The Shape of Today

ALVINNN!!!

There are a lot of things I'm used to seeing here in the mountains during the fall. The leaves putting on their spectacular show, the people who come to admire it, pumpkins all over the place, and stores trying to cram early Christmas merchandise alongside the Halloween stuff.

This fall brings a new sight: chipmunks.

Of course, they've been here all along. What's notable is that I'm seeing them competing with the squirrels to play "chicken" in traffic. Had it happen to me at least three times this week. They're such tiny creatures that one doesn't even see them until one is nearly on top of them. Cute as can be, too. I just with they'd stay out of the road. There are people driving in this area who wouldn't notice an elephant in the road, much less a little chipmunk.

Why so many, though? Have we had a chipmunk population explosion? Or have they been observing the squirrels' suicidal behavior and decided they want to try it, too? Is there a story in here? I bet there is! Maybe chipmunks are aliens...