Underneath That Old Red Shed
Although It’s Held More Than Just Tools, Underneath That Old Red Shed Has Been A Part Of God’s Plan
I remember the day Dad had this “thing” hauled down the driveway. He bought it from a woman, who was a lifelong Greenfieldian and lived just about two miles outside of town. It cost $100. Yes, that’s right! My dad paid ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS this piece of crap! Or so it seemed like a piece of crap at the time. But, who knew that Dad’s red-eye sore coming down the driveway would end up being the old red shed that would one day become one of my greatest blessings.
When the old dilapidated red shed first showed up, I thought it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. It was a two-room shack that had three windows and one old wooden door. It had a flat metal roof.
Of course, Dad poked it right back behind my house so that every morning, from the kitchen sink, that would be the FIRST thing I would see. Ugh! I HATED that shed!
That Old Red Shed Started Out As Storage
Over the years, it became our “storage” place. We put EVERYTHING extra out in it. From fishing poles to box fans to old beds and dressers, you name it and it got thrown out there. It became almost unbearable to even walk through it to find what you were looking for.
But as it is with everything that seems to initially be an ugly duckling, somehow that old red shed transformed into a beautiful swan. Not really, as in looks-wise. But in other ways.
The First Sighting Of Life Undeneath That Old Red Shed
I remember the first time I took notice of “life” underneath that old red shed. Years ago I had planted a raised garden right behind my house. There were tomato plants, zucchini, green peppers, cucumbers, and so much more. Hard work was an understatement when it came to putting in my garden.
One morning, while making coffee, I noticed something outside our sliding glass door and as I got a closer look I realized it was a groundhog. A groundhog sitting up in THE MIDDLE OF MY GARDEN eating my new plants. I threw that door open and yelled some things probably not appropriate for my blog and he ran as fast as he could. Where? Right underneath that old red shed.
Because I’m a huge nature and animal lover, my inside chuckled quite a bit. Although I was a little perturbed about my garden getting maimed, that soft spot in my heart thought “They’re only plants. Who cares if it gets eaten.”
It’s been 11 years since Mom’s died and really nothing has changed when it comes to the shed. As far as crap in it goes, well we’ve put more in and it’s even worse trying to find anything. The fact that the old wooden door is now hanging on by ONE hinge makes it even harder to get inside. But what’s inside isn’t what keeps my heart drawn to it. It’s what’s underneath that comforts me, especially when I’m here on this wooded wonderland by myself.
Over Time Underneath The Red Shed Has Acquired Multiple “Tenants”
You see, over the years that old red shed has been the home to generations of my favorite furry, fat groundhogs. I know, I know. They dig holes. They tear up foundations. They destroy your yards. Yada, yada, yada. But for me, they are company when no one else is around. When my husband is working on the road those pesky varmints keep me company and I truly do not know what I’d do without them hanging around.
Crazy? Oh probably. Trust me when I say that I’ve had to keep Wes and the boys at bay from shooting every last one of them. But deep down they know that of all my critters that come in and out of these woods, the groundhogs are my absolute favorite.
Did you know that groundhogs live to be 9 or 10 years old? Well, now you know! It’s funny but I have seen so many come and go. I’ve dragged dead stinky carcasses out from underneath when one of them dies. I’ve even accommodated them by rearranging the stacked timber on the side to make sure they have easy access for quick escapes from predators.
The Red Shed Has Grown On Me
I sound like one of those crazy cat ladies, except with groundhogs, and maybe I am. But the “mama” in me goes to great lengths to make sure they stick around a while longer because I truly do enjoy watching them between spring and when they hibernate for the winter.
Here lately, the red shed has seen a little bit more activity than normal. Not only has 2020 started out weird, but springtime here on the Chigger Farm has been like an episode from “The Twilight Zone.” It’s been strange, at best, and I’m not sure if the stars are out of whack or if nature has finally figured out that I’m a weak link and they’ve all decided, at once, to congregate here. Dr. Doolittle has got nothing on me these days!
First of all, I am seeing squirrels by the dozens scampering around the yard. I’ve never noticed gray squirrels like this before. Oh, we usually have a few but I think I counted twelve the other evening.
Which might be why I had a bobcat sitting under my car the other evening, hunkered in pounce position. Yes, you heard me right. BOBCAT! I just happened to be taking Puppy out to go to the bathroom and as I looked out the screendoor glass, I notice something sitting underneath my car. At first, I thought it was a little rabbit. But because I didn’t have my glasses on, I wasn’t for sure. Nope, it was a bobcat and after I ripped the door open and chased him (stupid that I didn’t have my gun with me) he ran to the backside of the red shed and turned toward me and brazenly looked. Like “haha, you can’t catch me.”
The squirrels might have been the next snack idea for the bobcat, but my first thought was the family of red foxes that moved the groundhogs out about two weeks ago. I can’t make this stuff up, I swear.
Every year around here we usually have two foxes that come in and out of our place. They’re very elusive but they, along with the opossums, come up and eat whatever scraps I throw off the deck. However, this year has been a bit different.
The Latest Red Shed Shenanigans
A couple of weeks ago I noticed a mama fox and four little ones coming out from under that old red shed. Whaaaaaaaaaat? What happened to the groundhogs. As you may know, foxes are predators to groundhogs. So, that definitely was not going to work. At that point, I was beginning to think I needed a revolving underground door and was possibly even thinking about writing up a lease agreement for my new tenants.
While I love my groundhogs, foxes come in as a close second so of course my heart was torn there. And I hate to admit it but those little fox babies were awful cute to watch frolicking around so playful and funny. However, all good things come to an end and within a few days, I no longer witnessed any fox sightings.
That said, the groundhogs began showing up, AGAIN! Out with the old, in with the new, and then out with the new to bring the old back…to the old red shed. And over the last couple days, I’ve been able to enjoy my two groundhogs, coming and going like there life has returned to normal to their red homeplace.
In fact, on Mother’s Day, just a couple of days ago, my daughter, Kirsten, and I witnessed not two adult groundhogs but two adult groundhogs and FOUR babies. What the what? I’m in a natural time warp! I have never seen the likes of what’s been going on lately. I will say though, that I’m loving it! They are so stinking cute!
But, guess what? Yep, you got it! While enjoying a nice, quiet cup of coffee this morning Puppy starts going crazy barking at what was outside our front door. And WHAT was outside our front door? THE FOX!!! I tell you I can’t make this stuff up! I don’t know what will be here tonight but I’m both excited AND exhausted to find out! I will be sure to let you know!
Oh Red Shed!
Oh, red shed! You have more action that a rifle during hunting season. Over the years, you went from two groundhogs living under there to foxes and now back to groundhogs. I’m having a hard time this season keeping up!
But one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This old red shed is a hunk of junk on the outside but underneath it has seen more life take place than a lot of people. It’s not only been a shelter to many critters but also their sanctuary and safe place from a vast number of predators. Most importantly, though, it’s been my greatest enjoyment over the years and a huge comfort just knowing that when I’m alone here, I’m really not alone.
