Home Grown 1

Thursday, January 27, 2011

From the Archives Circa 1965-1975

Long Gone

It occurred to me the other day that I had not seen a

single bird around the feeders in days.

I am quite used to filling feeders every 2 or 3 days.

It is not uncommon to see flocks of sparrows

covering the ground, scrounging for food.

The lone Grackle who did not migrate this year

is no longer feeding in the open.

The Chickadees who are always prolific in winter

have been away all week.

The Collared Dove is nowhere to be seen.

The weather has been very warm this week too

so I don't understand where they are?

Or shall I say didn't understand until yesterday.

We were out in the yard by the back pine trees and noticed a

plethora of bird feathers scattered all over the snow.

It was then that I realized why there were no birds in the yard.

This guy moved in late last week.

The hungry Merlin.

He has been here in years past

but his presence was not so apparent as this year.

I see him diving and swooping and alighting on tree branches

in the yard.

In fact, I think he sleeps in a tall spruce right out front.

Oh I hope he moves along soon.

Can you just imagine a summer without songbirds?

No, nor can I.

Pictures above:
Hummingbird in Cedar
Snow Geese
Ducks
taken during fall migration.
Decidedly not sparrows, chickadees, grackles and doves.

Monday, January 24, 2011

I have always thought a lot about the moon. I have long been watching her track across the sky. I watch her shape shifting from night to night. I don't know why, or shall I say didn't know why until very recently. It is the ruler of Cancer, under which astrological sign I was born.

(Morning moon in Delisle)

The description of the Cancer woman fits me exactly.

This is the most subjective position of the Moon. The Moon is "at home" in the sign of Cancer, as the Moon is the natural ruler of the sign.

Moon in Cancer natives have a large potential to be able to get in touch with the feelings and moods of others. Often, they are quite wrapped up in themselves. Their memories of the past are outstanding, especially for all things emotional. Moon in Cancer people are never detached—they cling to things, their home, and people they care for. They seek out security and familiarity in all they do. They look for peace and quiet. Their attachment to all that is safe means they are a little leery of change.

These peace-loving souls dislike superficiality in all of its forms. They are devoted and accommodating. The insecure ones accumulate things in an attempt to feel secure. (This is not me. I am a purger, not an accumulator.)

Because of their strong attachment to, and memory of, the past, others may complain that Moon in Cancer natives tend to whip a dead horse. They may dwell on hurts long after everyone else has moved on. When they feel they have been taken for granted (which may be often!), they don't always confront others directly. This is when they can use roundabout ways to get your attention. In fact, these natives, when they are insecure, can become quite manipulative. They can also be victims of habit.

I would like to be able to photograph the moon well. I'd even like to paint it one day. But for now, I'll just watch her and let her fullness reflect into my room when I sleep.