All Creatures Great and Small

We've had a lovely stretch of warm weather the last few days,

 and I have been taking advantage

 of the mild temperatures and clear skies

to work outside. 

Of course I am never alone - all creatures great and small keep me company! 

There are doves cooing, and wild pigeons...

There is a pair of pileated woodpeckers that love to tap, tap, tap on the hollow trees. 

A single pair of crows always nests nearby, keeping watch for eagles and hawks. 

And the swallows are back, gliding gracefully through the skies! 

Of course my domestic companions always keep me company, too! 

A comfort while I am working alone outside. 

Sunshine illuminates even the lowliest plants, bringing forth their beauty. 

This little fellow was making his way across the walkway. 

When I garden, I try to grow plants that are not tasty to the wild things. 

Native plants are greatly encouraged. 

I learned long ago that it was too expensive

 and too time consuming to try and grow anything that needed pampering. 

I reserve those for pots on the deck. But even these are not entirely safe! 

But I never use harmful chemicals. 

I have too many wild things to take a chance. 

I have learned to work with nature. 

I have my own natural insecticides! 

This little tree frog lives on my deck. 

As I work tidying up gardens, 

pulling weeds and spreading mulch, (last year's fallen leaves) 

I think about  plant societies and how closely they mimic our own. 

Some like to live in the bright lime-light, with showy blossoms, but with a high maintenance attitude. 

Some prefer the quiet edges away from others, with only a few friends to keep them company, 

Others like a crowd and form large colonies of like minded companions. 

There are the prickly hedges that nobody wants to mess with, and the proud, stately trees that oversee all. 

Some are generous with many fruits to offer, and others are sweet and shy, hiding in the shadows.

There are bullies that take over...

and some are rare specimens, intriguing and enchanting to know. 

And then there is the rose....angels incarnate. 

Some even have distinct personalities and a sense of humor! 

My favorite society! 

 Others have sweet little curious faces! 

And some stand out in a crowd.

All unique and special in their own way. 

Here's another sweet face!

As I work among the plants, 

I feel such gratitude for these small creatures that share my world. 

And the great ones, too! 

Always a smile....

or a quiet presence waiting nearby. 

Someone to watch over me...

And make me laugh! 

Sweet loving friends to comfort me when I'm sad. 

So as the day comes to a close, and the hummingbirds roost for the night,

And Mount Rainier reflects the evening glow,

I count the many blessings that led me here to live....

among all creatures great and small.

xoxo

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

-Cecil Frances Alexander-