It sure was dark and gloomy looking this morning when I ventured out for a walk, albeit a short one, since it took forever to lighten up. I am looking forward to the time change and “falling back” on November 2nd to get out a little earlier for walks and errands. I stayed in the neighborhood, and it was an unremarkable trip, save for this peanut pal who piqued my interest. Evidently the peanuts that are doled out by us humans for cute antics like begging on haunches, or a few flicks of the tail as a greeting when you are nearby, sometimes fall short for our furry friends. Maybe they are bored with the same food every day and seek tastier treats to supplement their diet. I spied this little guy sizing up a pumpkin that was part of a homeowner’s harvest décor. As I approached him, he was trying to take a bite out of one side, no doubt thwarted by the thick skin, plus it had no cutouts in it yet where he could sink his teeth into it to rip it apart. Despair registered on his face, frustrated by his inability to climb inside and noodle around like he usually does, so the project was quickly abandoned as he scampered off seeking peanuts, a project he could readily handle. Just wait another week ‘til people start putting out carved pumpkins and those squirrels will be in their glory. It’s pretty hard to “squirrel away” a pumpkin … you guys had better stick to nut gathering instead!