We had so many baby squirrels it was a nightmare.

[The tamed squirrels] made jolly companions but became very annoyed with her if she read too long; one would climb onto her shoulder, down her arm and sit on the page of her book 'with bushy tail outspread'.

We get baby squirrels, rabbits and raccoons with multiple bites. Just a few bites can have a devastating effect.

I stroke a finger down Ruby's cheek, feeling the soft, cherubic skin, staring into the innocent, ethereal eyes. The baby latches to my finger with her chubby little fist, the bones and veins tucked under layers and layers of baby fat, the only time in one's life when fat is adorable and heavenly.

We've got squirrels!

A 6-inch cannon. I've only ever seen those on a Saypuri dreadnought... And it looks like they have, or expect to have, 36 of the damn things."

"And they plan to do what with them? Bombard the hills? Fight a war with the squirrels?