Drinking with the Birds

At Cook'n By the Creek this morning is was one of those shock and awe times that always amaze me.  I was in charge of chickens and horses which is way "ok" with me. What better way to start the day!   The sun was starting to melt the hard frost we had last night and also provide enough warmth that no coat was needed.  This morning is proof life goes on in nature, bird and animal kingdom.  The chickens had found their not so secret passage from the coop and as they have been doing since winter broke did their morning greetins to us as soon as we cross the bridge.  Why?  Because we never leave the house without a few slices of bread or whatever.  They love their morning and evening snacks.  I know, I am a chicken kinda chick but seriously if you don't crack a smile seeing those hens doing their "waddle run" then ya just have NO heart for chickens. 

I had an added bonus!  Getting closer to the barnyard I spotted something moving in the grass (not a snake in the grass :)  It was a tiny baby Killdeer.  Looking around I spotted 2 more and just a few feet from the babies were the momma and papa.  One was laying down as close to the ground as possible and the other was pretending to be injured with a wave of its wing and a small call.  The babies disappeared in a blink.  They also were buried into the grass laying flat. What a sight to watch.  Nature has so much to offer if we just take the time to "smell the roses" as to speak.

Doing breakfast dishes I had the honor to watch Mr. and Mrs. Baltimore Oriole as we have been for the past 3 days.  Once we noticed them trying to drink from the Hummingbird feeder Dick went to town for fresh oranges and grape jelly.  They are now frequent visitors several times a day.  This is the first time they have come so close to the house.  I am on the back deck writing, enjoying the morning and our feathered friends, hoping to get a close up of the Orioles.  They must learn to share the space with us.  This is our outdoor living space once the weather allows and this morning is perfection at its best.  Every time I pick up the camera they take flight.  Mr. is quite noisy and I believe trying to tell me.....GET!  They keep circling back, the fruit and jelly is just more than they can ignore.  Kinda like the cinnamon jelly beans our friend keeps on his counter.  If I walk by I just have to take a few. 

Trying to be still is like hunting spring gobbler.  I become so aware of my surroundings.  Here in Clara it can be hours before we hear another sign of humans.  This morning is no exception.  Of course I missed a good picture because I had my eyes closed listening to Morning Doves, all the other song birds and an occasional whinny from the horses.  Must be everyone left Clara early this morning because not a vehicle has gone by for quite awhile.  Lawns must have been mowed earlier in the week.  Gotta cut grass when the weather allows.  This is an amazing feeling...like I am the only one on earth.  Times like these are refreshing and cleansing, just me and my thoughts.  Which many of you know I seem to have way to many of.  Well there is a great sound, the cuckoo clock just announced it is 10 am. I have been enjoying my time for 2 hours already and possibly with another cup of coffee a few more.   I have to take advantage of the "around sound".  Deep breathing, relax and be thankful for what is. 

Mrs. O. decided we can enjoy the porch together.  I knew they could not resist a free meal.

The hummers could care less if I am close to their food. 

Well it has happened.  I have drank with many friends but with the feathered ones it is much more quiet and peaceful. Oh, I did perk another small pot of Jamaican Me Crazy.  I think this could possibly be another 2 hours of "drinking with my friends".  Did you happen to notice I wrote that it is perked coffee?  Who says you can't go back.  A few weeks ago I was reading an article about the automatic and Kurig coffee makers.  It didn't sound to enjoyable about the water tanks and nasty sediments in the tanks.  I googled that and discovered the old time percolators are by far the best for cleaning and keeping clean.  Amazon was my next stop on the world wide web.  Yep, they had plenty to chose from and the reviews helped me decide which one.  The first time we "perked" a pot we were hooked!  The coffee is so crisp tasting, I think I remember that taste.  Lucky for me where I buy my Finger Lakes Jamaican Me Crazy does a perk grind.  Perfect, life in my "coffee world" can't get any better than that!  Off I go to enjoy the quiet,  another cup of JMC and our little feathered friends.

There is my new favorite coffee pot!

 

Take time to enjoy the great outdoors, it really does have a lot of wonderful, free things to offer.  Just listen and watch.