I was baking this morning and wanted to put some walnuts into my banana loaf. I found them in the freezer next to a big bag of hazelnuts from last year’s harvest.
Should I substitute hazelnuts for the walnuts? Crispin would like some, I’m sure. So I used the walnuts for baking and put some hazelnuts out in the woodshed for Crispin.
He loves them! See how he gets right into it?
“These are so yummy. Who would have thought I’d get a taste of hazelnuts before this year’s crop is ripe?”
“I’m just so tickled to have found this treat waiting for me. Would you like a bite?”
“No? Okay, that’s fine by me. I’ll just have to eat it all myself.”
“I’m just wondering if Anneli went without breakfast this morning. Her hands are shaking so much, the video clip is all over the map.”
wordsfromanneli 
May 30, 2026 at 11:03 am
You do a good job of looking out for Crispin Anneli. Happy Saturday. Allan
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May 30, 2026 at 11:05 am
I think he has a pretty good life here. Have good day, Allan.
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May 30, 2026 at 12:00 pm
It’s always wonderful to see Crispin. How many generations of red squirrels (he’s a red, right?) have survived or lead healthier lives because you put out some food for them?
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May 30, 2026 at 12:53 pm
I’ve often wondered how many generations this is. Lincoln was our first one that we followed and he was around about three or four years and then came a new batch of babies. I think Crispin must be on year three or four. I can tell which one he is because he’s so much smaller than the others. And yes, they are red squirrels. The gray squirrels (which also include black ones) are bigger and they are killing off the little red squirrels. They are not a natural species here but they are moving in. I hate to see them because they are such bullies.
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May 30, 2026 at 3:05 pm
Yes, the grey squirrels are from eastern Canada and invasive in BC. Someone brought them to Stanley Park in 1909 (I think) and they spread from there. I believe they are Schedule C which means they can be trapped and euthanised (although I would have to look it up to be sure). The vast majority of invasive species can cause so much damage. They’re equipped for survival in their own regions not for other locations. I remember Lincoln. Crispin certainly looks very healthy and happy. He’s having a good squirrel life in your garden and shed, I think!
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May 30, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Just yesterday a friend and I were having a discussion about whether filberts and hazelnuts were different terms for the same nut. Turns out they are, but I have a feeling Crispin wouldn’t care what they’re called, as long as you produce them for him.
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May 30, 2026 at 12:50 pm
You’re right. I think these are actually filberts. Hazelnuts are shorter and rounder.
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May 30, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Crispin does have a good life there thanks to you, Anneli! Sooo cute! 🥰
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May 30, 2026 at 12:49 pm
He does, and he makes mine better by being here.
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May 30, 2026 at 1:30 pm
Aw!!! 🥰
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May 30, 2026 at 12:51 pm
What a sweet little guy! It looks like he’s relishing those unexpected treats.
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May 30, 2026 at 12:54 pm
He’s quite used to us and comes close. He knows where to find his treats, but he also does a lot of food gathering on his own too, which is a good thing.
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May 30, 2026 at 1:55 pm
Lucky Crispin!
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May 30, 2026 at 2:48 pm
Yes, he was happy.
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