Coffee Clutch with Dutch Henry: "A two act play staring juncos, chickens, squirrels and Miss Kitty"

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

"A two act play staring juncos, chickens, squirrels and Miss Kitty"

Howdy Folks,

He was darker than most, that proud junco. He sat on a twisted branch just a few feet above the hustle and bustle that is the morning gathering of chickens fussing about their scratch. I know that little junco was only waiting his turn but, from my perch in my very worn and tired chair beside Kessy as she munched hay, it sure looked like he was directing the circus beneath him. He moved only inches left to right as he searched for an opening among the chickens. The cracked corn and barley must be deliciously tempting, enticing him to risk all and dive right in amongst fowl ten times his size. But he decided to strategize a bit longer. Soon he seemed to bob and weave in time with the roosters beneath him!

With Tigger on my lap, Miss Kitty and Saturday at my feet, Kessy munching away, we took in the show. It's a normal routine each morning, and it always guarantees at least a chuckle, or three, as each morning someone will be the main character who stands out and steals the show. That little junco had the first act.

The second act we must give to Miss Kitty. As the scene opens most of the chickens have wandered away to begin their daily "search and devour" missions, leaving the spoils of cracked corn to Mr. Junco and his friends. Soon what had been a cast of domestic fowl was replaced with the sparkling choreography of juncos, cardinals, doves and chickadees.

Part of the second act was the squirrels, too. A few always show up and end too soon, the musical I've come to call "Twitter On The Litter." The squirrels really add nothing to the show, in fact they usually bring it to an end. And they did today.

Now apparently the actions of the interloping squirrels did not sit well with Miss Kitty. A few seconds after the squirrels took center stage, Miss Kitty stalked her way into the scene, stopping just on the far side of the waterer from a happy, corn chomping squirrel.

After a brief pause she charged, sending the terrified squirrel scampering up a tree … But Miss Kitty wasn't ready to give up the spotlight.

As Mr Squirrel leaped from branch to branch, tree to tree, Miss Kitty dashed trunk to trunk reaching as high as she could to claw on each trunk, ever driving the poor squirrel farther and farther away.

Eventually satisfied, Miss Kitty turned, took a bow and gracefully accepted my applause for a great show. Now Dancing With The Stars it wasn't, but our little 2 act play was just perfect for a birthday present today!

Tigger missed the whole show deep in sleep on my lap. Saturday did wander over to see what all the dancing was about. Kessy? She enjoyed her hay. … We all send you wishes for a great day!

Gitty Up

Dutch & the Coffee Clutch Gang

4 comments:

AnonymousDecember 12, 2012 at 10:45 AM
What a great start to you birthday! May the rest of your day be filled with equally exciting escapades :). Take care and enjoy that meat loaf tonight!!!
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AnonymousDecember 12, 2012 at 10:46 AM
I have something simular go on in the mornings, between my ducks, guineas, and one guardian dog.
My Ducks devour most, if not all the feed I throw out, unless I feel generous that morning. After the ducks start their feed frenzy I will scatter somemore a little way from the duck trough for the guineas. If some of the ducks deside to be greedy, and take what I`ve thrown out for the guineas, the guardian dog, Shiloh will happly bounce over there and drive them away. In which case the guineas will return.
When the ducks have finised their breakfast, my aussie Bella will promply drive them down to the pond for their bath.
This time of year when the pond is slightly frozen, presents a problem for the ducks, so they don`t want to go for a swim. But after some coaxing from Bella, they give in and waddle down through the pasture to see if there is a weak spot they can break through.
Everyone is happy, and I return to the warm house, and a fresh cup of hot coffee.
Life is good on a farm.
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Welcome to the Coffee Clutch

Welcome to the Coffee Clutch, a happy place to visit. I write uplifting stories about a wide variety of subjects from horses to birds and nature, to love and family and friends. Sometimes I'll post excerpts from stories I've written for Equine Publications. Sometimes I'll post about writing itself. Coffee Clutch got its name because I often write while enjoying my morning coffee in the barn with my mare Kessy, and all our critters. Join us here for fun conversation and stories I promise will make you feel good.

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