Life At Windrush Lake
My Ole Sweater
Journal Entry: 12/30/17
Another beautiful steel blue sky. Steady cool wind from the South to make my favorite wool sweater feel just the way I thought it would feel. I save this sweater for special days. When I put It on I know I have reconnected with an ole friend. The sweater who knows it was selected special for this day. The one who only shares the days when It’s warmth makes it just right.
It seems today is the day they are delivering the Yellow Pages book to all the neighborhood. All placed in these hermetically sealed plastic bags and thrown from a slow moving car, traveling about twenty yards and, hopefully, landing right up next to the steps leading to the porch. I watched this airmail delivery system all the way up Woodberry. I must say, the one throwing had some talent. This was no relief pitcher. No sir, this was a starter, and if he has a good contract I’m sure he will be back this same time next year. Who even uses Yellow Pages anyway?
I turned down Buckhorn to walk through Savannah Park. It’s a small park nestled against a wooded area. Occasionally I spot wild life just on the edge, peering into civilization and more times than not, racing back into their wooded protection. This day I ran into one of my neighbors trying to place a Blue Bird Box. He gave me that slight wave and a nod and asked...
”Got any suggestions?”
”Can you be more specific,” I asked.
”About the direction to place the opening.”
”Pete, do you want to hear my suggestion or just my opinion?”
Well that started a lengthy discussion. He said he read somewhere they like the opening to face south. I related that it probably did not make a whole lot of difference but had to do more with the location. To me question of direction does not always refer to compass bearing, but rather the orientation the house opening faces to afford safety, comfort and convenience after the bluebird pair mates. If placed along a road or highway, the bluebird house should open parallel to, or away from the road so the birds will not be hit entering or leaving their nests. If placed to the South and West it would be to exposed to extreme weather. Ideally, I would think the nest box's opening should face toward trees or shrubs so young bluebirds have a place of safety for their first flight and the parents have a direct access to easy catch to feed the hungry brood insects after hatching. That would be East, and besides, facing East they can see the sun rise each day.
“How about West?”
“Nope...facing West they would be in full view of the Fisher Man that lives on the corner. I know him well, and the little hatchlings do not need to be exposed to his likes.”
Well that’s my reasoning. It’s about time to leave Pete so he can solve his own problems. But on my walk tomorrow it will be interesting to see if he took my suggestion or just wanted my opinion. Makes little difference, I feel good in my favorite sweater, on this day.
Be well and for Pete’s sake, just make peace with yourself...Doc
