It’s unusually warm and sunny here today. 

Let me tell you how I found out:

I woke up because my dog was tremendously excited about morning, how dogs are. None of her hand-licking and whining had stirred me enough, so she resorted to jumping on my bladder and barking playfully. 
Being the responsible adult that I am, I hollered for Sassy to come take the dog out. Sassy did not answer, but the dog was further excited by my shouting, so she proceeded to run in circles and pounce s’more. 

I got up. 
My hair was already up. I don’t know exactly what happens to my hair while I sleep, but I’m pretty sure it involves faeries and epoxy of some sort…

I slipped on my boots, grabbed my coat and a much-needed hat, leashed the pouncing dog and off we went to the back yard.
Not cold at all. If my hair had been calm, I wouldn’t have needed the hat. Certainly didn’t need the coat or boots. Sun, warm on my face. I turned my face up to the sun, and heard my dog come running. I stepped on her leash to stop her. 

Good thing.

Chubby Squirrel had walked through the garden gate, just a few feet from me, and stared me right in the eye, which I believe is Squirrel for “Would you happen to have anymore nuts, please?” 

The dog might have lunged at Chubby Squirrel, but I happened to be standing on her leash. 

I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe the bravery of the squirrel. 

Chubby Squirrel took his leave, into one of the apple trees. Then he and the dog stared at one another for nearly an hour. I made coffee, fed the cats, wrangled my hair, put dishes away…
Finally, I had to go out there and walk her away from the squirrel in the tree. 

Chubby Squirrel will just hafta munch apples today. We’re out of foods for squirrels. Corn cobs, all gone. Nuts, all gone. No squirrel foods, even for beloved brave ones who nonchalantly walk up to dogs and humans.