Return of the Rodents

A quiet morning at the Lodge--rare for me--and a prelude to a very busy afternoon of diocesan business.

Surrounded by snow, a garden statue waits patiently for melting to free her.



A woodpecker breakfasts on suet.



A mourning dove explores recently open ground under the hemlocks.



The male cardinal waits his turn at the seed feeder.



Outside, all is peaceful.

Inside the Lodge--panic!

Says Jewel, "They're back! I saw one. No, two! Three! Maybe four!"



Ruth is worried. "We're outnumbered! What should we do?"



The cause of all this consternation?

Chipmunks!



They're everywhere. Rising up from the ground in great numbers, scampering all over the property.

I've put out food specially for them. I'm afraid if I don't, they'll storm the Lodge and take it by force! They're awfully hungry.