Too Many Critters

There are four possum youngsters in the shed  (aka Grammy Cave) tonight. I'm writing this at 3 a.m. -- because who can sleep with four possums in the place? For one thing, I have to lie awake and wonder whether there were four all along, and I just didn't notice it because only two came in at a time. And are they even Edgarina's offspring? Maybe they simply heard through the PNC -- Possum News Channel -- that this was a good place to get a meal and a nap.

Jut to be on the safe side, I named them -- Curry and Hurry. Curry climbed onto the cat condo. Scurry already had the top platform, so Curry went to the highest "apartment." Flurry was already in there, and  sibling or not, she was not about to share her quarters, even though there was plenty of room. Flurry therefore encouraged the newcomer to leave -- quickly. So Curry settled down on a lower platform, and began to wash herself, as Scurry ws doing on the top level.

Meanwhile, Hurry ate as quickly as she could. I scared her half to death by going over nd refilling the food and water dishes.She dodged to one side and made motions like she was about to take refuge under the built-in worktable, but she hurriedly returned to eating when I stepped away. They all are probably fattening up for a long winter's nap. Soemtimes I wonder whether they have chosen my Grammy Cave for their winter den.

As each possum moved to a different place, I reminded them, "Use the litter box." They unanimously ran through it and hid in various corners of the room.

H and C must be newcomers beause the cats quickly reached the limit of their tolerance. Even Goldsmith  is whining and growling a cat challenge, and he loves everybody. The possums may be scared, but they aren't about to give up the free eats. There has been some scurrying and interspecies hissing, but the possum children have settled down to eat in twos, which I suppose gives them some feeling of security. And it worked because Goldsmith has given up his challenge and resettled on my office chair next to the recliner I sleep in. Nervous BB has left his spot atop a box and is cowering next to me in the recliner.

Interestingly enough, I've been reading a Sam Campbell book. Campbell was a naturalist who lived most of the year in an animal sanctuary in the north woods until his death in 1962. He and hi wife, Giny, rescued, raised and released many orphaned animals, from tiny red squirrels to bears.He wrote about their adventures and troubles with the wild creatures, and in the deepest recesses of my heart, I have always wanted to be Sam Campbell, so I welcome the wild ones.

I just hope I don't have to clean up possum poop when daylight comes.