The “House Critters” Homeless People

    If you have read any of the other “House Critters” stories you already know the cast of characters. They are Big Bunny, Blue Booby, Ducky Duck, Henrietta Bobbie Bunny, Rainy Reindeer and a few humans. I must keep listing the critters because they like to see their full names in the stories.  I was reminded that it had been awhile since their full names were in a story so grabbed this introduction from a previous story. Now that that is over, the story gets started with Bob walking to the barbecue joint out by the lake to have coffee and doughnuts. Sounds strange but the owner has to start early in the morning and decided to have something to sell while smoking the chickens, ribs and briskets so they got a doughnut maker.

Given that there were treats involved all the house critters decided to go and promised they would get there without begging a ride from Bob.

   The quick route is to use the access point at the main street bridge to get on the trail which runs along the outlet, passes under a state highway, crosses over a pedestrian bridge and out to the boat launch site. Once you go through the boat launch area you go into the woods that continues out to the sports fields. During this part of the trail you go over a pedestrian bridge to cross an inlet to the lake. It is kind of spooky out here with lots of decayed fallen trees in this semi swamp area and it didn’t help when the critters heard voices but didn’t see anyone.

They all decided to seek shelter at once, which was under Bobs’ jacket. This actually made him look like something to run away from, especially with them moving around under his coat as each critter sought out their perfect spot to hide. Bob, of course, had no idea what was going on as he just had human hearing. He said, “We made a deal and all of you were going to make it on your own, so get out from under my jacket.” The critters dropped to the ground and Henrietta said, “We heard other humans, couldn’t see them and got scared but it seems ok now.”

  They went on and when turning a corner two adult human males came into view by the bridge over the inlet.

They were unkempt, wore clothes that didn’t seem very clean, and when Bob said, “Hello.” they didn’t respond. Needless to say the critters were all under the jacket again! Bob just kept walking and after going over the bridge and down the path a bit asked the critter to come out, they responded that that hadn’t worked so well the last time. Bob stopped and said, “You are in no danger, come out, we still have a lot of ground to cover before treats.” There were multiple discussions about this advice but soon all the critters were back on the ground and the sports fields were in view.  Now they got to ride because the sidewalk was on the other side of yet another state road. Bob look left, then right and then left again to be sure traffic was clear before he crossed the road and got onto the sidewalk. The critters got down quickly because they liked this part of the walk, it was in front of a cemetery, then a summer produce stand with a few houses next to it and another cemetery.

They chased each other all along this section of the walk until crossing the road was needed again and guess where they went? You are correct, under the jacket one more time for the crossing of the road. They had made it to donut heaven! the only place in town where they made the donut you wanted in front of you. 

   After ordering the drinks and donuts, Bob got the half dozen discount, Blue ask Bob about the people by the bridge. Bob said, “I am not sure but I think they may be homeless men because while you were all under my jacket I saw two bicycles with baskets and saddle bags pulled over into the bushes under the bridge.” The critters didn’t understand why any humans wouldn’t have a building to stay in. Bob decided to just hit the highpoints of homelessness. He said, “Some humans don’t have the money to have a permanent place to stay, others have issues that keep them from wanting to be with people so they wander about and stay wherever they are and some have problems with drugs that separate them from the people they would normally be with.”  Blue using wisdom beyond your normal Booby said, “They sound like critters that don’t get along with their group and being outcasts don’t get to be part of the group and I am sad for them.” The others agreed with Blue but still didn’t want to go home by way of the outlet trail.  Then the critters got interested in watching the donuts get made and picking out what topping each wanted on their very own special creations, as many of them got multiple toppings!