The Invasion

I’m taking creative license with today’s MM theme of 20C inventions • Thank you Laurie54 for hosting • It’s true the first verified record of gray squirrels - two - being introduced from the US to England was in 1828 into Henbury Park by Thomas Brocklehurst • I know, wrong century • And a larger release happened during the 1880s by Herbrand Russell • Again, wrong century, but imagine these squirrels being brought back by businessmen visiting the US. How did they catch them? How did they carry them, or feed them? • I digress • Here is where I finally attempt to meet today’s challenge. From 1902 to 1929 (note, 20C) a wave of significant releases took place in numerous parks and forests across England, including Surrey, London and Bedfordshire. Gray squirrels were now well established across the southeast, literally “invented” as a species. Did you catch that key word, invented? • Over the next 50 years they continued to expand throughout England and Wales. Now, they can even be seen in Scotland and Ireland • In summary, England gives us The Beatles, and we give you gray squirrels. It really isn’t a fair exchange. So Sorry :( • MrsP and I are overwhelmed by the response and comments to our wedding anniversary yesterday. So many gifts of hearts and stars expressed so much love and support - Thank You. I do want to clarify that our selfie was taken 8 years ago, along with the location of our vows. The sign and cake shots were indeed taken yesterday • Yes, the cake and prosecco were delicious!