There are times I wish I was able to peek into the chimpanzees’ thoughts to see what they actually are thinking. For instance, I really wish I could peek into Honey B’s mind to see what that brain conjures up imaginatively.
For the six years I have known her, watching her has always been intriguing. If you were able to watch her almost every day, you too would understand that mind is running on all cylinders at all times. From the luring in of unsuspecting caregivers to spit in their face, to the placement of toys in places to mess with daily shifting, to her strategic placement of items when she is building her nests, and yes, to some how figuring out how to steal a hose while the caregivers were away.
I was spending time with her in the afternoon while she was in the mezzanine. She was specifically in the area commonly know as “the cubby.” If there is an spot in her areas that she without a shadow of a doubt love, it’s that little spot. She was in such a playful mood (with me at least), spinning around on her back, making her little grunts of happiness that serenades my ears. She reached outside her area, grabbed a purple blanket and drug it in. Draping it over her head, she grabbed two corners and held them up into the cage mesh.
It looked like a little tent or fort. Honey B then invited me to come closer. It was like we were both playing a little game of “fort,” which she seemed to think was fun.
It was really reminiscent of being a child again, playing fort and telling secrets. And as it happens somewhat frequently, I missed a grand opportunity. I was telling my friend about it, to which they asked if I had a blanket on hand to complete Fort B. Unfortunately, I did not since I had not anticipated this fun little game. Next time though! (Hopefully there is a next time.)
Side note: here is Honey B’s mother, Missy, utilizing a fort during “Blanket Fort Day.” Missy was enjoying her food puzzle and watching that young whippersnapper, George, as he was on the Bray earlier.
*Bonus Photos*
My mind was multi tasking, I was reading this blog and at the same time I was thinking surely Chad can quickly grab a blanket from somewhere, finish off the fort and get Honey B’s reaction.
Next time Chad! We would love to see what she thinks of this
Lucky you being able to spend playtime with Ms. B.
Chad, I am so envious of your time spent with Honey B. I know she is special to you and I am sure she is aware of that. Perhaps that was the reason she invited you to come closer. I hope you get another chance to play forts and be let in on a few of her secrets.
Thanks for this story and photos, Chad. I think in one of them Honey B had a look on her face that said I can’t let you into my fort because you might find out what shenanigans I am planning. Good luck next time. Don’t forget BYOB, bring your own blankie.
Fort B! One of the most exclusive clubs in all of Cle Elum! I know Jamie and Honey B make some pretty amazing forts, but I think that’s the first time they’ve ever let a caregiver in on the fun!
Chad, I love your posts. You have a way of truly conjuring up all the unique secret tidbits that make Honey B or Burrito or whoever you are writing about, special to you and because of this, we get to see a side of each individual we’d never see otherwise.
There’s no doubt that Honey B is enjoying herself under her night sky tent. Did she require a secret password or hand signal for you to join her fort hideaway? What a privilege.
Aw, Chad, I know how much you and Anthony love Beezus, and she seems to appreciate you as well.
Those pics almost look like they have a green filter on them.
It’s also great to see that her eye has healed completely; we’re grateful for the team that worked on it!
oooooh that’s her color!