FEEDING FAIL

“I had such high hopes.” I said with a sigh as I looked out my kitchen window to our backyard.

My son Alex came up next to me. “What are you talking about?”

I pointed to the split open pumpkin laying at the edge of our woods. “I thought they’d be thrilled to have that as a treat.” I picked up my cup of tea from the counter and took a sip.

“Really?” Alex said with a laugh.

I leaned against the counter top. “I had this whole scene in my head when I put it out there instead of throwing it to the curb.”

“What scene was in your head?” Alex asked as he went over and began fixing his coffee.

“Well, now it’s just going to sound silly if I tell you.” I said taking another sip from my cup.

“Try me.” Alex picked up kettle and walked over to the sink.

“Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh.”

Alex shook his head. “Sorry, but that’s not a promise I can keep.” He began filling the kettle with water.

“Fine.” I sighed. “So, you know that scene in Snow White where she’s in the forest and all the animals are around her?”

Alex looked over at me, his brow furrowed. “Yeah.” He turned off the water and walked over to the stove.

“That’s what I pictured when I put the pumpkin out there.” I looked back out the window. “I thought I’d see birds and squirrels and a few deer surrounding it taking little nibbles.”

Alex nodded his head as he turned on the burner. “That’s what you pictured?”

“I really did!” I took another sip of tea. “I thought that we might even see the fox that’s been around a few times.” I sighed again. “But instead it’s turned into a major feeding fail.”

“Well,” Alex leaned against the counter waiting for the water to boil. “It’s certainly not your first feeding fail.”

“What are you talking about?” I opened the dishwasher to put my cup in.

“What about the peanut butter pine cone a few weeks ago?”

“Oh yeah.” I said as I closed the dishwasher and leaned back against the counter. “I forgot about that.”

“And last summer when you put the suet feeder out and all the fat melted all over the ground?”

“I forgot about that one, too.” I sighed again.

“And what about….”

“Okay! I get it.” I said cutting him off. “Clearly your memory is much better than mine.” I headed to the front hall closet and grabbed my coat. Putting it on I went back in the kitchen and grabbed a garbage bag from the drawer. Shaking it open, I walked over to the back door. “I guess it’s time to admit they don’t want the pumpkin.”

“Sorry it didn’t work out the way you hoped it would.” Alex called after me.

“It’s fine.” I grumbled as I grabbed the container of birdseed that was at the back door. “No more fun treats for you guys!” I called out to the woods. “You’re only getting birdseed from now on!”