A tree is known by its fruit;
a man by his deeds.
A good deed is never lost;
he who sows courtesy reaps friendship,
and he who plants kindness gathers love.

~Saint Basil

Cats are really cool. They are also very soft. Cat people are 25% likely to pick George as their favorite Beatle. A cat’s carbon footprint is similar to that of a VW Bug, whereas a dog’s is more like a Hummer. Source: Buzzfeed

Can miles truly separate you from friends?
If you want to be with someone you love,
aren’t you already there?
~Richard Bach

Squirrels are familiar to almost everyone. More than 200 squirrel species live all over the world, with the notable exception of Australia.

The tiniest squirrel is the aptly named African pygmy squirrel—only five inches (thirteen centimeters) long from nose to tail. Others reach sizes shocking to those who are only familiar with common tree squirrels. The Indian giant squirrel is three feet (almost a meter) long.

Like other rodents, squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing so they don’t wear down from the constant gnawing. Tree squirrels are the types most commonly recognized, often seen gracefully scampering and leaping from branch to branch. Other species are ground squirrels that live in burrow or tunnel systems, where some hibernate during the winter season.

Ground squirrels eat nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, and other plants. They also catch and eat small animals, such as insects and caterpillars. These small mammals must always be wary of predators because they are tasty morsels with few natural defenses, save flight. Sometimes groups of ground squirrels work together to warn each other of approaching danger with a whistling call.

Tree squirrels are commonly seen everywhere from woodlands to city parks. Though they are terrific climbers, these squirrels do come to the ground in search of fare such as nuts, acorns, berries, and flowers. They also eat bark, eggs, or baby birds. Tree sap is a delicacy to some species.

Flying squirrels are a third, adaptable type of squirrel. They live something like birds do, in nests or tree holes, and although they do not fly, they can really move across the sky. Flying squirrels glide, extending their arms and legs and coasting through the air from one tree to another. Flaps of skin connecting limbs to body provide a winglike surface. These gliding leaps can exceed 150 feet (46 meters). Flying squirrels eat nuts and fruit, but also catch insects and even baby birds.

Whether they dwell high in a tree or in an underground burrow, female squirrels typically give birth to two to eight offspring. Babies are blind and totally dependent on their mothers for two or three months. Mothers may have several litters in a year, so most squirrel populations are robust.

Fast Facts

Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 5 to 36 in (13 to 91 cm)
Weight: 0.5 oz to 4 lbs (14 g to 2 kg)
Group name: Scurry or Dray
Size relative to a tea cup

Source: National Geographic

A friend who is far away is sometimes much nearer than one who is at hand. ~Kahlil Gibran
To know someone with whom you can feel their is understanding, in spite of distances or thoughts expressed, that can make life a garden. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, may hope forever wipe away your tears, and, above all, may silence make you strong. ~Unknown

It is honesty, kindness, understanding, patience, forgiveness, generosity, loyalty and other good qualities that truly protect you and give you true prosperity. ~Lord Buddha

If you’re helping someone and expecting something in return, you’re doing business not kindness. ~Jonathan Kitavi

Jendhamuni April 6, 2015.