It started, like a lot of things around our house, with trying to solve a problem.
The squirrels were getting into the bird feeders.
We wanted to feed the birds. The squirrels had apparently decided that meant we wanted to feed them too.
So we tried giving them their own place to eat. We put out the little squirrel feeder benches, added some corn and peanuts, and figured maybe we could negotiate a peaceful settlement: you eat over there, and leave the birdseed alone.
That wasn't exactly how it worked.
But somewhere along the way, something better happened.
First, They Kept Their Distance
At first, the squirrels were cautious.
We'd put peanuts out, go back inside, and eventually one would venture over to grab one. They weren't interested in getting anywhere near us. They wanted the peanut, but they weren't quite convinced the humans providing them could be trusted.
Then they started getting a little bolder. And a little closer.
Eventually, tossing peanuts into the yard became part of the routine.
Sometimes there are no takers at all. Other times, there might be eight or nine squirrels scattered around waiting for their turn.
Some are surprisingly patient. Others seem to understand there's a limited supply and operate under a very different philosophy: whoever gets there first wins.
And then there are the cautious ones.
Every once in a while, we'll have one sitting underneath the bird feeder or off at a safe distance, staring toward the porch with a look that seems to say, Please throw one my way. Don't make me come get it. I'm still not sure I can trust you people.
Now They Know the Routine
Over time, the squirrels figured us out. Or maybe they trained us. That's probably closer to the truth.
Some of them don't even wait around the feeders anymore. They'll hang around the driveway. We've found them sitting near the vehicles and even lying in wait underneath the car, apparently knowing that sooner or later Tina is going to come outside with peanuts.
The distance kept shrinking. First across the yard. Then near the porch. Then right up to the railing.
Now some are bold enough to come within a few feet and wait while she holds out a peanut.
All because we were originally trying to stop them from eating the birdseed.
And Then the Birds Got Involved
Apparently, word gets around.
There's a brown thrasher that occasionally hangs around the bushes across from the feeders. Every once in a while, it decides to join the festivities too.
So what began as separate feeding stations for the birds and squirrels has become something of a neighborhood gathering.
We never really know who's going to show up. Some days, almost nobody does. Other days, everybody seems to have gotten the memo.
And that's part of what makes it enjoyable.
We Call It Peanut Porch Therapy
The funny thing is, this stopped being about squirrels a long time ago.
Life gets busy. There is always something that needs doing, something we're thinking about, or somewhere we need to be.
But tossing a handful of peanuts outside has a way of interrupting all of that.
For a few minutes, Tina and I can sit on the porch and watch.
Who's here today? How many showed up? Which one is brave enough to come close? Is the cautious one underneath the feeder again? Is somebody waiting underneath the car? Did the brown thrasher decide to join us?
There's nothing complicated about it. There's no reservation required, no screen involved and not much expense beyond a bag of peanuts.
It's just a few minutes outside watching the little world around our home carry on with its day.
And sometimes that's enough to clear your head.
We started jokingly calling it Peanut Porch Therapy. The name stuck.
Sometimes the Things You Don't Plan Become the Traditions You Keep
We never set out to create a backyard ritual. We were trying to protect the birdseed.
Instead, we ended up with squirrel feeder benches, a container labeled “Squirrel Food,” increasingly fearless squirrels, an occasional brown thrasher, and a reason to stop what we're doing for a few minutes.
Maybe that's the lesson in it.
Not everything that makes home feel like home has to be planned.
Sometimes it's the little routines that sneak up on you. A cup of coffee in the same chair. Birds at the feeder. A squirrel waiting underneath the car. A handful of peanuts tossed across the driveway.
And a few quiet minutes with somebody you love.
That's Peanut Porch Therapy.
And around here, appointments are always available.