Well apparently Asa isn’t the only one in our neighborhood who dreams of becoming a rock star. When returning from a walk one day, I thought I heard screaming trees. However, Asa was quick to point out it was a singing Groundhog with dreams of making it big in grunge, who recently had taken up residence under our stone wall. Although unlike Asa, our Grungy Groundhog is a bit shy and temperamental when it comes to performing.

When Asa first accidentally came upon him practicing with his mic stand in the yard, Grungy was performing for the toadies.

But he didn’t look too pleased when Asa interrupted his performance with applause. Adoration must not be part of his rock star creed.

Gripping his microphone once again in his tiny paws, and doing his best Eddie Vedder impersonation, Grungy tried to resume his song…

…but being a temperamental rock star, he once again dropped his mic and even went as far as to make a smashing fist. His glare made Asa want to hide in a hole, or perhaps behind a nearby bush.

Understanding the creative process is difficult and interruptions are frowned upon, not to mention not wanting to get on the wrong side of those claws, Asa got a tad bit nervous, and quickly left our Groundhog alone. But he did extend an olive branch, or rather a lettuce leaf, by inviting the Groundhog to dinner in our sound garden.

Asa thought they had reached a state of nirvana during this meal, and Grungy would be happy to chat afterwards. Instead, after eating most of our lettuce, the Groundhog just swaggered away without so much as a thank you! I wish Asa fed our rather rude neighbor red hot chili peppers instead!

However, he did briefly pause by the grill, look back, and let out a whistle, which made Asa melt like a puddle of mud.

Ever since Asa has been waiting by the grill, hoping that was a sign Grungy Groundhog wanted to collaborate with Asa on his next grunge song. Personally, I think this is a lot of garbage.