Least Chipmunk

Isn't he the cutest? She? And those bulging cheeks? Just precious!
I didn't see one all summer last year, and certainly not this winter, but all of a sudden one appeared from under the wood-pile (I think) behind the RV and a little later I saw two (and you know what that means).



He actually managed to dive completely into the big boy squirrel feeder, the one I set up for his cousins, the Eastern Grey Squirrels who, when that feeder is empty, will raid the bird feeders as you can see ..

The cheeky buggers even go for the suet. Like this:

And if you think that isn't enough cuteness yet, a couple of days ago another (distant) family member showed up:

        

It's a (California) Ground Squirrel, they live in underground burrows, can form large colonies and will emerge in Spring from hibernation.
They're considered pests by most farmers since females have large litters ( 6-8) and with so many mouths to feed they can be quite destructive in the fields.
Come to think of that, I'll better protect those raised beds I'm planning to have!

Also there was this ..

  

And this ..

And of course I had to bring some of that inside:

                                                            

As usual, we ate a lot .. and nothing too shabby .. Cheese Fondue anyone?! (there's really nothing to it, but it looks, and tastes, great)

I putzt around as usual, as in, a little pu(t)zzling ..

I got myself a new one (fell in my cart at Walmart), it's another Wysocki but a little different than his usual primitives. I love this one!

There also was a little more 'hardcore' putzing :

                                            

I got my hands on some pallets and have started to take out some of the slats ... started indeed .. I gave up quickly because those nails are all rusted and in there good!
Hopefully James will give me hand here or, another brilliant idea, I might take a small saw to them and cut them out!
(Let me think about that some though before I ruin the whole thing ..)

I have to get these things going though because I've been planning and plotting and researching. Like this:

I've even asked for help from one of my favorite blogsters, Beverly from Bee Haven Acres, who is a great inspiration to me, and she honored me with a mention in her blog and a whole lot of info on when and what to sow or plant!
How cool is that?!

OK, 'nough said, pallets to wreck .. until next week!