Once upon a time a million years ago I was a volunteer youth day care teacher and spent most afternoons doing artwork with school aged children. There was a precious little manipulative snow queen of a girl who ruled the roost and made all the other little girls do everything she did immediately. And that afternoon we were playing with clay. I was amusing myself making little clay figures of animals. And was surprised that they were turning out cute. Very cute. Shoni was surprised too.

And not exactly happy about it.

She tolerated the giraffe. And smiled at the mouse. But when I started to work on the dog she frowned.

“Don’t you think you’re making too many little animals, Heidi?” She intoned crisply. And I swear if I had been six I would have felt horrible and stopped instantly. But as I was 16  I understand pretty clearly that she was jealous. And didn’t like the feeling very much. Because, who does?

And I mention that story this morning, for no real reason, but because, well, don’t you, think Napa is doing too many nice things for beavers?

Yesterday was the ribbon cutting ceremony for the beaver interpretive signs using Rusty’s artwork and explaining their role in the ecosystem. I will not exaggerate when I say they both made me swoon and roll my eyes while gritting my teeth in envy in equal measure.

See for yourself.

County Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht, Richard head of Napa Flood Control in beaver costume and current Mayor of Napa Scott at ribbon cutting for signs. The past Mayor of Napa was also there and a city council person showed up late with kid.

Nice signs. Good message. Beaver costume. Okay. That’s what you might expect. In all honesty, this is what sent me over the edge.