I guess I was just in time. The birdbath was almost empty of water. With single-digit temps and some snow on the way tonight I wanted to make sure my wildlife friends are stocked up with food and water.

I noticed the birdbath was low when I looked out the window and saw about eight birds gathered around the rim. After filling it, I waited a while before I went to check again to see if they’d returned.

It was then I was gifted with that funny looking “bird” I see now and then that also likes to take advantage of the birdbath.

Luckily, I had my phone in hand to capture the above photo and snapped a few more.

What really cracked me up when I viewed the photos on my phone afterward is this one…

I guess Squirrel wasn’t my appreciating me invading his space and it looks like in this shot he is saying, “Hey lady! Whatcha’ looking’ at?”

This is what I appreciate about squirrels. They always bring a smile to my face and make me laugh.

And just as I was finishing writing this post I heard some commotion outside Joyful Pause Cottage windows…yup…Squirrel is now after the birdseed. Well, he’s gotta eat and stay warm too.

XO,

Barb

My eyes are trying to adjust to the new landscape that is changing moment by moment as the guys from a tree service cut down two ash trees in our backyard that no longer have life in them.

Early this morning after opening the blinds in the living room emotion swept through me as I thought about the impending loss of the trees. At first, I felt rather silly feeling melancholy like this. But I quickly dismissed it as I’ve learned to accept myself as I am over the years.

While I was sad, I also realized I wanted to take a moment and thank the trees for being a part of our yard for over thirty years. Again, something I’d not had admitted to in my younger years —thanking trees — but it’s who I am.

So I thanked the trees for providing shelter and a place to land and rest for the birds. I said thank you for the shade and beauty they provided. I also thought about how on Saturday evening I posted to my Facebook page that it was the last night with our Christmas tree as that too would come down the next day. It would join the fallen ash trees as they all make their way into the chipper.

A friend commented on my post, “transformed into another gift to the Earth.” It was true and made my heart smile that though the Christmas tree (and ash trees) landscape was changing, they now had an opportunity to transform into something new.

I can’t help but think, as you know me, and how life often speaks to me in these ways, but how the timing of the trees leaving and a new landscape in our backyard is in a way a metaphor of what is occurring in our country right now.

We don’t know what it will look like after tomorrow. But we will adapt and adjust. No matter what your thoughts about all of it, I’m leaning into trusting that there will be beauty and goodness that I just can’t see or know right now. The landscape will fill in in a new way, just as the days ahead will unfold in a new way, bringing with it a different view than before.

xo,

Barb

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