Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs have been popping up in my life recently.Hedgehogs are not indigenous to the United States, and most Americans grow up knowing about them from the stories of Beatrix Potter and her character, Mrs. Tiggywinkle.  There was a children’s television show on in the UK that told the stories in both animation and live action. It was excellent. You can see the opening credits here.

They are nocturnal and are not the brightest bulbs, but their cuteness makes up for a lot of small sins. I remember trying to feed the hedgehog in my cousin’s garden (catfood) and it never showed up, perhaps to the large number of small children running around.I would see hedgehogs crossing the road on my way home from the castle. Once, I stopped the car to make sure one of the wee creatures made it across the road and wasn’t smushed.

Just recently, I saw a little change purse from Kate Spade. It was very cute, but it almost looked more like a fish than a hedgehog, especially around the mouth.

My mother just saw a recipe from Colonial Williamsburg, of all places, for a Hedgehog Cheese Ball! That’s going to be my contribution to Easter lunch.  I am hoping mine looks more like this,

than like this…

Given that hedgehogs are not native to these shores, there certainly are a lot of hedgehog products, including a completely disgusting hedgehog that Connor drags around. Clearly, the people who made it had never seen or heard one. It looks more like a gopher than a hedgehog.I also saw a hedgehog cheese grater, and hedgehog dryer balls which are supposed to keep your clothes fluffy and static-free.My mother collects hedgehogs – or else we all collect them for her – and we’ve found little gold hedgehog earrings, crystal hedgehogs, ceramic hedgehogs, and many more funny little pieces.

My friend Janice sent me this 1584 Hans Hoffman watercolour and gouache on parchment,a gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from Annette de la Renta.

Do you like hedgehogs as much as I do?