June 24, 2022
Good morning!
Today is Friday. I woke up wondering if we should put together a trousseau for our hopping crow. I might ask Patrick the next time he comes over.
Patrick is our chipmunk. Patrick is all our chipmunks, throughout all of time. Generations upon generations of chipmunks have passed through our yard and they have all, even the Patricias, been Patrick. It’s just easier that way.
Patrick knows everyone and everything. He’s an incredible shopper and incurable gossip. And I’m confident he’ll know exactly what we should give our crow. Maybe he’d even be willing to offer up one of his seed stashes?
“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.”
—Seneca the Younger
Even toffee?
Respiteers, by which I mean my dear paying subscribers who keep the USS Respite afloat and make this all possible, shall we gather at 2pm to discuss our crow trousseau? As always, check your email right before the hour.
Onwards,
Clara
I recommend a fat/suet block and mealworms. Mr and Mrs Crow will love those all year round. Peanuts are for late autumn and winter only as the wee ones can occasionally choke on a peanut. Crows also love scrambled eggs as a treat. Oh and the occasional roast potato.
Our squirrels are Wilbur and Wilma to my partner, just Wilbur to me. Wilbur is a black squirrel who lives in the yard and chases off his rivals, defending his favourite spots with vigilance, Eve from his partner. He digs up and eats all tulip bulbs, however caged for protection, except the yellow species tulips which he ignores. He overturns the bird feeder with mighty leaps from new jump off points, and all winter long entertains our 12 year old cat who sits at the French doors, longing for spring. And he charms us.