ONE of the wonderful things about living in the countryside is the unexpected. Nothing unexpected about foxes, of course, as they come begging every night. And I’m broke from bying dog food for the critters. But a badger? Only once in my life had I ever seen one, with that marvellous striped face. But the other evening, just as I was settling down in my armchair by the window, there, right outside, was Master Badger. Gobbling the foxes’ dog food. And a poor wee fox politely awaiting his turn. #
Badger at my back door
David your photo of the fox and badger inspired the following:
Delicious (27/02/2025)
‘Delicious food, nice location and very generous with the portions,’ he thought as he hurried to his favourite diner. He allowed himself to see, to smell and to taste the food in anticipation of an enjoyable meal. ‘I hope I don’t run into that one next door. Talk for Ireland she would. Full of gossip! That s all she ever does. Talk, talk, talk; never comes up for air, that one. Where does she get the time? It’s alright after lunch when I have a bit of time, I can stop and chat. Mind you if I didn’t indulge her from time to time, I wouldn’t know what’s going on about the place. I hear nothing nowadays.’
‘Oh no! Will you look at who’s up ahead. Is he going in before me? He bloody well is. God damn him; God damn him and all his seed and breed. Will you look at him. Big fat wobbling backside from eating too much. Thinks he owns that place. I’d like to tell him what I think of him.’
He watched in fury as the other entered before him and began to eat. As he waited the pleasant, anticipatory and mild hunger pangs now began to gnaw unpleasantly at his belly. He waited patiently as the other diner ate with relish. He was so intent that he didn’t notice the flash as his hunger began to consume him. He sighed. He paced. He half-circled. ‘Hurry up and leave, will you, damn you and blast you.’
Finally, with a burp of appreciation for the tasty cuisine the feasting stopped. The other diner turned lazily to leave and with a laconic nod said, ‘Oh, hello. Delicious food here. Glad to have discovered this culinary delight. Have you been coming here for long?’ He didn’t even wait for an answer as he said, ‘I’ll be back here again, that’s for sure.’
Moving aside timidly he waited ravenously for the greedy guzzler to go. When he was satisfied that he was alone, he rushed over to see if there was any food left. ‘Bon appetite Mr Fox,’ he heard Mr Badger say as he waddled off contentedly.
Jim O’ Sullivan
What beautiful visitors you have?
Such a joy!