Protector of chipmunks

Yesterday's biggest excitement was that I saved a baby chipmunk from being tortured and then chewed on by a cat. I was taking a walk and I saw a cat chasing something very small around someone's carport. It must have just cornered it b/c the chipmunk didn't appear hurt--just slow and stunned. So I chased off the cat and then yelled "RUN! RUN! RUN!" to the chipmunk, who meandered this way and that, still disoriented, until it ran under a storage shed.

I hope it found its way home. If not, at least it died in peace rather than being ripped to shreds and deposited hither and yon. I continued on my walk with a big smile on my face. So that's what altruism feels like. Interestingly, the priest at Mass (I am the worst kind of cafeteria Catholic, I admit it readily) mentioned St. Francis who had dominion over the animals. Maybe I can apply for the job of patron saint of chipmunks. Better, patron saint of The Small Guy.

Had a fantastic time at the zoo on Saturday. My friends and I figured out the magic ratio of 4 adults : 1 three-year-old makes a good time for all. The little guy got loads of attention and no one was worn out or cranky (except a little at the end when everyone was hungry). Finally saw the much ballyhooed pandas, which were cute. Our zoo has certainly improved since the days of no shade and all concrete, with depressed animals pacing wildly in their cages.

Lots of gratuitous driving this weekend, sometimes at high speeds and with sharp curves. Saturday night I was already in pajamas and realized I had to get to the drugstore. I drove around on the highway for a while afterwards. Apparently the new car has caused a lifestyle shift, much as a drug would.