One of my favorite things on Sunday is having the time to surf Active Rain and say hello to my friends. I love reading all the diverse topics and being able to view the world from others' perspectives! I learn, I laugh and I love getting to know so many different people and personalities. Just opening the dashboard is a wealth of information and so much better than the Houston Chronicle even though you don't give out coupons! Ha!

I just read Michael Thornton's Feature "FIREPLACES-HIDDEN DANGER" and it now brings me to the topic of this post....

SQUIRRELS.

Yep, squirrels.

And chimneys.

Yep, chimneys.

Why, you ask....

Well, there really is a point here.

Once upon a time in a land far away called Deb's house there was a chimney without a chimney cover. (not a good idea by the way). Now in this said chimney it was not unusual to hear birdies, possibly Chimney Sweeps settling in for their spring nest. Deb always enjoyed listening to the chirping sounds of the babies and it became a strong sign of Spring.

One day, Deb began to hear odd noises coming from the chimney that didn't sound very familiar. It was more like a scratching and shuffling. Confused and bewildered Deb ASSUMED (you know what they say about that word) that it was no big deal.

Soon the noise ceased. And, the bewilderment was forgot!

A couple of days later Deb awakened to the birds singing and went in to pour her morning coffee.

OMG, SOMETHING DIED IN HERE was her reaction. YUK AND PEEEEEUUUUUU. Oddly enough the smell was coming from the chimney.

911....PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEPS PHONES WERE RINGING OFF THEIR WALLS TILL DEB SECURED ONE.

Sad but true a little squirrel had climbed down the chimney and couldn't get out. Huh. Deb always thought that if it got in it could get out. Go figure....

The chimney was cleaned with care and with Febreeze and candles the aroma wained. Deb got a brand new chimney cover and it has stayed critter free ever after.

WHAT THE CHIMNEY SWEEP TOLD ME. NOW THE POINT OF THE STORY.

If you ever get a squirrel down your chimney don't panic...and don't ignore it.

Simply drop a rope down the chimney and this will allow the squirrel to escape. See, it's not rocket science but no matter what it is I seem to have to learn it the hard way!

lol, Happy Sunday.

Deb