Cheeky and Stingy

We have a cheeky squirrel. We see each other through the back door window about the same time every early morning. I am looking at the indoor/outdoor thermometer to see how hot it is already. He is lurking in/on/near/around the garbage and recycle bins. I am looking out the window to see the sun, check the sky, ponder what the day will bring, and other early morning thoughts. He is looking in to see what I will do. Sometimes I open the door just to see him scamper away. He usually has some little scavenged nubbin from the cans.

The other day I ventured outside early to weed in the cooler part of a hotsy totsy day. I wandered around the back, and heard some scampering. We were not that far apart, me on the sidewalk and he on the top of the fence. We looked at each other for what seemed like time standing still. I don't recall who moved first. I think I stepped forward and he immediately ran the fence line away. I hoped he would not jump out and land on my head or shoulders with paws outstretched and scratching. I just wanted to go to "no-man's land" and cut off the withered hosta flower stems and pull out some lanterny weed things that grew to practically bush size. I was glad I walked around the house without incident.

Only to have my Honey tell me about the wasp nest on the oregano and chives corner of my vegetable garden. Bees in a constant buzz don't entice me to pick oregano. Convinced the kids that if I went out the front door, around the garden to the bean corner, I would not get stung. Only to discover another wasp nest. With bees buzzing around. Nothing like being terrified to pick a few fresh garden beans.

I am not fond of this quote of which I read in learning how to rid of a wasp nest.

"Wasps are not the friendliest creatures at the best of times and when you are threatening their home they are, rather understandably, likely to get pretty mad."

And then my Lil' Miss asks "can I go see it?" Um, no and double no to that one! Not a chance!