I was cleaning out the burrow attic and came across a
painting of my great-great-grandfather, Hercule Chippy. He was a world champion
acorn gatherer. At least according to family history written on the back of the
painting. I dropped into the library to research “acorn gathering.” Turns out
we chipmunks had the equivalent of what you humans call a “colonial era.” Our
chipmunks ancestors had to live off the land, dig their own burrows by paw, and
brew their own beer. They were real pioneers. One of the favorite events at
their harvest festivals was the acorn gathering contest. There were two awards
handed out (1) most amount acorns gathered in a 12 hour day (2) most amount
acorns stuffed into cheek pouches. The librarian suggested I check the Guiness
Book of Chipmunk Records. Boy was I surprised to learn my
great-great-grandfather still holds both records. No one has come close to
beating his records. Wow, I have a famous ‘munk in the family! I am named after
him.
I did some more rummaging around and found his old acorn
collecting basket as well.
Chippy Jr. eyes all of those acorns. It looks like he
has already stuffed his cheeks with a few.
He sizes up whether he can get anymore in his cheeks.
Then he comes up with the brilliant idea of grabbing one
in his paws.
Now that is thinking like a human rather than a chipmunk.
To honor Hercule I decided to recreate the pose in the
painting. It proved harder than it looked.
Is everything ready?
I think we need more acorns in the photo!
That's better!
Trying to reproduce those handsome cheeks is not as easy as it looks.
How is this pose?
Or maybe this one? I think this is going to be a long photo session ... sigh
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