Building Gypsy Rose

When we moved in to this little corner of North Harbor, the neighbors were a bit shy. We weren’t introduced right away, but soon enough we began seeing the signs. First, the rabbit tracks in the snow and then the regular visits from the hares foraging and seeking shelter in the open area beneath Gypsy Rose.

As we returned home one night, a fox scampered across the driveway in the illumination of our headlights. Fat and healthy. Lots of bunnies, we remembered.

Then, on Christmas Eve, while I was getting ready to visit family, the dog from down the road came bounding across the drive, obviously on the chase. Moments later, the source of the dog’s excitement came trotting into view. The sleek red fox sat briefly in the drive, watching the dog he'd just outsmarted continue down the field.

Satisfied that the chase was over, the fox trotted toward me for a more up-close introduction. He sniffed Gypsy’s porch while I stood in the door taking pictures. Soon, he disappeared down the bank to the lake’s shore. We’ll meet again one day soon, I’m sure.