Rainy Day Musings

It has been cold and wet, with a steady, drippy rain -
on the roof, flowing through gutters and woodland streams,
 pitter-pattering as I take my morning walk to feed the birds. 

The recent snow in the mountains is melting from the rain,
filling the creek below with the song of lonely water spirits. 

After a heavy rain, when the night is clear and cold,
we can hear them singing like lost souls, 

echoing in the canyon. 

The mist meets the sky, as I go about my morning chores. 

I stop and listen as I shake rugs over railings.
I hear the Steller Jays already staking out territories for nesting. 

Every year at this time,
 the peaceful co-existence of winter
gives way to the squawking, raucous cries of territorial rights in early spring. 

Birds of all species chase each other back and forth,
 clearing their throats for the announcement of property rights and heirs. 

Northern Flickers join the chorus with loud cries to one another. 

Always on the lookout for danger. 

I hear the hollow, reed tapping sound of the Bald Eagle, with his mimicking entourage of two Ravens. 

 A sound that immediately gets your full attention, so rich and vibrant, a sound meant to carry for very long distances. You can hear this sound in the music of our Native American Peoples.

 A rhythmic, hollow, musical percussion. 

Another territorial warning, perhaps?

A call to a mate? 

Or simply to announce its regal presence? 

Although I have lived in this forest for over 30 years, I still don't know all of its languages. 

Never-the-less, I keep the cats inside. 

Not that Miss Ling Ling would stay outside in that rain. 

She just likes to stand there in the open doorway while I wait for her to decide.

She rushes back inside until the next time.

Ten minutes from now :)

So we stay inside where it is cozy and warm 

and leave the birds to decide for themselves where home might be.

Over the weekend, The Mr. had a bit of plumbing work to do. 

My kitchen faucet suddenly lost pressure. 

 The trusty plumbing wrench was called into duty. 

This was a gift from my Dear Father when we built our home, 30 years ago. 

It was his for many long years before that, given to him by a cherished older brother. 

Sort of a bonding kind of gift......between men. 

Is it possible to dearly love an old wrench?

Afterwards the faucet made this strange, bird-like whistle whenever it was shut off,
which gave us immense pleasure watching the cats react.

They stalked around the kitchen in hunting mode with tails lashing.

The whistling soon stopped once all the air was forced out of the lines.

But we enjoyed it while it lasted.

While the water is once again flowing inside and out, we try to stay dry.

There are signs of spring everywhere, here in our temperate rain forest.

Already, the first harbinger of spring in the forest -
the Osso Berry tree, otherwise known as 'Indian Plum',
 has already sprouted leaves.

But while I wait for nature,
I provide some beauty and cheerfulness of my own
- with grocery store primroses!

For less than $20 I have my own happy garden.

It is warm enough to leave them out during the day, but I carry them inside at night, rack and all.

These dreary last few weeks of winter can drag on, can't they?

I am getting a serious case of cabin fever.

We stay cozy in front of the fire,
with two dogs and two cats
who refuse to go further than through the pet door onto the deck.

I have been trying to keep busy.

Cooking healthy meals,

Organizing - (does that ever end?)

Even doing a bit of sketching on my new kitchen 'desk'.

Something I haven't done since last fall.

Here I have my 'tools of the trade', #2 pencil, vinyl eraser,
 and a (mourning dove) feather to brush away mistakes.

My art chest full of supplies waits nearby.

While we wait for better days, I try to stay focused.

I am working on some sweet botanical crafts to share with you next time,
as I pass these wintry hours until spring returns.

I know someone who can't wait!

'Till then.....

A little poem I wrote -

***
Mist Floats

Rain drops

Regret Lingers
***

Wishing you no regrets.

xoxo