(21) We still have snow- But now, a better outlook!

     March is almost over and still we have too much snow on the ground.  So spoiled last year with all snow gone by the 15th and unusually warm weather.  Oh well, we take what we can get.
     Yesterday while at "Observation Hill" I saw two chipmunks in the snowy arena vying for sunflower seeds and also saw a robin.  Juncos are passing through and goldfinches are back.
     I am thinking about plans for a small addition.  Comtemplating the pros and cons.  I don't really want the extra expense but a little extra room would be nice.  I am only thinking about 25-30 sq ft.  Anyway, more on that later. 
     Purchased a new camera and have plans for various research through the season.  I am very excited about that.
     Here are a few thoughts about winter via a poem I wrote in December-

WINTER COMFORT

Walking through the "Realm" fingers numbing,
Snow crunching under foot, toes throbbing.
Stick in hand to keep from falling,
A chickadee lites nearby all curiousity.

I stop to gaze and listen,
To the wind above, through the limbs.
Below, the tracks of those who live here.
In the snow that yeilds and glistens.

I wonder who has passed most recently,
Is it the deer or squirrel or both?
It matters not, they live here.
Me only a traveler on their path.

I shudder quietly with winters weather,
Not enjoying but enduring.  That I must.
If I want to be, and go where I want,
This path must I take and feel the brunt.

I see through the trees not far off,
The destination I desire.  The hill of observation.
With patience I employ my means of desire,
To make the "Hill" and light the fire.

My heart enlightens as progress unveils,
The gate that I enter that allows me haven.
A place to relax and warm up,
To be where I want, winter comfort.

The stove I light, the pot on high,
Warm liquid inside to thaw and revive.
I put out seeds for energy for the birds,
And wait for the warmth, to return, to observe.

I look around and breath forms a cloud,
To cover the panes and walls all 'round,
Pleased, I see the books on their shelves,
Soon, the warmth overtakes the cold of the Realm.

Winter comfort is here in this place I have built,
To be with nature and Earth and solitude.
Not excessive in the scene before me,
Winter comfort alludes to the place I should be.

Until later,  enjoy your space.

(20) Another Spring is Here!

I entered the "Realm" yesterday.   The sun was shinning and the temp was just above 40 degrees.  I got to "Observation Hill"  and loaded up the feeders.  Birds flocked immediately and I was pleased.  I made a cup of coffee and added a dollop of vodka to help warm the bones and watched.  I got a couple of good pictures and suddenly I noticed a chipmunk, the first of the season!  A huge smile crossed my face as I watched and I remember saying "Yeah" to myself.  So small yet so important to me. 
     My truck stayed in the woods all winter as I got stuck just after the first snow fall and decided to leave it there.  I stuck the key in and she fired off right away.  It shouldn't be long and I will be able to get her out once again. 

(19) On being another

     I sometimes wish that I was the deer, knowing what my life was to be, and what to do.  As long as I stayed in the "Realm", I would be safe.  If I crossed the line I would be in danger of man and his gun or the speed of a car and man's lack of attention.
     I could be in the woods during my life with the rest of nature.  The song of the bird and the yip of the coyote would be my neighbors, neither of who I would be obliged to converse.  No madness of sporting events, politics or religion- the foolishness of cell phones or disasters of the world elsewhere.  The greed of man beyond that of food, clothing and shelter.
     However, coming upon the gift (of man), the occasional pile of corn or an apple to enjoy.  Man is few and far between, at least the dangerous ones.  My instints would keep me from most trouble.  I would run with my fellow deer when the season was right or follow my own course in the summer, bedding down at night on a hill for observation and a clear get-a-way if needed.
     I would eat of the fresh grasses and new leaves in the spring and scrape the snow in winter for the hidden acorn.
     I would look up at the cry of a bluejay under duress and the danger warning of the nearby chipmunk.
     I would mate with my kind in late fall or early winter and enjoy my young for a year after.
     Mother Earth would control our population and I would not take from her more than she gave.
     My specie would carry on as long as Mother Earth wanted us-unless man took us first, as happens all too often.