Friday, December 17, 2010

Feather Brained



This morning when I woke up the sun was just above the horizon and shining a pinky glow through a frosty wonderland. The trees were covered in a dusting of sparkles. I had to go outside right away and take some photos. The beautiful side of winter. A perfect idle pleasure.


they left me a bit of room!











Later in the morning I lay down on the futon in the living room. I felt the warmth of the sun shining on me. The dogs were peacefully sleeping beside me. Paired with a good book it was hand's down an excellent idle pleasure. Lying in a sun spot on a cold winter day is always a pleasure.




And the Cardinal played "Little Drummer Boy" against the frozen window, his friends whistling encouragement from nearby branches.

These idle pleasures help to make up for my rather rude awakening by the "charming" cardinal that sits in the tree outside of our bedroom window and repeatedly throws itself against the window, making a loud fluttery bump each time. This bird (or one of its buddies) has been doing this every morning for months - yes months. They don't seem to hurt themselves, nor do they seem to learn from the experience. We are usually up by the time its light enough for it to start its shenanigans but that will change once we are retired. We may just have to get a cat. 

snowbound
Today's word of the day is philately (fuh-LAT-uh-lee - the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps : stamp collecting). When I was a child I had a stamp collection - I'm not sure who I got it from, perhaps my Great Aunt Jean, but there were lots of old stamps from strange countries. I used to like looking at them, especially the ones with animals, and would imagine what it was like where they came from. I don't know where that old collection is now - perhaps my parents have it tucked away somewhere safe until someone in the next generation shows interest.


3 comments:

Andy said...

The Cardinal is territorial & sees it's reflection in your window as an intruder in his territory. Hitting your window is him attacking the intruder. Put something in the window so he can't see his reflection & he will stop.

D Hansen said...

Hi Laura!
You'll have lots of time to smell the roses now (plant and grow them too, if you like). The smaller songbirds have been gorging themselves on the birdseed I leave on top of the large tree stump near my back deck. They seem to be quite demanding, hopping around impatiently, looking for more seeds when the stump is empty.
Dorothy

Laura said...

you are right - I'll have lots of time :-) It will take some getting used to!

Andy - I've tried various measures to block the reflection but its hard as its a big (huge) window and the branches touch it. Next spring the tree comes down! (if not sooner).