The mystery solved

Every year I hang a large wreath on our front door. Well this year every time I would go out the front door I would find bits and pieces of the wreath had fallen off. I would mutter to myself about the quality of workmanship seems to be going down the drain, etc,etc.... thinking next year I will be back to making them myself.

Then I noticed an Asian pine I keep in a pot by the front door had some tiny broken branches. AND some of the pine cones from the wreath were tucked into the pot and had little chew marks. Mmmmmmm?

So I decided to pour a cup of tea, sit in my office and watch. The sun was rising on the scene and soon the culprit arrived. He was quite busy for a good half hour, scurrying from the wreath to the Asian tree. Resting between hauls, I might add. Then he saw me and acted quite innocent to say the least. It was Chester ...
our resident squirrel, who normally is very well behaved. I do think the snow has got to him. He normally hangs out by my studio and the bird feeders, being very acrobatic and hilariously entertaining. But today was different. He won my heart over so I painted a pine cone with peanut butter and rolled it in sunflower seeds for him. He was most thankful. As I went back into the house I muttered my apologies to the wreath maker and made a mental note to get Chester his own wreath next year. The little angel. Mmmm.......LOL! I need a nap...........................