite dish. In a study recently published in the journal Animal Behavior, researchers at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, where my squirrel cousins bark with an accent, explained that wild gray squirrels will often ignore the food in front of them and climb to reach a highly favored alternative.

“This suggests that in natural decision-making scenarios, it may sometimes be beneficial for animals to wait or work harder for a better outcome,” explained study...

Who's a bird watcher?

Here is Colorado we've got some pretty cool birds. The magpies are so nifty - Heckle and Jeckle in real life. Does anyone remember them? They were a couple of jokers in tuxedos who happened to be birds, and were always wreaking havoc in the cartoons. It wasn't until I moved to Colorado that I realized WHY Heckle and Jeckle were wearing tuxedos.

Magpie in our barn, Heckle looking for Jeckle

There's also the Bluebird of Happiness. Saw one in our cherry tree today. I mean, bright blue. Didn't look real, except it was flapping its wings and flitting around.

 BlueBird in a Cherry Tree - photo by Skyler Ewing (Pexels)

And then there's Meadowlarks. We always know spring has arrived because the Meadowlarks have come back. We've got a lot of them this year, and they're like a chorus of rambunctious teenagers in our fields. They also sit on the power cables and look down at us mere mortals, serenading us all day long.

It's such a wonderful sound. I love the heral...

Squirrels' harmony with nature encourages you to connect with the natural world, find inner peace, and recognize everyone’s interconnectedness.

Have you ever noticed how squirrels often hang out with each other? We really show how important it is to be aware of your surroundings and work together. Just like we depend on our community, you can do best when you support each other. Building strong relationships takes empathy, understanding, compassion, and a lot of effort.

Squirrels teach that even small things, like sharing food or giving advice, can make your group stronger and happier. If you ever feel alone, squirrels are a great reminder to reach out and make connections that are good for everyone.



Watch out for that dog!


Using these lessons in your everyday lives can make your relationships better, both with people at home, your community and at work. Being aware of what others need helps you talk better and build trust. The squirrels remind you that being part of a community isn’t just...

It's a big effort to change locations. "What's wrong with where you are?" is a question you might hear. Most people like to hold still, liking the solidity of a known home, neighborhood, the people around you, your favorite grocery store. It feels safe.

I'm one of those people who loves where I'm at, for a while, and then it's time to move on. My brother, on the other hand, has lived in the same house, in the same small town, for almost 40 years. Did we really come from the same parents?

When I was younger, I moved a LOT. In the first 15 years I lived in Colorado, I moved 17 times. Gypsy feet. Looking back, pretty excessive, but it was fun while I did it.

Where we live now. If you do anything with horses, this is the place for you.

We've been in the house we're in now for going on 10 years. That is the longest I've lived anywhere, if you don't count the first 14 years of my life, when we lived in the same house on the same street with my cousins right next door. The furniture go...

Here are some traits of a resourceful squirrel:

• Agility: Our quick movements and knack for navigating tricky places remind us to stay agile and ready to react.

• Adaptable: We do well in different settings, showing how important it is to adjust to new situations.

• Resilience: We keep going strong even when faced with predators and tough weather, highlighting our ability to bounce back from challenges.

 

This shows how we’re clever and can change when needed, making the most of what we have. As opportunistic foragers, we grab whatever food we can find. Being adaptable is super important for managing resources because it lets us do well in different places. For instance, squirrels in the city have learned to use things like bird feeders and garbage bins for food. Ever see one of us munching on lettuce from a trash bin?

This shows how important it is to be flexible and creative when we’re looking for food. In our lives, be...

Squirrels embody abundance and prosperity by managing resources mindfully and appreciating what they have.

Let’s embrace the abundance that’s all around us by recognizing that all our lives are already rich with prosperity, even when it might not seem that way.

Look into my eyes, or at any squirrel you spot in the park or woods. You’ll see that true abundance isn’t about what we have, but how we use what we have.

Abundance comes in many forms.


It’s also time to really focus on sufficiency, not scarcity!

By making mindful choices about money or time, you can break free from the cycle of not having enough and, more importantly, develop a deeper sense of gratitude for what you already have, just like my squirrel family does. 

The way we do this is so simple, but it often gets lost on you because, well, humans tend to make things more complicated than they need to be. We know this because it’s what you learned and became accustomed to.

How squirrels do this and we hope you’ll do the same:

- Fi...

We understand that it’s easy to feel stuck in a loop of worry and uncertainty, especially when your mind is constantly racing with “what-ifs” and concerns about the future.

It’s quite amusing watching hamsters zoom around on those silly wheels! It’s like you all do this in your own heads. Very sad.

We’ve got a different approach for you. We didn't let fear stop us from preparing our food for the winter. What changes are you planning to make this spring?

We’re always excited to leap into the unknown, embracing the great wide open! Are you feeling ready to make a big move in your life?

Huxley in his younger & wilder days 

Embrace our fearless spirit! By letting go of fear and doubt, you’ll discover a world of new possibilities and experiences waiting for you.

These are some things you can do to embrace trust and surrender:

• Observe how squirrels navigate uncertainty with confidence.

• Recognize that fear and doubt can hinder personal growth.

• Practice letting

  ...

This is the first of many posts from Huxley, a member of the family Sciuridae, who lives a long and abundant life. You’ll see more ‘squirrel-isms’ in the weeks ahead. Huxley’s backstory is included at the bottom of each post. Comments and acorns are appreciated!

Squirrels symbolize mindfulness, reminding us to focus on the present moment and let go of anxiety and worry.

One of my favorite people in all the world said this:

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

― Mother Theresa

Have you ever noticed how some folks seem to dwell on their past mistakes endlessly? Maybe it’s someone you’re close to, like when they’re staring at their reflection?

Or what about those who worry about things that haven’t happened yet? They seem to carry their sadness into the future, pushing their troubles onto tomorrow.

GAAAAHHHHH!

Life can be tough, isn’t it? Have...

What do you call your dogs? Do they have pet names? What is is about us humans, that we have to have special names for those we love? (Glenn calls me Babe - which has nothing to do with the pig - I think.)

We call Amy and Bernadette  "The Puppies" - they just turned 9, for crying out loud. But that's how we call them - "Puppies! Puppies!" The fact that when we do that they come running might have something to do with why we keep calling them Puppies.

8 weeks old. Bernadette on the left, Amy with the white spot on her forehead.

We got Amy and Bernadette from a friend who always liked to give her girl dogs one litter of puppies before being spayed. Momma was a Labradoodle. Poppa was an Australian Shepherd (as opposed to a Rolling Stone). The Puppies look like Poppa except more slender than your typical Aussie, and they're more mid-sized, about 35 lbs each.

When we first saw them we were deep into whatever season of Big Bang Theory (BBT) was on the air. We asked the puppies what the...

If we listen closely, our animal friends tell us what they need. But we have to be open to getting our ego out of the way and seeing what wants to happen. Good lesson for all parts of life!

A cat named George lived on the property of a rescue group. He had shelter, and someone who fed him, but was pretty much left to himself. He wasn't unfriendly, he was just there. He was outside for a reason.

NOT George, but as cute as....

Attempts to introduce him to the joys of indoor living were met with scorn by George. Unbeknownst to those taking care of him, he had other plans, and it wasn't being where he was. Whenever he was brought inside he would mark all the horizontal surfaces. This was primarily the middle of the caretaker's bed. So she did what a lot of people do. She decided he could live outside. Okay by George. Part 1 of the plan done and done! (Be a little difficult.)

A few years passed, and he got in a fight. He was hurt pretty badly, and the vet, after cleaning him up, decided...