The Cardinals Nest

For whatever reason, our homes have always attracted various animals. Squirrels, doves, wrens, lizards, turtles, frogs, and even Midnight the cat, have all made themselves comfortable with us over the years. But the latest addition is really exceptional.

A family of cardinals has just taken up lodgings in the creeping vine which grows between the back porch and the downspout. They are only feet from me when I sit out back to play music, or just to lie in the sun. I usually find the chirping of birds distracting, especially if I can’t see them, but this family; let’s call them a Council of Cardinals; are exceptionally entertaining.

They are currently in the process of moving in and building their nest, and it seems that everyone in the family has a job to do. So far as I can tell, the family consists of three; so far no sign of Papa. So, basically it’s Mama and her two hatchlings doing all the work.

They fly in with material and then turn right back around after dropping it off. After several sorties they all congregate inside the vine, atop the rain gate , and then there is  incessant chirping as they each debate their own visions about how the nest should be constructed. In the end, I’m sure, Mama will win out.

They’re still a bit wary of me; it’s probably the banging of the screen door as I go in and out which startles them. They are probably wondering who the hell I think I am, living on the side of their new home? But they tolerate me. After all, the cat is friendly and when the bird feeder next door at Chip and Anne’s is empty, they can always wing over to Midnight's bowl for some cat food. In a unique sort of way, it’s a self-sustaining eco-system. It should last forever. Well; as long as I supply the cat food.

If you enjoyed this story about the wildlife in my backyard, you might also enjoy this true, but sad story from 2011;

http://robertwilliamsofbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2011/03/lovers.html

Early Spring Garden - 2013

This is our patio/garden area 2 days ago. With a bit of hard work by Sue, the place has already begun to show signs of life after the mild, but long, winter. The fig tree to the left is doing nicely, and we expect to enjoy more of its fruit this year, just as we did last year.

The banana tree is still too young to bear fruit, but with some tender loving care, mostly from Sue; I just look at it in awe and admiration; it will thrive and bear with time. I wish I could say the same for this year’s cotton crop, which is mine. The seeds have broken ground, and hopefully, since I planted early this year, they will yield some tangible results beyond the pretty pink flowers which they produce. We will just have to wait and see. The spice plants are all doing nicely and promise to bring some fresh flavor to our cooking once again.

Meantime, I’ll be monitoring the progress from my lounge chair; writing, playing guitar and reading. The winter is really over now, and a whole world of birds and lizards and little furry creatures are beginning to make them-selves known once again. The whole cycle is renewed, and we move on.  Though spring is a time of renewal, it can also be a time of reflection, as we look back upon springs past, remembering Aesop’s fable about the ant and the grasshopper. And this is the time of year we all make that choice.

"The Island" - A Work In Progress

This is the latest addition to our backyard. Sue has worked very hard on the landscaping around the patio area, creating a really beautiful place for me to relax and read, listen to music, or play guitar. The sad part is that she seldom gets to use it! She's still working, while I loaf about, enjoying the fruits of her labor. She never complains, though I am sure there are times she would like to choke me into silence.

And, here below, is something which I have always wanted, but was unwilling to spend the $100, or more, which it would cost. Sue came home with this from a local Farmer's Market on Saturday. There is a woman there named Mona, who sells all kinds of trees and plants. She has a green house in which she works her magic. Sue picked this beautiful plant up for the amazing price of $10. Mona warned her that it needed to come indoors for the winter, with plenty of sun. So, it will be going home to Mona's greenhouse each winter, free of charge.  Now, that's a bargain!