Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

Friday, May 9, 2014

Bird Nest Mother's Day

Mommy bird choose to build her nest in between the bathroom window and the bamboo shade on our back porch.
We secured the blind so the nest wouldn't fall..
First there were three eggs, then four and finally five.
A couple of weeks ago, the eggs started hatching...
Each egg cracked opened... and little babies started moving around inside the nest.
We thought that the mother had abandoned the nest at one point. We had not seen her. Then a few days ago... we saw her sitting on top of them again. She must have taken a short vacation... or maybe she was letting them know that the time was coming when they would have to fend for themselves.
A week ago the babies were looking like they were sporting Mohawks. They were still mostly fuzz without feathers.

 Now...they are so big that they are filling the nest with feathers... and they can hardly move. Mom should have built a bigger nest, but this small nest may have a purpose. Kind of a subliminal message... When you outgrow the nest... it's time to go.
I don't know how many have survived. I only see two.
One is looking for bugs on the window sill. It is wearing tail feathers, from the other bird, like a pair of rabbit ears. It's pretty tight quarters in there.

 and the other is looking for Annie Cat through the slats in the blind.

 Wait... what's that? Another little eye and beak underneath one of the birds.
Yes, there are three of them...
Do you see it, underneath the baby on the right? He looks a little smaller. And, maybe it's my imagination, but I think I see another head above the one on the left too.

 Oh, I hope they all learn to fly before they grow out of the nest. I also hope that all five hatched and that there is one more underneath.
Mom was making a lot of commotion this morning. She was telling them to get ready. It's time for flying and she is ready for a vacation.
Happy Mother's Day momma bird. You did a good job. They may be gone and on their own by Sunday and then you can really celebrate.
I will have my sons and grandsons here tomorrow and Mother's Day... so I will have a full nest too.





Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Happy Birthday, Matthew

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“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” 

From a small child who took on life like a tour de force,  to the little boy who challenged life and always needed an explanation for everything...

To the Bay to Breakers racer, computer wizard, runner, wonderful uncle, brother and amazing son.
We grew up together. We learned to be parents with you, good and bad. It all came out in the wash... and we will always loved you more than you ever know.
Happy 46th Birthday, son. We wish you love, happiness and many years filled with blessings.
Love, Mom and Dad

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  ~A.A. Milne~

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Happy Birthday Jesse

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“How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet
"You don't spell it...you feel it." - Pooh”

He's 41 today. Were did the years go?
Our barefoot little boy... (we called you "toad".) who grew into a wonderful man.

With love and many wishes for happiness,
Mom and Dad

“What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.”
A.A. Milne