My resident chipmunk is named Chippy ... yes, unoriginal, but what're you gonna do? I thought he was just really quick - appearing "here" when I'd just seen him "over there." Then one day I saw five Chippies together under the bird feeder. Ah, that explains it!
We have garter snakes that give me the same startle response you mentioned re mice ... which we also have in our barn. Often the snakes hang out by the leaky water turn-on valves in the garden so when you bend down to turn one on, they slither off and I scream, jump straight up and clutch my heart every time! Must have happened six or seven times this past summer. The ones hiding in the shade of the vegetables while you're weeding are the worst though. Funnily enough, I didn't name the snake(s).
Hi Bird's Brain! Chip and Chippy...lol! There is also a Dale here (I can only tell the difference because Chip heads home to the north and Dale to the south. One of Chip's main entrances is right in front of my kitchen window and I get so much joy from watching him leap into his hidey hole. Sometimes they chase each other. I think Chip has a second residence in my woodpile. I was glad he wasn't out and about yesterday when the Bobcat came and was standing just feet from Chip's front door. 😲
I find it so interesting how I think they're adorable but mice scare the living daylights out of me. I've only seen a few snakes in the four years since I've been here. It's the "when you least expect it" startle that can stop your heart!
Just fyi for you: I have faced down strange barking dogs, dealt with angry cats, been scolded by birds, had squirrels read me the Riot Act, and killed bugs, even cockroaches, with my bare hands, but if I see a mouse in my house (or anybody's house for that matter), I scream like a little girl and find myself on the counter, the coffee table, or whatever else is available before I know what's what. ;)
Thanks for the fun photos, you're take CHIP SHOTS, ha ha.
Yes i do believe Chip is copying you in your meditation Barbara. Animals seem to recognise the high frequency energy of yoga, qigong and other healing modalities. My dogs and cats all try to get on my yoga mat with me which is cute but means I have to move and get another mat...
Yes, you're right, fear and anxiety is the normal state of most people now and I too wish that we could all connect to nature and animals to become fearless and at peace.
He was doing it again this morning...stopped nibbling under the bird feeder when I came outside...and stood up facing north. I absolutely agree with you and hear this from other about their animals. My energy healing teacher used to talk about this all the time.
Much love to you, Ingrid, and thx for reading! 🐿️ XO
I totally love this, Barbara! I love the story about your resident chips and the cartoon was the best. Kids don't get to watch cartoons like that anymore. I love the photo of your adorable barn. We have a barn too. It's a nice place to escape to every now and then.
And I'm a "startler" too. My youngest son ends up peeling me off the ceiling each time he sneaks silently into my office and then waits for my reaction, which usually involves grabbing my chest, gasping and yelling..."D-O-N'-T!!" This was fun, Barbara. Thanks.
Ha! Chip and Dale were a big part of me learning English when I moved to the States.
Still can’t get over that you’d rather have an encounter with a bear than a mouse! 😆 but I hear you, I don’t like being startled myself. Don’t like horror movies for that reason. Why put your nervous system though that on purpose?!?
Omg! I love hearing that, Tonika! Chip gave me a giant startle this morning. I had to do a Lucy Ricardo and jump onto my picnic table bench! :) Hope you're doing well! XOXO
Well, I do believe Chip and Dale's distant cousin Sofie has taken up residence in my garden. Cute as she may be...I shooed her off this morning as she carried away yet another of my raspberries. I would share but these red squirrels make taking every last raspberry, plum, peach I grow their life's mission. Not cool. Lol. I am also very easily started and I think it has something to do with being an empath. My husband has no problem watching tense scenes in movies where as I need to take a break or look away....it's so real to all my senses! More chamomile tea, please. Take care Barbara!
Oh boy. Would be nice if we could all share the bounty but my gardening friends tell me stories like yours. And, I just said that to someone yesterday regarding being an empath. Totally agree. I have to be super careful about movies I watch. Many times in the past I would have to go sit in the lobby of the theater. Or just leave. Yes to Chamomile! Lemon Balm, too!
It is true not every herb is for every one, not even ginseng. maybe real shilait. But gave up on garden? Oh goodness!, Did you try and slather yourself in a neem oil and lavender combination, no tick nor mosquito nor spider will affront you, until you sweat it off? that is what i do, if it is bad.
Nah, it's just not worth it for me. I have a wonderful farmer's market where I know all the farmers and I would rather support them than be miserable. But, thx for the suggestions!
"While I hear bits and pieces of nonsense going on in our wide world, I like to believe that living in harmony with the plants and animals will somehow reverberate peaceful energy into the field."
Oh I think this is very much the case Barbara, and thank you for that reminder and sharing your special patch in this wondrous world.🌿🐿🌿
My resident chipmunk is named Chippy ... yes, unoriginal, but what're you gonna do? I thought he was just really quick - appearing "here" when I'd just seen him "over there." Then one day I saw five Chippies together under the bird feeder. Ah, that explains it!
We have garter snakes that give me the same startle response you mentioned re mice ... which we also have in our barn. Often the snakes hang out by the leaky water turn-on valves in the garden so when you bend down to turn one on, they slither off and I scream, jump straight up and clutch my heart every time! Must have happened six or seven times this past summer. The ones hiding in the shade of the vegetables while you're weeding are the worst though. Funnily enough, I didn't name the snake(s).
Anyway, thanks for the fun post!
Hi Bird's Brain! Chip and Chippy...lol! There is also a Dale here (I can only tell the difference because Chip heads home to the north and Dale to the south. One of Chip's main entrances is right in front of my kitchen window and I get so much joy from watching him leap into his hidey hole. Sometimes they chase each other. I think Chip has a second residence in my woodpile. I was glad he wasn't out and about yesterday when the Bobcat came and was standing just feet from Chip's front door. 😲
Here's an article you. might find interesting: https://georgiawildlife.com/out-my-backdoor-chipmunks-winter-present-backyard-mystery
I find it so interesting how I think they're adorable but mice scare the living daylights out of me. I've only seen a few snakes in the four years since I've been here. It's the "when you least expect it" startle that can stop your heart!
Thx for reading The Quaking Poplar! XO
I think it's the tail ... fuzzy like a little bottle brush versus rat-like. And chipmunks seem like they go through life looking to have some fun.
Thanks for the link!
These posties are a bright spot in my day.
Just fyi for you: I have faced down strange barking dogs, dealt with angry cats, been scolded by birds, had squirrels read me the Riot Act, and killed bugs, even cockroaches, with my bare hands, but if I see a mouse in my house (or anybody's house for that matter), I scream like a little girl and find myself on the counter, the coffee table, or whatever else is available before I know what's what. ;)
Thanks for the fun photos, you're take CHIP SHOTS, ha ha.
Yes i do believe Chip is copying you in your meditation Barbara. Animals seem to recognise the high frequency energy of yoga, qigong and other healing modalities. My dogs and cats all try to get on my yoga mat with me which is cute but means I have to move and get another mat...
Yes, you're right, fear and anxiety is the normal state of most people now and I too wish that we could all connect to nature and animals to become fearless and at peace.
Critters teach US, and sometimes the other way around, but I think mostly they just try to humor us... ^_^
He was doing it again this morning...stopped nibbling under the bird feeder when I came outside...and stood up facing north. I absolutely agree with you and hear this from other about their animals. My energy healing teacher used to talk about this all the time.
Much love to you, Ingrid, and thx for reading! 🐿️ XO
I totally love this, Barbara! I love the story about your resident chips and the cartoon was the best. Kids don't get to watch cartoons like that anymore. I love the photo of your adorable barn. We have a barn too. It's a nice place to escape to every now and then.
And I'm a "startler" too. My youngest son ends up peeling me off the ceiling each time he sneaks silently into my office and then waits for my reaction, which usually involves grabbing my chest, gasping and yelling..."D-O-N'-T!!" This was fun, Barbara. Thanks.
Thx for reading, fellow startler! :) That old Chip and Dale cartoon!! Blast from the past.. XO
Ha! Chip and Dale were a big part of me learning English when I moved to the States.
Still can’t get over that you’d rather have an encounter with a bear than a mouse! 😆 but I hear you, I don’t like being startled myself. Don’t like horror movies for that reason. Why put your nervous system though that on purpose?!?
Omg! I love hearing that, Tonika! Chip gave me a giant startle this morning. I had to do a Lucy Ricardo and jump onto my picnic table bench! :) Hope you're doing well! XOXO
😆 yes, doing pretty good! Recouping from Saturday. I’m going to email you in a minute with a question.
Just answered you...XO
of course if you have low blood pressure you want to stay away from valerian, as i did in my youth but i can use it now, and i am glad.
Well, I do believe Chip and Dale's distant cousin Sofie has taken up residence in my garden. Cute as she may be...I shooed her off this morning as she carried away yet another of my raspberries. I would share but these red squirrels make taking every last raspberry, plum, peach I grow their life's mission. Not cool. Lol. I am also very easily started and I think it has something to do with being an empath. My husband has no problem watching tense scenes in movies where as I need to take a break or look away....it's so real to all my senses! More chamomile tea, please. Take care Barbara!
Oh boy. Would be nice if we could all share the bounty but my gardening friends tell me stories like yours. And, I just said that to someone yesterday regarding being an empath. Totally agree. I have to be super careful about movies I watch. Many times in the past I would have to go sit in the lobby of the theater. Or just leave. Yes to Chamomile! Lemon Balm, too!
Thx for reading, Heide! XO
I'd consider valarian too. Now i am older that and magnesium is a life saver. got 7 hours of sleep last night. woot!
I love chip and dale, but i would not feed 'em near the garden or house.
I'm one of those peeps who doesn't do well with Valerian. But I do a magnesium foot soak almost every night and it really does to sleep better.
I gave up on a garden last year (too many monster bugs here) and don't leave treats by the house anymore. Thx for reading! 🐿️🐿️
It is true not every herb is for every one, not even ginseng. maybe real shilait. But gave up on garden? Oh goodness!, Did you try and slather yourself in a neem oil and lavender combination, no tick nor mosquito nor spider will affront you, until you sweat it off? that is what i do, if it is bad.
Nah, it's just not worth it for me. I have a wonderful farmer's market where I know all the farmers and I would rather support them than be miserable. But, thx for the suggestions!
"While I hear bits and pieces of nonsense going on in our wide world, I like to believe that living in harmony with the plants and animals will somehow reverberate peaceful energy into the field."
Oh I think this is very much the case Barbara, and thank you for that reminder and sharing your special patch in this wondrous world.🌿🐿🌿
Maybe one day we'll all end up gathered together bathing in that energy surrounded by the trees and rivers and mountains in all their glory. XOXO
From your lips to Chip's ear...
A truly lovely thought! XO
Can I be there? 🙏🏼
Uh, duh! Of course you’ll be there! 🥰
Yay! 😁
I just caught Chip sitting in a pot on my kitchen stoop. He’s in heaven from all the press! 🐿️😂🥰
You have a wonderful neighbor. I love how we respond to our little fellow earthly co-habitants. You have a Chip and I have a Charlie Rabbit.♥
We are so lucky! XOXO
Thank you for introducing us to Chip he is indeed delightful and like you said so cute! 😃🐿️
Thx for reading! He’s going to be even more full of himself after all this praise! 🐿️🥰
I loved the "poser" caption!!
I love chip!
Me, too! He's a varmint! lol
I’ll tell him you said so! 🐿️🥰