Scurries and Drays

November 27, 2018

Beloved:

             I can see seven squirrels’ nests in the treetops out my study window, but only in the winter.  Each is about half-bushel size, made of leaves and sticks.  Watching the little fellows go in and out, I got interested in their lifestyle and learned a couple of things.  A family of squirrels is a dray, and an unrelated group of squirrels is a scurry.  A scurry of squirrels is about the most fun thing to say ever.  

              Seven nests is no indication of how many drays or scurries might live in these woods, since the nests aren’t homes, just motels.  A squirrel naps in whatever nest has room when she’s tired.  The interior is tiny.  A big nest has room for two squirrels at most.  They rest here and there as needed and then go back to work.  Apparently, they aren’t especially social and don’t care whom they sleep with, which I suppose is both convenient and a little lonely.

             But I still have so many questions!  How many nests are really out there and do they ever run out of room?  Who decides it’s time to build another?  And, who cleans the rooms?  Who does all that motel maintenance?  Is there some bushy-tailed siding & roofing specialist out there, keeping all those nests warmer, safer, drier?  On the one paw, that’s just silly.  On the other -- the nest closest to my window has been there for at least two years.  Someone must be maintaining it, some genius engineer whose buildings stay put when every other leaf in the woods blows down.

             For all my questions, one thing I know for sure.  Of all the things invented by a human, none surpasses the perfection of the window.

~ peace & prayers,
pastor Annette

Picture I took at my daughter’s house --  
Elvis & Lando watching the world