California ground squirrels and rock squirrels chew up rattlesnake skin and smear it on their fur to mask their scent from predators, according to a new study by researchers at UC Davis. Barbara Clucas, a graduate student in animal behavior at UC Davis, observed ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and rock squirrels (Spermophilus variegates) applying snake scent to themselves by picking up pieces of shed snakeskin, chewing it and then licking their fur. Adult female squirrels and juveniles apply snake scent more often than adult males, which are less vulnerable to predation by snakes, Clucas said. The scent probably helps to mask the squirrel's own scent, especially when the animals are asleep in their burrows at night, or to persuade a snake that another snake is in the burrow. full story

These squirrels are amazing: hot tails and perfume!

purpleglitter and I went out for a Indian food dinner last night. It was very yummy. Before dinner, purpleglitter gave me her green velvet and fake fur Oscar the Grouch coat as my anniversary present. I've been lusting after that coat for years. Now it's mine. I'm very excited. And if she's nice, I may even let her borrow it sometime. I gave lake a stack of ten coupons good ten times each (1 for each year). They are good for things like 10 back rubs, 10 trips to Target without complaining, 10 clean the birds cages, etc.

After dinner, purpleglitter and I went to see Alexander. Boring. Needs less fighting and more pretty boys making out. There was also a sad lack of a sex seen between Colin Farrell and Jared Leto. That scene would have forgiven many wrongs in the movie.

With the exception of Alexander, we had a wonderful anniversary.

took madeleinecat to the vet yesterday
she had just gotten in a fight with spyder right before i had to put her into the carrier
she was hiding under the bed afraid (spyder is a much bigger cat)
i had to pull her out from under the bed
in doing so she attacked my hand and gave me many bites and scratches
madeleinecat had the amazing ability to transform form a cute cuddly cat into a angry ball of fangs and claws
she preformed this feat for the vet as well
the vet put her in a net to give her her shot
he didn't want to handle her
she was very pet cemetery cat
but she's going to be all better
found out she has an infection on her belly (already guessed that), has arthritis, and doesn't have ear mites
i just have to give her her medicine every day
that should be an adventure

There have been an influx of Boston squirrels coming to Arlington. It's been a bad year for squirrels in Boston. Last year there was an over-abundance of acorns and other nuts in Boston. This year there simply wasn't enough to feed the population. Famine struck hard. Refugees fled across Storrow Drive where many perished. The survivors swam across the Charles. Now they've made it to Arlington. The immigrant squirrels are easy to spot. The squirrels in Arlington are plump and healthy. The Boston squirrels are lean and their fur is patchy. I expect many of the newcomers will find it hard to survive the winter. purpleglitter and I are planning on putting out food for the squirrels, especially the immigrants, this winter. Hopefully we can help some of them survive.

Met riga_mortia at the Diesel Café at 5:00pm yesterday. We walked to Claridon Hill, and went to the liquor store next to Johnny's Foodmaster. We picked up a couple whiskey nips. Drank them. They were really strong.

I hugged many soft trees on the way to riga_mortia's apartment. The moss on the trees was as soft as cat fur. I had to pet each tree.

At riga_mortia's house, we played Pass the Pigs for stakes. I owe riga_mortia a chocolate dish and she gets to dress me next time I go to the Diesel Café with her.

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This morning, I talked to my new caseworker from the Social Security Office on the phone. She was very nice and very helpful. She walked me through the financial maze and told me the best ways to put everything. She's sending me some papers to sign and return and then I'm done.

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This afternoon, merryperseis, grrldan, and I went to the Great Meadow. For our picnic lunch we had muffaletta on mini toasts, salsa biscuits, juicy watermelon, sparkling pink lemonade, and iced tea.

After lunch we played Tonk. While we were playing, it started raining. We all got completely soaked.

We walked back in the storm, I splashed in a couple puddles. I really enjoyed being out in the storm with friends.

As grrldan lives closer to the Great Meadow than I, we went back to his place. He loaned me a some very soft flannel pajamas to wear while he threw my soaked clothes in the washer and dryer. I really really want a nice pair of flannel pajamas to wear around the house. I am incredibly covetous of his.

While my clothes were drying, we watched The Muppet Movie. I hadn't watched it in many years and had forgotten how simply fabulous it was.

We went back to my apartment, where I made curried biscuits. purpleglitter came home and joined us for good conversations and a fun game of Bullshit.

purpleglitter and I plan to drink together tonight. We're going to drink Puddle Splashes.