My favorite winter evening is cuddled under blankets, white Christmas lights glowing, daughters telling stories. Sequoia snuggles against my shoulder. Jeronimo on his back, stubby legs poking up as he intently studies the tree with his sly grin. The Christmas tree is safe... momentarily...
Some people just can't stand to eat off the same plates as a skunk. Frankly, I don't see the problem. It's not like the plate remains unwashed. Only skunk people know, these are special creatures, intelligent, resourceful with their surroundings. Meaning skunks wipe. Skunks do not lick. They might scoot on the nearest rug to wipe.... but they do not lick. And everyday they brush themselves and brush their teeth.... Skunks do not eat gucky stuff. Unless we feed crickets and grubs... not happening in my house.. they must be content with steak and chicken, shrimp and salmon. Proteins that I, too, am willing to eat..... Thanksgiving dinner, skunks eat from the antique china....
On the night of the gifts, the skunks on night prowl were rewarded with wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons, bows, boxes everywhere. But, no, they didn't throw themselves into the paper or loose ribbons like a cat. No. My skunks pounced the wrapped presents. For once, sharing. Gleeful comrades. They dug those presents - literally dug with determination and long skunk claws, enhanced by brotherly snarling and squealing. While I was shoving wrapped presents on the hearth where the skunks should have been, the brothers dove onto the next gifts. Fortunately for me, they started butt-shoving each other out of the way.
Hubby said I was burping her, but no, I know a happy bubble when I hear it...
"I know, let's leap into the Christmas tree!" said Sequoia. And so they did...
December 19, 2009
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