National Geographic photo - the bird flew inches in front of my face while I talked to Howard, who brought his crew. |
We had a fun afternoon. Emails arrived about the service and Mr. Bose deciding to retire on the spot - no music. We read the hymns, beautiful poems worth considering on their own merit.
We had a long phone call from a member about long-standing jokes, academics, world politics, and so forth.
A rapping at the door meant Ranger Bob was there for coffee, so we had 1 pour-over with sugar, 1 with sugar and whipped cream, 1 with whipped cream only. Sassy had her Milk Bone and some crackers. We always have some fiber crackers with the coffee.
PFC brought some 50th anniversary presents, which was ultra-kind of him. Christina came out to join us on the front porch.
That overlapped with the lawn crew's arrival. They have also become great friends. It started with our lawn, then Bob's lawn too, then other jobs as well. Bob and Howard observed the lusty growth of grassy weeds. "It's a war." I said, "Bob, no, I surrendered."
My PR team, the Hummingbirds were out in force. We have everything they love - in abundance -
- Joe Pye Weed
- Bee Balm
- Hosta flowers
- Five feeders filled with sweet water
- Mint
- Daisies
They favor the first four but also flit around looking for tiny insects, their meat. We host enormous quantities of little insects, including tiny moths.
My reward came as I settled accounts with Howard on the front porch. A Hummingbird hovered right in front of my face, doing that familiar look over from a few inches away.
Howard asked, "What is he doing?"
I said, "He is saying thank-you for all the feeders and flowers. They are afraid of nothing and love to attract attention."
Neighbors and friends will point out the weeds, as if I need a white cane. But Hummingbirds point out the gardener who boosts their food supply and puts in many attractive passages.
Norma Boeckler |