In Keith’s words.
“Using this photo ( below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
The photo.
The Forward Observer by John W. Howell © 2020
“What’s it look like from there?”
“Not a bad view. I can see all the emplacements.”
“So, what are we faced with?”
“I would say their force is brigade strength.”
“OMG. How are they deployed?”
“Look like they are dug in about a half-mile from this wall.”
“Can they see you up there?”
‘Sure, but who cares. They’re not going to be interested in a ground squirrel. It looks like they have some artillery too.”
“Yeah, figures. The minute we start moving, they will open up. You see any lookouts?”
“Nope. There are a couple of chipmunks down the wall further.”
“Uh. Roscoe?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t cha think they might be like you?”
“Never thought of that. I guess they could be lookouts. Beats me where they found two guys that small, though.”
“Anything else?”
“No, and this squirrel suit is getting pretty hot.”
“Just take it off then.”
“And expose my self?”
“Oh, for heaven, sakes. You’re a raccoon. Who is going to pay attention to a raccoon?”
“The big dog sleeping under the tree.”
“Where the heck did prairie dogs get a real dog?’
“How do I know? Let me come back.”
“Okay. You’ve done well. Come on back.”
“Let me hide these acorns, and I’ll be right there.”
“Idiot.”
“Maybe I’ll wash them first.”
“Now, you’re talking.”
Fiction Favorites 
Sounds like the newest non-Disney kids movie. ‘The Acorn War’.
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Hahaha. A new WB series. Thanks, Charles.
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I think Charles might be on to something. Well done, John!
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Thank you, Jill. He usually is on to something. 😁
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War of the Worlds gone rodent…Very clever, John. I love it. 😀
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Love the title, Gwen. Thank you.
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Now I’ll be thinking of this when I’m outside, John. I always thought they were begging for food. Good job.
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You may have a spy amoung you. Thanks, Dan.
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The New Transformers – animals in disguise. Excellent!
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Thank you, Keith. 😁
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A very surreal encounter with our furry friends!
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Yes it was. Just when you thought it was safe. Thanks, Liz.
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😀 You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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I feel like I’m about to get fitted for a squirrel suit myself.
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I think we all do at times. Thanks, Craig.
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Quite a meeting. I thought this squirrel was wondering where the raccoon got hold of a mask in time for the pandemic. I like your idea better (as usual!!) 🤷♂️
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And I like yours. 😁
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I love that the squirrel/raccoon’s name is Roscoe, LOL.
And now I’m wondering if those squirrels in my yard are really squirrels!
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Put a bowl of water out there. If they wash the acorns then maybe not. 😁Thank you, Mae.
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😀
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I’m laughing out loud, John. A raccoon in a squirrel suit! Wow! Good one!
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Thank you, Jan. The word raccoon always makes me smile for some reason. 😁
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Well, I’ve long suspected they were up to something, and your story confirms that. Thanks, John, for a delightful tale. No wonder dogs want to give chase when they see squirrels!
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Yes. A squirrel always looks like it needs to be somewhere. Thanks, Debbie.
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Funny, John:)
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Thank you, Denise.
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I knew these guys were crafty, but this is next level stuff! I guess my rule of thumb with raccoons was correct . . . Trust No One!
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I think that rule is good with any kind of mammal
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You speak the truth
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😁
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I don’t think I’ll look at squirrels the same again, John 🙂
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Don’t turn your back.
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Hahaha, noooo
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LOL! Ok, that was a weird moment. Brilliant John.
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I do have some weird moments, Rob.
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I’m glad you do. 🙂
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Me too.
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I now have the weirdest mental image of an overweight racoon stuffed into squirrel suit. LOL!
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A raccoon in a squirrel suit- that was really good John!
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[…] The Forward Observer by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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Been seeing a lot of squirrels around here lately – now I’m starting to worry!
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Hahaha. You should for sure. 😁
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