Nov. 10th, ’09-Tom, Hawken and I are relishing the radiant day along Muir Creek. We just spotted a grass snake in the pasture. Hawken offers it more pretend icecream and asks it how it’s doing. It slithers off and we three un-load camp off the rickety Gator. There’s the large packbasket filled with a sharp shovel, blue flagging  to mark mushie sets and wooden stakes. Tom is decked out in his too cute arm pit high camo waders.  Sunshine beckons the boys to set some traps.   Tom used #450 SC   body grips in trail sets. #1 long spring and #1 Guard Traps he placed in feed beds.  ”I’m gonna catch a mushie too!”  Hawken’s beaming brilliantly as he clutches his prized lunch box he won @ the Arcadia Public Library. One might need sustenance when close to home, even though we just had scooby snacks prior to this big adventure.  “See that nest over ‘der in that biigggg tree? It’s a circle, like a full moon or a ball.”  Hmm..he’s correct-never thought of it that way. Now Hawken’s directing Pops to the next possible spot to set a    muskrat trap.  “Pops-see ‘dat riffle, those grasses-right ‘der put ‘er.  I’m on the beach. Kinda like where we go fishin’ huh’ Mama?”  I give him the enough information look as I see Tom’s head swivel to keenly listen where the boy and I slip to trout fishing.  “What a beautyfull day. I’m a trapper too!  Hey look!! It’s Skinny Kitty down ‘der!” Sure enough, there’s Skinny Kitty also known as-Splat Cat, when I in-advertently run him over with turbo stroller. Tom is explaining to us where there’s muskrat sign and that cat is just wiggling his backend across the young one’s face. Then back across Hawken’s face and he scoops the cat up and kitty is smushed.  Hawken’s not letting go of cat or his lunchbox. Now he decides Pops should see kitty too. He tries to carry Splat Cat and his lunchbox over the cow path and ponders heading down the creek bank. Tom and  are both prompting Hawken to stay on the cow path. He listens and goes back to pointing @ poofy clouds way up and the jetstream that he says is blowing. “See that sun? That sets in the west! Did you see dat squirrel-he’s got one nut.” I smother a laugh and mutter, “Poor squirrel.”  “What a great day-I’m happy Mama-I need a hug.” Sweet bliss to be smothered in hugs and patted on my back on a cow trail by Muir Creek with  Hawken, Splat Cat Skinny Kitty and Pops! 

Stop and notice the squirrel and his nut,

Doc Tom, Susie Q and Hawkey Roskos