Of Squirrels, Seeds, and Hope

I was thinking just a few weeks ago how sad it was that, for the first time since we moved here, I hadn't planted any sunflowers. I guess I haven't really had my heart in gardening this year. Everything is overgrown and untended. I think part of the problem is that for the last few months I haven't been putting out food for the birds and squirrels so as to discourage neighborhood pests (at the request of a neighbor). The backyard just doesn't seem the same without the daily visits of the birds and my squirrel friends. I knew each of my squirrels. They had personalities, likes, dislikes, habits. I must admit I still sneak out a small handful of sunflower seeds or peanuts when I see a squirrel sitting out there looking for them, but they don't come by very often anymore. I looked out the window the other day and realized that one of my dear little squirrels planted a present for me; so I have my sunflower after all. It doesn't make up for the lack of birds and squirrels, but it does make me want to spend some time puttering around out there putting things to rights.