Teacup vs. The Pines

Tom, Teacup and I were enjoying a Saturday afternoon on the porch, sitting beneath the maple and enjoying the sunny, cool weather. Teacup was half asleep beside the concrete bench. That's when I heard a light chatter overhead and saw one of our small squirrels take a seat on a knot.

 I nodded to Tom and we watched as he munched maple seeds. He'd gather a few and then sit and enjoy the meal. The squirrel, after all, was doing the same as we.

 These tiny pine squirrels (Tamiasciurus) share this plot with us year-round. I often hear them scampering across the roof, else in the rain gutters gathering seeds. I see them, too, drinking HVAC condensate as it drips onto the roof from the second floor unit. They're forever scurrying about. They stop to eat and sleep ... and that's about it.

 About this time I looked back to Teacup and saw that she had locked onto the critter, too. She was fairly shaking with anticipation of a run.

 The  squirrel was not about to abandon his spot. Teacup anticipated a race.

 But it quickly became a staring contest. Teacup froze in place; so, too, did the squirrel.

 Teacup's genes hearken back to her lion ancestors. The thrill of the hunt coursed through her small body. She'd crouch down, seemingly hidden. But the squirrel seemed to mock her mighty threat.

 If staring could bring him down, Teacup would win ...

 The pine remained motionless, too.

 Eventually the squirrel made a quick foray onto the porch and Teacup exploded into action. But she was no match for the squirrel - or quick climbing ability - of the tiny animal. It flew back up the tree and chattered incessantly. "Do you really think you had a chance?" he seemed to laugh.

 Slowly both tired of the game. There were seeds awaiting and Teacup's nap had been interrupted. Both went back to their tasks.

 Tom and I sat in our chairs and watched the contest fade.