"Brilliant Morning"

Howdy Folks,

Last night's moon and sky had been simply stunning. The full moon so bright I needed no lights as I set out to the barn to give Kessy her bedtime apple slice snack. She met me at the back porch with a nicker and head nod. We lingered a bit together there. I strained my ears hoping for the first Whippoorwill call of the Spring, but heard none. Even the Spring Peepers were silent, the chilly air I suppose had the tiny frogs snugly tucked in. The silence seemed to make that grand moon hanging in a sky of black velvet even more spectacular.

I looked in the Western sky this morning, on my way to Coffee with Kessy, for that big moon. Often in the morning's sparkling blue of the Western horizon I'll see a faded pattern of the previous night's moon. I was certain this morning I'd find that big  moon looking like a round dusty ornament just above the big oak's highest branches. But no, only a brilliant blue sky greeted us. No clouds, no stars, no faded moon. I admit I have no idea why some mornings the retiring moon, and occasionally stars too can still be found in the Western morning sky and other days not, but today I was hoping the big globe would be there.

I settled into my chair as Kessy tugged and munched her hay. We were greeted immediately with a distant train whistle. As if on cue a Cardinal landed on the oak just outside Kessy's barn on the branch I call, the stage. I've named it that because it's a long solitary branch that Spring songbirds often choose as their platform. Mr. Cardinal made full use of that stage and entertained Kessy, Saturday, Miss. Kitty, Tigger, the chickens and me with song after song. Behind him, out of sight,  Mr. Phoebe joined in for a few verses, when he wasn't helping Mrs. Phoebe build their nest on the rafter in the far end of the barn. Then the special treat of the morning came when Mr. Bluebird landed high above Mr. Cardinal and added his lovely trill to the brisk morning air. Another train whistle sounded in the distance.

What a delightfully brilliant morning! We hope yours is too.

God Bless and Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry

Hungry Birds

This morning's serenity and beauty actually started with last night's sky. As I made my way to the barn with Kessy's night-night apple my path was lighted in silver by a moon nearly full, and more dazzling than an exploding rocket. The stars too shimmered and shined with such gusto and brilliance it was as if the long arms of Sandy had indeed reached into the heavens to scrub and polish the space dust from each of them allowing their lights to flaunt and amaze. For a moment I stood, my arm draped over Kessy's back and admired the night sky.

The past three mornings our Coffee Clutch was a bit windy, cold and soggy so today's stillness was welcomed by all parties. From somewhere though, clouds had rolled in to drape the morning sky with a dull gray that held the sounds close to the ground. As I poured my first cup the distant train whistle blew and its rumbling of giant wheels drifted into our snug barn. Hadn't heard the train for a few days, so I welcomed its tune.

The Juncos, whose numbers have really increased, hopped and pecked right alongside the chickens. If you want a chuckle, picture a tiny gray-black Junco busily pecking the cracked corn, shoulder to shoulder with a giant Guinea chicken.

The birds must have built up a good appetite these past few rainy days, as soon there were Cardinals, Chickadees, Nuthatches and about a dozen Doves all darting and dashing in and out to snare a kernel or three. Even when a roster would decide it had had enough of the wild birds and chase them, cackling and squawking, they flew but a few feet to light on brushy branches. Then one by one they'd sneak back to the feast. When the chickens had their fill they lined up on the fallen log, which serves as a sort of backdrop, to preen and strut leaving the corn wide open for the wild birds, who took advantage and immediately their numbers tripled!  

Kessy, Saturday and I enjoyed the show a while longer. Well actually, Saturday snored at my feet, Tigger curled tight on my lap, and Kessy tugged at her hay … But I took in all the feathered hijinks with a few chuckles.

Have a fun day and God Bless!