ode to the American Robin…

Tags

American Robins, feeding wild birds, Haiku, March, poetry, Virginia, wild birds, winter

Today was a snow day — again.

embellished teuter

My heart went out the hundreds of American Robins who are ambling here, eagerly awaiting spring in central Virginia. A few days ago when temps were in the 60’s, I marveled at the hundreds who hunted at dusk in the turf surrounding my home. They roost in the 135 Leyland cypress surrounding my property. 

Turdus migratorius ~ or the American Robin

Today, with five inches of fresh, wet snow covering any hope of turf morsels, numerous Robins scrambled for any scrap when many discovered my feeders. Normally Robins prefer fat, slithering, wet earthworms, yet during conditions such as today, they attempted to choke down Nandina berries and grains from the wild bird feeders. Forced to plan B, they quickly became disgruntled, aggressive, and downright ruffled…only the Red Bellied Woodpecker held his place at the feeders when Robins descended.

a very disgruntled American Robin

I could not resist, as dusk approached, to capture images. Forgive the handheld, through-glass photos…

 Robust robins await,
the snow, the thaw, the spring.
Today they all scold.

noble feathered display

rear view of pondering robin

all plumped up in order to stay warm

under the snow laden row of cypress
robins flick, flick, flick
their strong beaks,
rearranging the mulch
in search of the illusive earthworms,
who sleep just below the dormant surface.

Days at home with wild birds are very special.
The gift of observation is precious.
Time spent with them feed my creativity and poetic spirit.
I am glad to share my day with you.

Copyright © 2014 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

march in like a lion

Tags

biting insects, Central Virginia, cypress trees, Dominion Power, greenhouse effect, in like a lion, March, mother nature, power outage, snowfall, weather, winter

This week’s weather was trying—the forecast spot on—I lost all utilities for 2.5 days and hunkered down until last night, dressed like an Eskimo, sleeping in my clothes and cap. Not fun! I thought I would share my pain through the following photographs:

Tuesday night, heavy, wet, damaging snow fell for hours, and I awoke to this…

crepe myrtle pinned to ground

crepe myrtle pinata

stabbing the pile of wet, heavy stuff

cypress trees reduced in height by half

at least the oatmeal stout and porter cheese needed no refrigeration!

no doubt spring will arrive despite what is dished out of the sky

Apparently life in rural Virgina brings with it many trials. Summers are brutally hot and humid, with plentiful biting insects while wicked storms often whip through leaving residents without power for days. Now winter brings similar outages, demanding one to be resilient. Although I toughed 51 degree F temps indoors for nearly three days, when the utilities finally returned, I was totally exhausted—even resorted to sitting in the van as the afternoon sun raised her head, creating a greenhouse effect and bringing temperatures to 80 F.

Last time I checked this is the twenty-first century right?

Before retiring last night I managed a hot shower and shampoo, a load of laundry, some hot soup, before collapsing into the nearest bed.

OK Mother Nature, this gal has had enough already. You are shaking your magnificent mane again—reminding us how you always have your way with us. You entered March and got our attention. Now, PLEASE, I ask you for a wee bit of spring before the lawn demands a weekly mow? Please?

March often does enter as a lion, yet folks, prepare like a warlord.

This is my new life slogan! Yet when I remember to take a lesson from challenging situations, particularly nature, I am reminded that resilience is key and so far, I bounce back. Now headed to the terrace to have lunch in the brilliant sunshine, I will listen to the song of gurgling/melting snow as it nourishes the landscape.

Also humming “there is a legal limit to the snow here, in Camelot!”

Here’s hoping that you are warm and cozy this day. 😉

Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved

the thing about March

Tags

birthday, March, renewal, spring, Virginia, winter

The month of March is paramount in my life, perhaps because March is my birth month. However, more importantly, March represents a time of rebirth, renewal, and hope.

This morning as I gaze onto the landscape, much of my view remains dormant and crispy brown, yet persistent daffodils appear without fail, pushing out of the soil despite whatever life or Mother Nature delivers. Robins returned by the hundreds last week, and the resident mockingbird who found her mate with lightning speed, now busily crafts her first nest. These magnificent events unfailingly prod “to do” lists while the remnants of the long winter past tug at me to rest, reflect, and live in the present.

Therefore for today, I shall merely glance at that chore list, observe the busy birds, slip back into bed with that unfinished book, recharge, and be thankful to be a part of this incredible world.

Sustainable living cannot be more personal, especially as we age…a reminder to do less and be more by preserving the source. Moreover, the source begins with each of us and that responsibility lies within.

Copyright © 2011 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved