Last week I mentioned that the “real Winter” was wary of putting in an appearance and perhaps I jinxed things?
Winter has returned with a vengeance, though you would not have known that Saturday. We had Spring-like temperatures and rain that began at just before midnight on Friday and continued nonstop through Saturday. We got about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) of rain altogether. I understand that if that precip had been snow, we’d have ended up with 25 inches (63 cms) of the white stuff. Yikes!
We lucked out, though the sidewalks and driveway looked like a washboard Sunday morning and the same scenario happened this morning. A light dusting of snow made shoveling or sweeping seem like a waste of time. I think the snow would provide a better walking surface until everything melts away when temperatures climb again on Tuesday. In reading the Facebook forum for local happenings, it seems a lot of homeowners in our City had extensive flooding. The northern counties did not fare so well when rain morphed into a freezing drizzle and ice coated the streets. The weather folks issued warnings in advance for not only torrential rain, but icy conditions and then snow … a smorgasbord of not only crummy, but also dangerous, weather. DTE, our energy provider, was so sure we would encounter massive downed lines and power outages as a result of the ice storm, that they requested 200 linemen from three neighboring states. By a stroke of luck, the temperature was just a smidge over the freezing mark and the widespread ice damage which was anticipated, did not occur, so the extra linemen returned to their respective states.
I’ll be putting my jaunts to the Park on hold until all the ice is gone – now we have predictions for a snow/ice storm on Friday into Saturday. My walking regimen took a major hit over the last week. In fact, I have not done very well since the beginning of the year, racking up barely ten miles to date. I took last Monday to run errands, as I knew the weather report looked dicey for the next week to ten days.
Because my motto is “seize the day” when it comes to walking, as you know, Fall-like temperatures and my wish to reach my year-end goal, meant I enjoyed a lot of walking time in December. Christmas Day was an exception when we had freezing fog which lasted until early afternoon. I got out later in the day, but my furry and feathered pals were tucked into their respective nests already. I sure hope my peanut-eating pals are doing okay at the Park. I continue to cater to a few squirrels and birds who come calling at the door for peanuts.
Shadow play …
I have some new followers since the last time I did a post exclusively about Parker, my favorite peanut pal at Council Point Park. This little Fox squirrel has my heart and I am not shy about telling you that I cater to him more than the others, with secret stashes of treats and niceties just for him. Yes, those little indulgences like extra Nutter Butters, peanut M&Ms or the biggest and shiniest apple are because I cannot resist those big brown eyes and that tail that swishes when he sees me. 🙂 I admit I am a sucker for his wily ways and in turn this little guy sometimes may be found trailing around behind me like a faithful dog.
Here is Parker happily noshing on a nut in a tree.
So … one sunny day in December, the sun was low in the sky allowing for some fun shadows. Seeing my elongated legs and Parker’s fuzzy tail as he sat contently by my side just gave me a smile. I spent about a half-hour getting the shots just right, repeatedly telling my furry friend to “hold that pose sweetie!”
What is not to love about a sunny day, especially when you can make a few fun shadows?
Apparently Parker was basking in the sun, (as well as all my extra attention), because at the end of my trek on the perimeter path, I walked back to my car and there he was, waiting ever so sweetly by the rear tire of my car. He knows two things: 1) I will give him more peanuts because I like him; and 2) I will give him even extra peanuts which I put far enough away from the car, so he is occupied and I can beat a hasty retreat and drive away without running over him. Parker the Squirrel is no slouch when it comes to treats!
For those who do not know, this little Fox squirrel was given the moniker of “Parker” several years ago by me. I don’t always drive to the Park, but when I do, this sly little squirrel recognized my car and parked himself next to it, while hoping to scam a few more peanuts before I headed home. Of course, I had already given him peanuts when I walked the first loop, and sometimes each subsequent loop after that. So this became a ritual – I am sure he climbs to the highest tree to scope out when I’m ready to leave the Park.
Parker is fond of putting his paw on my shoe top to get my attention, and, has, on a few occasions, if I don’t succumb to the “treat stare” and tender peanuts quickly enough, attempted to scale my pant leg to reach the peanuts I have hanging in a mesh bag clipped to my fanny pack, or he will start trying to reach my coat pocket where a bag of peanuts peeking out entices him to do acrobatics.
He often begins dancing around my feet …
… then resting a front paw on my shoe and often gazing up at me with that “peanuts pretty please” treat stare!
So, without a shadow of a doubt, Parker is my favorite Park squirrel and he knows it and now you know why too!
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
He sure has you wrapped around his little finger. LOL! I bet he is missing you. Hopefully we will get enough melting so you can get to the park soon.
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He sure does Ruth! I looked outside late this afternoon and it looks like the ice has melted off the driveway and sidewalks, (it was still icy this morning), so I’m going to pay my little pal a visit. 🙂
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I’m glad to here your ice was gone. I was working on chipping ours away yesterday afternoon. When I was at the farm yesterday it seemed like everything was covered in ice but it was just a top layer, that broke when I stepped on it, with water underneath,
Enjoy your walk Linda. I’m sure he will enjoy seeing you.
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That’s the kind of ice, with the water underneath, what I thought I could chip away at Monday a.m., but it was still too icy. I was relieved it melted yesterday afternoon, but now I hear more freezing drizzle Wednesday night – that was the first I heard about that … I’m going to make the most of today/tomorrow … hopefully the pathway is not icy, and if so, I’ll leave some peanuts on the picnic table to tide them over til better weather arrives (whenever that will be due to this weekend’s storm).
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You will make up the miles. You may have to wait a bit but you will.
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It looks like the ice is gone from my driveway Kate, so I’m pretty happy about that. It takes forever as I’m on the shady side of the street. I will try tomorrow and Wednesday before the next onslaught of freezing rain/snow on Friday afternoon.
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After a weirdly warm weekend I’m ready for some cooler temps. It is winter and all. Parker is the epitome of a little con artist, if you ask me. And you are his mark.
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I’m not caring for the wacky and dangerous weather either Ally. All that rain caused massive flooding in neighborhoods and on expressways. Thankfully the really bad ice stayed away – now they’re talking about an ice/snowstorm on Friday afternoon. You are correct – Parker knows how to work a crowd and I am number one on his list as I’m a soft touch.
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We all love Parker!
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Yes we do Anne. I figured I’d better write about Parker soon, before he hijacked the blog like before!
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Logan is my biggest draw.
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Yup, he gets granola bars and found the Halloween candy in the cookie jar.
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Because you give him cookies!!! lol
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Yes, I should have added Christmas cookies along with Nutter Butters Diane – he is like a spoiled kid!
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oh so fun – and love the Parker paw on the shoe (my dog Cody did that with me – but not for snacks – just when I was writing)
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and the shadow play was fun too –
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I have had Parker looking right at me with two paws on one shoe – very cute. He moves around a lot, so I’m lucky to get anything. It was a beautiful but cold day – I have no issues with the cold, if its clear, as I just bundle up, but this ice nonsense I don’t like. It melted this afternoon, so I’ll hope to get a walk in tomorrow. You had some fun shadow play on a walk too – my legs look like stilts!
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whew – yes – ice is bad news…
and side note – had a beautiful walk today – in what has become my favorite little walking spot – just a small trail and I make about four loops while the hubs does sprints – now that my walking out 2019 has ended – I am just going to walk once a week – because I do other workouts too –
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Ice is scary Yvette and I am happy it melted late yesterday – the way I see it, I have two days to take the car for a little run as it’s not been out for a week and take myself for a walk as well. I’ve not been to the Park since a week ago Sunday. I hope it is not icy there on the asphalt trail because if it is, I’m going to leave some peanuts on the picnic table and leave and return tomorrow. Even in October when we begin having colder temps, the path tends to ice up on the side of the loops that run along the Creek – I have lost my footing a few times in the past, so I am wary and try to stay on the other side or the grass. I have to incorporate more exercise into my routine – I’m trying to step away from the computer a little and do that as the walking will continue taking a hit while Winter progresses … the exercise bike is the best option for me. Your walk sounds delightful and more so if you see some birds and squirrels along the way.
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😊❤️
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I’m sure Parker will be famous someday. He’s such a cutie. And I was going to say a con man too, but Ally beat me to it!
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I think you’re right Joni – Parker loves the attention and I’ve taken better shots of him, where he is much closer with his face looking up directly at me, but he is so wiry and full of energy when there is a peanut quest involved, that I have to get him before he gets the peanuts and then scurries off. I do think he is a bit of a scam artist! Finally the ice out front melted and I’ll venture out in the car to the Park today and tomorrow – Wednesday p.m. we may have some more freezing drizzle and snow showers and then the freezing rain/snow event that will happen Friday into Saturday. I;m guessing you will have similar weather. I’m not liking this weather at all and not just for missing walks … right now, walks take a back seat to worries about this weather and the ice on lines and sidewalks/driveways … it will be a good weekend to finish my book … I saved Part II of “Every Breath” by Nicholas Sparks for next weekend. I am glad you have encouraged me to read more. How did I go 20 years without doing so?
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I only read one NIcolas Sparks book and that was years ago and I don’t remember which one? Snow/ice has melted here so I might venture for a walk. Our weekend does not look good either, but too much snow either, so far I have only had to shovel the driveway once. I’m glad you are enjoying your reading – it’s like a mini-vacation!
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I really liked the first book, “The Notebook”, but have not read any others by him. I signed up for news on his next book which comes out in September this year. It was like a mini-vacation but I have to find a better place to read. The booklights helped, but too dark in there and all the rooms in this house have crummy light. I have a floor light and it gives a lot of light, so either have to go in that room or move it so I can see better. I like this book – next weekend I’ll finish Part II, the second part of the story.
It was great getting out this morning – no ice and it was free and clear on the trail with no wet spots and no ice. Only two walkers were there and I didn’t know them, so I suspect people are using their treadmills or walking at the mall now. Lots of squirrels running over, so guess no one has been down there. I keep hearing about Friday into Saturday being a repeat of our Saturday into Sunday from last weekend and hope they are wrong about that. The weather is just too erratic for my liking – I’m glad for no snow but the freezing rain is no joy either when you live on the shady side of the street.
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Miss Linda……………………………I DO LOVE Mr. Parker with his paw on your shoe!!!……………..and I enjoyed all of the shadow pictures………………………clever and cute
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He is a little bundle of energy Ann Marie, and though I’ve seen him park his whole body on my shoe and try to scramble up my leg, I was afraid to delay giving him peanuts once he started his dance around my feet, as I’d rather he not do that, even with my heavy sweatpants on. He sure is a cutie and this morning finally we will have no ice at the house and I feel safe to venture out and take the car for a spin and feed Parker and his pals – I’ve got my fingers crossed the perimeter path is not icy on the Creek side; as you know it often freezes up on that side. It was so funny that day that it was fun to make shadow pictures with my little pal. 🙂
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I hope the weather will cooperate with your walking and feeding the critters! It seems like the weather has been temperamental across the country. It’s been raining here and our expected snow isn’t happening. What a strange winter! I wish you better weather for the remainder of the week! ☃️
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Thanks Sabine – I am hoping to get out this morning – the ice melted and as soon as it is light, I’ll take the car for a spin and walk at the Park where I hope the asphalt path is not icy along the side that runs parallel to the Creek. I will leave some peanuts on the picnic table then – I don’t want to give them too many peanuts as I don’t want the geese charging in and taking over their food – if no geese are there, I’ll leave more peanuts on the pathway. Tomorrow I may take some apples for them too but that is not good for protein like peanuts are, but a nice little treat for them to nibble on.
They are now saying we will have a little freezing rain Wednesday night with snow showers – like you said, this is unusual weather all across the U.S. and in some places with these Winter tornadoes is very scary. This freezing rain scenario every other night is making me a bigger weather worrier than I already am.
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You’re so nice to care for the furry guys at your park! 🐿
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And I worry about them like they were my own pets. They are very cute and friendly though.
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Parker knows how to use his charm to get treats! 🙂
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He sure does Clare – I don’t have to tell you that we should NEVER underestimate the charm and persistence of animals. Did you see Kim’s post with Gracie’s chick? I thought of all my fellow blogging buddies who have chickens, knowing they got a little grin seeing it. I look forward to seeing more shots of that little chick.
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Parker sure knows how to captivate our attention! Such a fun post, great photos, Linda. I sure hope the weather turns better so you can get out and visit Parker and get some miles in too!
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Thanks Shelley – glad you liked it. I hope to get out this morning. Too dark to see if we got any precip overnight and made it icy … crossing my finger nothing happened … we have two days, then freezing drizzle Wednesday night, then the next freezing/snow event Friday into Saturday – sigh.
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Happy Trails to you! Seize the day!
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Parker was stopping you from getting away until he got his peanuts!
Lets hope that Hawk doesn’t come along!
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Yes, and the little bugger got peanuts every time I went past his tree and he went scurrying out to the parking lot to wait for me to get there on top of it!
I am always searching the sky for hawks before I lay down peanuts, especially since I was not there in over a week and I doubt anyone else who feeds them was there either. We had too much rain and freezing rain, then snow,so folks stayed away. There were feathers everywhere from a Mourning Dove this morning at the Park. I was sure that was the plumage and checked when I got online – there were tail feathers and feathers that were brown with black spots. But no blood, just a long quill and lots of feathers … I am thinking a hawk carried it away – a coyote might have made a mess and there have been no recent coyote sightings. I did not see any geese either, so it was safe to lay down peanuts.
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yes, our raptor friends need to eat too…..we’d just prefer they eat someone we don’t know!
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Agreed, but … if only they would stick to mice, voles – even rats. Undesirable creatures – not the squirrels either. What was this raptor thinking by attacking a gentle Mourning Dove? This soft-hearted soul cringed when she saw the aftermath of the ravage.
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back in the bush I always come across kill sites. Looks like the poor thing was dropped into a blender. Wolves leave nothing but cleaned bones behind.
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Oh that would be grim – I remember your poor seal or sea lion and the green bough you placed on its poor little body. But that was hunters – even worse that four-legged predators. It was gone this morning – wondered about that as well.
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that was a Sea Otter I found. I hate coming upon that stuff.
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I thought so – the picture remained in my brain for a long time afterward. It was sad.
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it was killed just for its beautiful fur! A curse upon the person who did that!
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Yes, that is beyond cruel – I agree, curse the people who have no respect for an animal and would skin it like that – hopefully not alive.
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trust me,it was dead or the person would of lost some fingers.
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Yes, that makes sense – I just was thinking how cruel to do that. But they didn’t want to mar the fur, so no telling how they killed it.
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it was shot. I could see the bullet hole. Wolves had a field day when they found that prize I bet!
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Well I guess they had to suffer the consequences of a bullet hole in the fur. Yes, the wolves thought it was their lucky day – lay back and feast and not have to do any work.
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Linda,
Parker is a cutie and I love him and I wish every post was about him and his things. I wouldn’t mind. But he looks a lot thinner than in the late fall pictures- does that mean warmer weather is on the way ? I seem to have missed the snow weather this year. I wonder what was- my family was so worried about me getting caught in snowstorms when I returned from the winter break and nothing happened- we desert people didn’t know what was happening- perhaps the Parkers know that good weather is peeping between the leaves. Last year was hard and long winter for you.
I hope the cold weather gives your town the miss too.
Susie
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I knew you would love the Parker post Susie. I am going to do another nature post, then a squirrel post again next week – stay tuned. A fellow blogger sent me a link to a WordPress blogger that had a gigantic squirrel she wrote about – you will not believe the size of this squirrel. Have a look:
https://intothelightadventures.com/largest-member-of-the-sciuridae/
And look at this little cutie that looks like Grady only with cute white paws:
https://intothelightadventures.com/280-species-of-squirrels/
It may just be the way Parker was standing, or, because we have thus far had a pretty mild and easy Winter. (That nice Winter season stops soon though, as we have the same Winter storm that you are getting hit with at the end of this week – at least you can hunker down in your dorm unless you need to go to the library.
Anyway, Mother Nature gives the squirrels heavier fur and an extra layer of fat in the Winter, and you are right that they are often so fat and roly poly that they waddle, but since the Winter has been so mild thus far, they are likely out roaming around for buried peanuts or foraging what they can like pine cone nuts or some of the berries that are still on the trees so all that exercise is making them thinner. We did have a long and hard Winter last year – I am hoping this snow goes fast like the other times, but they had predicted a snowy and cold late January and February for us, so maybe not – but the “Farmer’s Almanac” is not always right either. I’m actually okay with cold weather as I can dress for it – it is that snow and ice that stop me in my tracks for sure.
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I went to the blog link and saw those pictures- another squirrel lover blogger. Mittens is the cutest- does she look like Grady ?
It is time for a Grady and pals post, Linda.
Secret : Out of all the squirrels, Parker is still the handsomest on cuteness factor.
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Isn’t that great Susie – I knew you’d fall in love with that cutie pie Mittens. I tried to get some pictures of Grady the Great Squirrel yesterday and he was not around. The day before when the camera was in my pocket and not handy, he was hanging around and acting so cute. I’ll try again today when I go out. I think Parker is pretty handsome too and he’s got that personality thing going as well. I’m going to treat them extra today and tomorrow as we have that bad snowstorm coming in – sigh.
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Can you like try to put a red bow on Parker’s neck- would he let you do that- i think animals look so cute with red bows. Just kidding about trying it out on Parker.
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I could put a red bow on his neck like I did with the geese at Christmastime … that was a “sticker” from a website called photofunny.net and I had some fun with that post Susie as you recall.
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I love his name and your shadow photos are so cool. Great job.
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Thanks Sandra – I was forwarded your blog and your last post from a fellow blogger (Fred) who knows I like squirrels. I am a walker who likes to photograph these little guys at the Park – also around my house. For peanuts I get fun poses and they set my day off right. Parker is a delight – he is like having a pet sometimes. 🙂
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I look forward to seeing your photos, I put you in my favorites so it is easier to find. Have a great day.
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Thanks Sandra. I post about twice a week, sometimes less in Winter.
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Ah you two steal my heart a girl and her squirrel. ❤️ Xo kim
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Yes, my little darling at the Park Kim – it is nice to be adored, if only for my treats. 🙂 I decided he deserved his own post, rather than put him into one about “Squirrel Appreciation Day”.
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I loved reading about Parker again. I’m glad he has you looking out for him… if I wasn’t worried about him finding the way back to the park I’d tell you to take him home with you once…
💕🕯🌠
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I am tempted to sometimes Ellie – and the cute little gray squirrel as well. I’m going to write a post for Tuesday mentioning Grady – he is a real cutie pie too. He begs shamelessly for peanuts.
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Is he the black one? Looking forward…
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I see a lot of little black squirrels at the Park. There only used to be one for the longest time and I thought he lived in the neighborhood and had people feeding him and only occasionally came to the Park. Now there are lots of them. I have two black squirrels in a tree by my house, but they are real timid and I see them run over and grab a peanut, then run away again, so I don’t interact with them much. Now Grady the gray squirrel I do interact with him and have some pics I took the other day which will be in tomorrow’s post, which I did last night.
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Parker is such a little sweetie ❤
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I love Parker!! you two are so blessed! Thank you for sharing
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