Nature red in tooth and claw

My mother sent me the following e-mail today:

Did I tell you I think my coyote ate my groundhog? I haven't seen the groundhog since the day the coyote was outside the family room window staring at him (about a month).

*Shiver*. I always liked the little guy, though he left holes in my mother's lawn. His handiwork made it hard for her to mow. Also, she may have even tripped in the holes. So she was probably grateful to the coyote. Still, the groundhog was a cute little fellow. He used to stand on his hind legs with his paws clasped, as if in prayer. He liked to eat apples from my mom's two apple trees.

In other news...

I was watching Big Love last night (no spoilers, don't worry) and wondering what is in it for Margene. Barb was roped into it (the polygamous marriage, that is); Nicki is from the compound. But Margene didn't grow up with the Principle, had no prior husband to pressure her into it, and is young and pretty. I'm still half-hoping she'll run off with Barb's son, but I'm sure it won't happen.

And still other news...

Yesterday, I figured I shouldn't have blogged about the pleasant doctor's visit, because I might jinx my health somehow. Sure enough, I stubbed my toe (and foot) HARD last night. You can't break the bones in your foot that way, right? Still...ouch.

Update on the groundhog:

My mother writes:

Actually, this groundhog wasn't bad. He didn't seem to be eating flowers, he would just come up to the pool circle and eat the clover there. The coyote didn't necessarily get him. He (the groundhog) might have just moved on to safer quarters after the close encounter. This groundhog seemed to have a bit of a disability. His hind quarters were very defined, sort of like a rabbit's.