Rocky Sqirrell doesn't fly
Would have posted this last week but was busy with getting ready to go to SiliCon Convention. Must ask the Goddess to pack more hours into a day, just don’t have enough time to do everything.

But now for the reason I’m posting is to share this true story, I’m working as Receptionist at the Library of the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. They keep me busy with data entry, answering phones and greeting people that want to use the Library or see the exhibits. On a daily basis it varies from a rush of people to quite moments where I can actually hear the Hawks, birds or see a squirrel come up to the open door to my area.

To enter my area you walk threw the gate into a courtyard over grown with fauna and trees. At one end are the windows of offices and to the right of that, the open door to my small entryway into the Library.

Each day a squirrel whom, I’ve named Rocky, “pun intended” visits while foraging for food. I need to point out that where not allowed to feed the wild life, as their bold as brass and have been known, to run up your leg to steal your potato chips or sandwich. Also the Canadian Geese on migration stop over for a day or two, they are aggressive and act like they learned such behavior while they where in Oakland.

However my story is about Rocky who one day ventured into the Library while I was answering a question for a couple wanting directions to the Japanese Tea Garden. While I was speaking directly to the lady, her beau was standing in the doorway. Out of the corner of my eye I see the squirrel making his way threw the reception area and into the library. Without thinking I yell “Rocky get your funky ass out of here!”

A variety of events happend simultaneously as she jumps from my outburst and looks in the direction I’m yelling at. Her beau steps forward instantly, to see if he can save his lady from the screaming Mad Man. At that moment I’d swear Rocky flipped me off as he bolted into the Library area and heading for the far wall.

The head librarian is alarmed at my outburst and demands to know what is going on, while I’m monitoring Rocky’s progress among the racks of books. I announce that the squirrel has entered the library and the Librarian calmly says, “get it out of here” Now I’m considering the best course of action as I usher people to the exit. But it’s apparent that nobody wants to leave, as they want to bear witness to great hunt about to unfold.

I’m not wanting to chase the critter around in a game of hide and seek, plus he’s got teeth and not afraid to use them. While I have fingers with an opposing thumb that man has learned to use to make costumes and prepare food. I’m not ready to offer them up as bait.

Damn right I’m afraid of the little bastard and the only thing I can think of is to herd him into the direction of the children’s area, that has big windows and low bookcases.

Rocky also had the same idea as freedom beckoned threw the glass to the outside world, only the windows where closed. I approached cautiously and could here him bumping loudly behind the low bookcases and occasionally jump up for the windows.

I reached for the cord to open the curtains just a little bit wider and moved to unlatch the window; all the while the thought of razor sharp teeth was foremost in my mind. Had just unlatched the bottom and pushed the window open, followed by a blur of fur as Rocky flew past.

Found that I had pulled my hands up close to my body and with effort was attempting to breath again. Turned around and went back to my desk and everyone else was going back to what ever it was they where doing as if nothing had happened. While I was quietly counting my fingers over and over.