Monday, March 4, 2013

Gratitude Monday -- A Lesson from a Squirrel

Assorted II 094

I learned a lesson in gratitude from a squirrel the other day, and for it I am grateful.
The squirrel, pictured above, is nibbling a peanut from the handful I set out.
I found them in the bottom of a container at the back of the cupboard. They looked fine, but the smell was more than off.
Though not fit for human consumption I thought I might attract a blue jay.
I'd set out fresh nuts in the shell a few times and the blue jay decided they were his and his alone.
He didn't even come by this time.
The squirrel is around quite a bit. He usually raids the bird feeder for sunflowers, but this time he came for the peanuts.
The smell did not bother him. He took every last one of them. Most went to his stash in the nearby swallow condominium, but  he sampled a few here and there. I was fortunate to get this action shot.
Food was made available. The squirrel found it edible and he knew that no matter how it smelled it was still food and still good and he took it because he knew he might be hungry one day soon.
It's a good reminder to not be overly selective when it comes to food as you never know when you might need it.
I presume he was grateful for it. I'm sure taking all of them was his way of saying thanks.
I am grateful they were edible and went to a good home.

17 comments:

Bossy Betty said...

We can learn a lot from the squirrels in our lives.

the Bag Lady said...

I'm sure he was grateful for the free food! I know I would never turn down a free meal.

Leah J. Utas said...

Betty, so true. There are lessons everywhere.

Bag Lady, neither would I.

Crabby McSlacker said...

And I'm grateful your peanut donation made for such a cute picture, really enjoyed that!

messymimi said...

There is something to be learned from the smallest of creatures. Scientists have tried to figure out which food is the squirrel's favorite, and have determined that their favorite is whatever food happens to be closest to them at the moment.

We should all be so grateful for what is in front of us.

Leah J. Utas said...

Why thank you, Crabby.

Messymimi,that's interesting, and it underscores my post. Thanks.

Hilary said...

I think Nature is a constant teacher. We just aren't always good students. You do excel though. That squirrel is adorable and it's a fine shot, Leah.

David Cranmer said...

Lessons can be learned from even the bandits among us.

Daryl said...

congrats on a POTW

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your POTW and thank you for sharing this lesson!

Friko said...

Absolutely.

I am sure you remember the old adage: ‘Waste Not Want Not’.

I have a larder full of food but I make sure I eat all of eat, preferably before it walks off by itself.

Congrats on POTW

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Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks, everybody. And the squirrel is thrilled.

TexWisGirl said...

so very cute! :)

thanks for coming over today! :)

Leah J. Utas said...

My pleasure.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

A treasure of a photograph -- and a good lesson for us, too. Congratulations on your POTW!

(Maybe he is a teenager? My formerly picky boy now eats just about anything, even if it isn't something he actually likes.)

Leah J. Utas said...

Hi Karen, thanks. I never thought about it, but maybe Mr. Squirrel is still growing.