Sandy Supposes....

Winter is a Bear

If you had to be a member of an outdoor species during the Fall and Winter, what would you be? Would you be the kind of bird that migrates to a warmer climate? Would you be a bear, curling up nice and snug through it all? Would you be a squirrel, hiding food here and there and occasionally poking your nose out of your tree? Whatever you choose, tell us how/why you reached your decision.

         

          Hmmm, what animal would I be to better survive Winter? I cannot imagine myself as a bird flittering here and there. Do they ever have much of a thought in their tiny bird brains? Don't they ever tire of fluttering those wings? A bird's feet must feel the cold of the branches, the telephone lines, or the fences on a blustery day. All they can do to stay warm is puff up their chests and ruffle their feathers. Scavenging for food can't be easy in the snow and ice.

         I don't see myself as a squirrel either. Chances are I'd forget where I stashed my winter supply of nuts. I'm not partial to heights, and I'd have to reside in a tree. That bushy tail would be such a distraction.

          I dunno, being a bear might have its advantages... I could grow to love the idea of bingeing, and gorging on my favourite foods. I wouldn't have to count calories, or watch for unwanted weight gain, or diet. My appetite would be appeased with everything and anything. I could indulge my sweet tooth indiscriminately. A bear is supposed to bulk up for winter. Hearing "she's a big gal" would be the ultimate bear compliment.

          If I was a bear, I could forgo the whole shaving ritual. Hairy legs are fashionable , fetching, and warm for a bruin. Just think, no possibility of cuts and bleeding, so no future scars. Bears love their fuzz/fur.

         Hey, I wouldn't need a hair cut if I became a bear. I'd be expected to be hairy. There'd be no call for styling at all.

         I could save a bundle on personal hygiene products, too. Bears don't lose sleep worrying about showers, shampoos, or deodorants. They prefer au naturel.

         The whole-hibernating-for-months thing is appealing. It'd be one extended lie-in, with no alarm clock. Uninterrupted lazing and lounging sounds so refreshing. How could I not feel rejuvenated in the Spring?

         With this there would be an extended period of inactivity. Ah bliss, no exercise, exertion, or perspiration. I'd concentrate solely on my deep breathing.

         I believe the greatest benefit to becoming a hibernating bear is that I'd be able to avoid Winter entirely. Yes, I'd be snug in my den and protected from bitter, blustery winds. I would not shovel mountains of stubborn snow. Ice could not send me crashing to the frozen ground. I would be blissfully unaware in a type of suspended animation, dreaming of sunshine and gentle breezes.