🌿 Lately, life has looked less like “children’s author” and more like “Granny versus yard debris.”

I swear I picked up sticks for hours.

I’d clear one area, turn around, and somehow it looked like I had never even been there. At this point, I’m convinced the squirrels are waiting in the trees, throwing more down the second I walk away.

I can almost hear them now:

“Hey Larry, she made it to the fence line… DROP MORE.”

Thankfully, I finally got a new battery for my golf cart and hooked a wagon behind it. Let me tell you… The setup looked a little questionable. Somewhere between “yard maintenance” and “hillbilly parade float.”

🐿️ “She’s the one called ‘Granny’ off The Beverly Hillbillies. Why is she complaining?” (The Union would like to note that Granny’s reputation for feistiness predates this yard and us.)

But wow, did it save my back.

Of course, once the grandsons saw the wagon attached, all responsible behavior immediately disappeared. Apparently, the goal became driving around the yard as wildly as possible while Granny attempted to maintain some level of dignity.

I’m not sure we succeeded.

🐿️ “She has no one to blame but herself ~ she’s the driver after all!” (The Union agrees. The wagon did not attach itself.)

Somewhere between staining furniture, painting outside pieces, cleaning everything up, and battling the squirrel‑stick conspiracy, I’ve also been finishing up something exciting…

Modo and Jiblet Meet G.G. the Frog will officially release on Amazon on May 25, 2026.

And a little behind‑the‑scenes note: G.G. is inspired by my mom ~ peaceful, steady, and always decorating or rearranging something until it looks “just right.” Basically, the opposite of the squirrels, who rearrange things by throwing sticks at me. This book is dedicated to her. I hope you enjoy it. 

Between the storms today and the squirrel union working overtime, I’m preparing myself for Round 47 of Stick Pickup 2026.

I can’t wait to share the next adventure with all of you.

Until then, if anyone needs me, I’ll be outside pretending I’ve finally won the battle against the sticks…after the rain stops, of course.

P.S. If the squirrels suddenly disappear from future stories… we all know why

🐿️ Who is she kidding? Have you seen the number of trees out back? Good luck, Granny. This will be entertaining. We will definitely keep you updated on the situation as it unfolds. 

🐿️ Official Statement from the Squirrel Union

(Released at 7:10 a.m. CST, under protest, during peak stick‑distribution hours)

To Whom It May Concern (primarily Granny):

The Squirrel Union would like to address recent allegations regarding excessive stick deployment, strategic limb placement, and general woodland mischief occurring on the property known as “Granny’s Yard.”

After a thorough internal review (and one heated acorn‑throwing debate), the Union has determined the following:

1. We deny all accusations of intentionally dropping sticks the moment Granny turns her back. Any such timing is purely coincidental and absolutely not coordinated by Larry.
2. We acknowledge that today’s storms may result in an increased volume of sticks. This is an act of nature, not an act of the Union. (Although we admit we will be observing the chaos with great interest.)
3. We request that Granny cease referring to our activities as “the squirrel‑stick conspiracy.” The preferred term is “forest floor enrichment program.”
4. We are aware of the upcoming release of Modo and Jiblet Meet G.G. the Frog. We wish to clarify that any comparisons between G.G.’s calm demeanor and our own behavior are unfair, inaccurate, and frankly insulting.
5. We remain unafraid of Granny. However, we will be monitoring her golf‑cart‑wagon setup closely, as it appears to be evolving into a tactical retrieval vehicle.

In conclusion, the Squirrel Union will continue its regular operations, including but not limited to: stick distribution, nut relocation, fence‑line surveillance, and judging Granny’s yardwork from the trees.

Respectfully submitted,

The Squirrel Union Executive Committee🐿️