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Friday frivolity: if animals could talk

By JIM NIGRO

Murph and Charlie were on their way to dig tunnels in the flower bed when Murph spotted trouble approaching from the rough growth at the edge of the yard. "Uh-oh -- look who's back," he said. "Do ya think two of us can handle 'im?" asked Charlie. "No way -- he didn't get that big eatin' just bugs," Murph said.

Slinking through the rough that bordered the lawn was a slithering nemesis who had time and again menaced the local chipmunks. Having spotted his potential quarry, the sinister creature mused to himself, "Isthmus be my lucky day! Little fur balls! Boy oh boy! This should be a piece of cake!"

"Listen," whispered Murph to Charlie, "we're gonna need help. Go fetch the Muldoon brothers -- they always enjoy a good scrap -- and be quick about it."

"Hey Seamus, Rory, we need your help -- the snake is back!" As expected, the Muldoon bros pledged their support, no questions asked.

"Count us in" chorused the Frawley clan, sensing the excitement and eager to join the fray.

With reinforcements on the way, Murph is temporarily on his own when he comes face to face with the adversary.......

"Hello there, my little furry and tasty friend.......why don't you come a little closer, hmmm?" No sooner had the sinister menace lisped those words when he heard approaching movement in the grass.

Raising his head to better scope out the situation, the slithering reptilian suddenly sees the potential for a one-sided melee, and the odds are no longer in his favor.

Subtle, stealthful, and none too foolish, the serpent retreats to the rough from whence he came. As for the chipmunks, they went happily about their business of once again making holes in the lawn and flower bed.

Ed Hartgrove

Jim. Though your photography and commentary is always amazing, I absolutely loved your storyline on this (especially the usage of the word Isthmus).
Top rate!
Thank you!

Jul 10, 2015, 10:27am Permalink
Mary K. Lennon

Sweet! I am sure many grandparents, including myself, will draw their grandchildren close as they read your story to them. Thanks.

Jul 10, 2015, 11:56am Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

Bea Mcmanis - Page #2 (on the flag issue) is a mirror image of page #1.
Your comment #50 also appears as your comment #100.

It's another flaw in thebatavian website.
I just finished an email to Howard, letting him know.
(Sorry I had to post THIS answer in Jim Nigro's space, but, I didn't want to risk it on a page 3 flaw).

Jul 10, 2015, 12:04pm Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

Jason - Yeah, I also wondered what kind of snake it was. JuWas just about to ask when I noticed the 'header' at the beginning of the post.

It reads: Jim Nigro in outdoors, nature, chipmunks, garter snake.

(I very rarely read the WHOLE header - just the author's name - guess I'll have to change that habit)

Jul 10, 2015, 12:17pm Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Classic Jim Nigro. This.made.my.day. What a hoot. My son also enjoyed this very much. Thank you.

I used to take garter snakes to school in a shoebox filled w/grass and rocks for show & tell. I'd put plastic wrap on top that I poked holes in so it could breath. Aaah, back in the day.

Have a wonderful weekend, Jim & Claudia.

Jul 10, 2015, 5:07pm Permalink

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