Friday (Mar. 6th) my brother called and told me our Dad passed away. I packed a bag and began the 12 hour road trip from Mississippi to North Carolina. That is the worst part of this story and better told another time. Since I don’t grieve gracefully or publicly, I find ways to enrich and enhance my life until a balance is met within my soul. I’d rather share the best of my story with you.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge.
We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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Here are some things I encountered during a break in the trip that gave me solace.
Field Sparrow atop a brush pile
Swamp Sparrow
Yellow-Throated Vireo
Sweet Cicely ready to bloom and smelling like licorice.
I pulled into my brother’s driveway before he (and his brood) had returned from “the business” (funeral arrangements, lawyer meetings, etc). I introduced myself to an angry, mangy looking cat that occupied his porch. The cat rejected my greeting with malice. I walked around with my camera instead and was able to get this video of a female Hairy Woodpecker preening while ignoring the rudeness of the feline gargoyle.
His Red Maple tree was in full bloom and lovely against the deep blue sky. I noticed movement in the branches and tried to get a photo for clarification. Here is the tree and the blur of a Purple Finch (one of several) that filled the limbs.
Top of a Red Maple
Purple Finch
We, as a family, struggled through Saturday’s emotional gatherings. I decided I would attend a Sunday service (after fifty odd years) at the Quaker Meeting of my youth before the official funeral proceedings (in a different venue). There was no steeple on the building but there was this Mockingbird. He joyfully announced his opinion and set the mood of the new day.
I occupied a pew by myself, feeling a bit alienated. The congregation had been overwhelmingly warm and welcoming but realized I needed space for private reflection. The Quakers and agenda provided that. One attendee disagreed and joined me on the pew. I couldn’t resist the company.
ladybug
Monday morning (1:30 am Eastern Standard Time) I woke from a fitful sleep, packed and headed west to Mississippi. I drove past the twelve miles of destruction in Nashville, TN. along Highway 40. The media did not (could not) cover what I saw. I stopped at the Johnny Cash Rest Stop to gather my composure. There I encountered a Broad-Shouldered Hawk, a Golden-Crowned Kinglet and House Sparrows continuing daily routines. I resolved to do the same.
House Sparrow collecting nest material
I had a good dinner with my wife when I got home and slept soundly afterward. I voted Tuesday morning after I woke and began my day. The rain allowed me a day of rest so I decided to write this diary. I am glad I did. I hope you all find peace and happiness in times of woe.
Thanks for your time and listening to my tale.
What’s up in nature in your area today?
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