The War Rages On

Not since the Hatfield's and the McCoy's have two "neighbors" been at such odds. The first battle...waking up to our garbage can being completely chewed through and garbage strewn through our front tree like Christmas lights. This is when we knew the squirrels taking residence at 252 Clamar Ave. were out for keeps. We retaliated simply with an industrial strength garbage can. Things seemed to quiet down until we found a half eaten bagel in the window box. It was a simple message - we'll be back...

Perhaps the squirrels greatest assault commenced about 2 years ago. I was feeding a 1-year-old Ben in his high chair when I heard scratching across the ceiling. It didn't sound good so I decided once Ben went down for a nap I would figure out who needed to be called to deal with what could only be an intruder. Once Ben was down for his nap I walked into the living room and immediately came face to face with...a squirrel. In my living room. The next 2 days were a blur. Me grabbing Ben, a golf club and my cell phone and retreating to the safety of the car; a squirrel hunter who arrived, spent about 2 days at our house catching THREE squirrels that had eaten through the porch roof and invaded our home; and the subsequent destruction of everything the squirrels came in a 5ft. proximity to. The squirrels were caught and removed from the premises. Obviously, we thought we had taken care of the problem.

Of course, we were wrong. The squirrels now have their sights set on my new pride and joy - my tomato plant! I've been known to have something of a black thumb and this tomato plant is finally starting to change perceptions and give me some gardening cred. The squirrels are intent on making me look bad. I had noticed some ripe tomatoes a couple of weeks ago. All the sudden, nothing. It was perplexed until I saw one of my "neighbors" feasting on some juicy, home-grown tomatoes - right outside my window. I loaded up the tomato plants with crushed red pepper, basil and some "Joe's Hot Stuff" for good measure. It was a futile attempt. We caught them yet again feasting on the tomatoes that I have not even had a chance to sample - they get every ripe one before we can get to it. AH!

I don't even know where to go next with this. It's clear that Havertown squirrels have an unparalleled bravado and I'm not sure that there will ever be peace. In the meantime you can probably find me at Home Depot spending my paycheck on anything with a squirrel crossed out on the label. I won't give up!