A Crow “Mobbing” a Turkey Buzzard…aka Vulture
I grilled burgers last night for supper. We’ve been working hard, and I though it would be nice to enjoy a meal on the deck. A reward, as it were. When we finished eating, we sat back and looked around at our handiwork in the yard. It was a lovely evening. The neighbor’s rooster was crowing. He crows a LOT. And every single time, it makes me smile and reminds me…we really DO live in the country.
As I was lost in reverie, Mr. FixIt asked, “Is that a bird up there?” I followed his gaze to a dead branch in the top of a tree…silhouetted agains the sky. Whatever, it was…it was really BIG. I went inside to get my binoculars and focused them on the hill beyond the two-lane hardtop. I saw the distinct red head and said, “Turkey Buzzard.” Mr. FixIt took the binoculars and soon agreed.
The Turkey Buzzard isn’t really a buzzard at all…it’s a vulture. They are listed with two separate names in most of the world, but in America…the names seem to be interchangeable. Buzzards have sharp beaks and talons and most often kill their prey. Vultures eat carrion…dead animal carcasses who have met their unfortunate demise. In these parts, mostly road kill.
After a while, I looked up and there was a second bird there…much smaller. I looked through the binoculars again and there was a crow. They seemed to be eyeing each other and soon, the crow dove with outstretched talons at the bird. I’ve often wondered why small birds are so brave and attack birds three to four times their size or more. And, why do the bigger birds take it? Even though the vulture was no threat to the crow, she was probably protecting a nest or chicks or even just her own turf.
This made me think of mamas and how they protect their babes at all costs. And, just because your chicks have left the nest, you don’t stop trying to protect them. And you worry about them. I’ve been doing a lot of Bible study lately about fear, anxiety, and worry. God must have known by our nature that we humans would worry about stuff. That’s why He tells us at least a hundred times in the Bible…don’t be afraid. Cast your worries upon Him. Who can add one hour to their lives by being anxious?
One of the devotionals I’ve been reading talks about God giving us an order. “Don’t be afraid.” If we worry which turns to anxiety and fear, we are not doing what God commanded us to do. Disobeying God is sinful. Thinking of it that term, it’s been a little easier to stop myself before I go too far down the rabbit hole of fear.
I’ve been trying to figure out why I am so much more prone to worry and anxiety lately and I think I finally got it. Last year, while there was concern about getting covid…there was also comfort when all my peeps were at home and in their houses. Nothing much can happen to them when they’re safely ensconced. But this year…everyone is traveling everywhere. Daughter #1 and Big are on a big road trip. Little is going to fly alone for the first time on Monday. My son-in-law will fly to meet them the following week.
I realize how totally irrational it is and that it’s all about control. As I am wont to do, I chastised myself for being so silly. Then I read a news story about families going from Cabin Fever to Separation Anxiety with the world opening back up. And…I got it! I’m not alone. It is reassuring to know others are feeling the same things and I’m not “crazy.” Like the moms in the article, I’ll get used to them being out and about in the world and stop being a “helicopter Nana.” Pretty soon, I’m sure.
The Little Bathroom is Coming Right Along!
In the meantime, we continue to get much done here. Mr. FixIt is making great strides with the small bathroom off the master bedroom. He got the walls and trim painted yesterday. He got the hardware back on the door so he can mount it when he’s finished with everything else. I cleaned the kitchen in time to dirty it back up again. I fed the sourdough again so Little and I can have a good, active starter for bread when they arrive. I made Cherry Hand Pies and Faux Beignets for dessert. “Faux Beignets” are so easy. Just fry pieces of pie crust (I used ready made from the refrigerated aisle) then dust them in powdered sugar when they’re still hot. I cut circles out of the pie dough, put a couple cherries from the pie filling in the middle, topped with a second circle and crimped the edges then fried the pies. Drizzle with a little powdered sugar glaze. And that was it for the day.
Dining al Fresco…waiting for the burgers to grill: Cherry Hand Pies: Faux Beignets: Yummy dessert!
Today is Father’s Day…a difficult day for many. I didn’t have a relationship with my own dad. I decided two marriages ago never to look for my father’s love through a relationship. I’m happy now in a new marriage and we are equal partners here. So, where to look for that “dad” I never had? Turns out…I only had to look up! My Father will love me forever, never leave me, never hurt me, never put me down. Best decision I ever made, by far!
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“So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.”
2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV