I’ve often heard humans say, “Every day feels like Groundhog Day.” Now I’m not really sure what they’re getting at with that expression, but around here, every day really is Groundhog Day. And that’s because this guy has taken up residence in our backyard:
And I have to say, he’s kind of freaking me out!! I thought my claws were sharp, but his are ferocious-looking! Sometimes when I’m sitting in the bedroom window we have staring contests, which I usually win, if only because I can withstand boredom better than most living creatures.
Those Two think he’s cute. They refer to him as “Chucky,” since groundhogs are also known as woodchucks. The name was Mama G’s idea. Mama C laughed at it at first, saying it wasn’t very original, but conceded that it was better than “Woody.” Sometimes when they’re out in the backyard they call him, trying to lure him out from his home underneath the shed, as if he knows his name. Silly humans!
Maybe someday I’ll embrace the idea of thinking a giant rodent in the backyard is cute, but for now I’m not having any of it!
Oxbow's World 
Dear Mr. Oxbow, you would be wise to tell your Mamas to be wary of Mr. Woodchuck (AKA “Chucky”). Why? you may ask…well, in my former home, we had a very special woodchuck, Guido, the Italian Woodchuck. He was such a crafty rodent…quite patient in waiting for the most perfect moment to chomp on the ripest tomato and the nearby basil. My dreams and hopes were dashed every darn time, a gorgeously juicy and mouth-wateringly plump tomato was arriving at perfection. Guido, would unfailingly beat me to the plucking of that luscious red orb…the one I waited for for an ENTIRE YEAR!
If your Mamas want to grow more wonderful veggies, they best do their research on “Chuck-proof” enclosures so they don’t have their hopes dashed and their hearts broken when the fruits of their labor have been “Chucked”…
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