The day dawned clear and bright in Elizabeth City. It is cold too, as it ought to be in February. February will decide the fate of the daffodils and everything else that blooms in early spring. I saw a patch of daffodils in bloom yesterday, and though they were cheerfully surrounding a mailbox, I wished they had waited for March.
The yard was full of all sorts of birds this morning. A little chickadee was trapped in the screened porch and a robin was showing great concern about it. There were cardinals and doves -and of course blackbirds. There was quite a commotion. I saw a dove surveying an empty squirrel nest. I am not sure her intentions were honorable. The nest did seem abandoned and up for grabs. Squirrels build nests of twigs. They are big and untidy concoctions and sit perched on a branch in spite of that. A tree is more likely than a squirrel nest, to come unfastened, in a hurricane. The details of nature are quite remarkable.
By the time, the sunshine was bold, and a dog was barking while people were walking, the birds had left the yard. It was as if the birds had been telling secrets and were not inclined to share them, in ” broad daylight”. I understood completely. My sisters and I have secrets as of lately. Mama has a birthday this month.
I saw “hope” today-pure and unbridled. A young family took us on a tour of the house that they have hopes of calling their own. We toured the house and talked about paint and furniture-and how to improve the kitchen. We walked around the spacious yard and found old camellias blooming. A grove of magnolias grew by a small pond on the property. I listened to the young mother tell us what she would plant and prune. She fairly glowed as she spoke. The little boys ran hither and yonder exploring. I am sure they had plans of forts and hiding spots. I was in the presence of “hope” and it acted like a tonic.
Lyla and I took a walk in the afternoon. We fed some hungry seagulls. They came quite close to the stroller and squawked noisily the whole time. Other than that, the neighborhood was still and quiet. The winter sunshine had softened and looked like early morning light. Heart shaped wreaths adorned many doors. A redbird streaked through the sky just above us. I told Lyla that he was a special kind of a valentine and that we ought to make a wish-so we did.
We came home to a warm house and it seemed just like a happy ending to an ordinary day- unless you take count into account, that it was a day full of secrets, hopes and a wish made on a redbird.
Very sweet. Made me smile 😊
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thank you so much.-I hope you have lots of reasons to smile often!
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Aw. I do! Thank you 😋
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I do hope the young family do indeed make the home their own, their excitement is palpable even from here, this afternoon Gelfling Grandson & I were watching Jackdaws looking at prospective chimneys in which to make their nests ~ a sign spring is on her way
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I hope to be the kind of grandmother you are! I have thought of you a lot lately-so good to hear from you!
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You can look at the month of February as gloomy and cold (especially in the northeast) or as hope for change and warmer weather ahead. I enjoy how you look at the beauty of animals and mother nature.
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I have never known another way, growing up in the country. thank you so much and I know you too recognize the beauty of life.
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What a perfect day, so lovely and sums up the beginnings of new hopes at this time in the year. 😊
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it was just sweet in every way.-all the way around. thank you!
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Your February sounds like our March. That is our month of weather changes and flowers that bloom only to be bit by frost. I always watch the apple trees and hope they don’t get over anxious and bloom too early.
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March is our month too-usually-this year is a fluke!! I am worried for our fruit trees too! thank you so much.
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I can’t wait to wish upon a Cardinal with my Maya the next time one alights in my yard.
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Hoping you have many wishes and they all come true!! thank you. I love when you visit!
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Several lovely moments on a cold wintery day! Diane
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yes-a beautiful ordinary winter day!
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It was a very special weekend and as always we love spending time with you!
Love you!
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the same for me-you have a lot of folks praying for you and that house!! xoxo
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A great post, full of hope and renewal for the new season.
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thank you sweet PaperPuff!
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