The Christmas Visitor

Jman and I picked out a Christmas tree a couple of weeks ago at least.  We went to Home Depot and got a Frazer Fir.  I didn't think it was the best tree but we got it and they cut off some of it and bundled it with the netting that we all are familiar with, unless we've gone to the artificial trees.  I trimmed off a couple of low branches and fitted it into our tree stand.  We left it outdoors because it was pretty early to bring a  tree in the house.  After about 5 or more days, I thought I should bring it in because I  was afraid the water might freeze and crack my nice tree stand.  The netting was removed and the tree stood untrimmed for a few days.  I kept it watered but it would still be a while before we put on lights and then ornaments.

I came down one morning and Brooke was in the kitchen getting a lunch ready to take to work.  We were exchanging pleasantries and as I left the kitchen I noticed Zeke was very interested in something under the "Coffin" chair.  Before I could register what was happening something ran out from under the chair!  My first thought, which didn't make sense, was that it was the mouse that we had lost in that area a few months ago.  The time lapse is why it didn't make sense.  The blurred vision of the creature also was not mouselike; too big.  In another second I could see it was a chipmunk.  Dammit, I don't like them in the house.

The frightened rodent was running around in circles and I stepped on him, not to squish or kill him but to capture him with the bottom of my foot.
I pinned his tail with my Croc, which with it's rubbery consistency held the animal motionless.

Brooke asked what she could do to help me without looking or getting in the same room.  I said get me some leather gloves.  She threw them within reach and I picked up our visitor and threw him/her out into the flower garden.

The poor creature's heart was beating a mile a minute...and so was the chipmunk's, haha. I kinda overdid the throwing of our uninvited guest but it landed in a soft spot.

We wondered how it got in?  I don't think we have openings in our house so big that a chipmunk can enter.  I'm pretty sure it was in the Christmas tree.  When we brought it in the house it was like one of those people holding onto the tie down lines of an ill fated dirigible.  Can't decide to let go or hold on, then it's too late.  Your fate is sealed.  

I only hope that our Christmas visitor wasn't Jesus in the form of a chipmunk.  We treated him badly, stepping on his tail and throwing him out.  

Merry Christmas again.