Woodworking

Ken is in the midst of a new wood project. He's re-creating a wood cross plaque we saw in Farmington last March. It's multi-layer, kind of like a puzzle and pretty complex. He has the central cross done in cherry wood and is now working on the underlying cross in pine. Then he'll start on the background of various wood blocks. It should be very nice when complete. He's hoping to enter it in the fall gallery show at the Cathedral, so he has until September to get it done.

Grackles

We have many grackles living in our trees. Often we joke that it is odd that they can increase in population because too often the babies fall out of the nests. For over a week, I've been watching the progress of one youngster. She is older than most of the little guys that fall out of the nest and can actually fly a bit. This is probably why she's still alive. That and the fact that 'mom' brings her food, which I've never seen happen with other fallen children over the years.

Originally this little bird was hiding under and in our lilac bush. Then, after a day or 2, she half hopped, half flew across the driveway and then into the neighbor's yard. All this is accompanied by the screams of 'Mom' and all the other grackles in the area. I know they are telling us to 'stay away!' and warning the baby 'DANGER!!'.

The shrieks are usually the first sign that a baby has fallen out of a tree. When you step outside and the cries begin from a flock of grackles, you know that somewhere around is 'Blackbird Down'. The birds get especially hysterical the closer you get to the baby. And if a cat should happen to find one of the poor babies then the cat is marked for the rest of the season as someone to be dive-bombed everytime he or she sticks a paw out the door.

Yesterday I saw this current little bird next door near the dog's house. I was a bit concerned because that dog used to catch birds, but she's too old know since all she did was watch with interest as 'mom' brought baby breakfast. A little later she decided to investigate more closely, which prompted the longest flight I've seen. Baby flew up to the top of the concrete mixer and then after about 5 minutes more of very loud encouragement, made it up into the tree.

I can tell you there was great chirping from both mom and baby. She was obviously proud of herself.

Writing

Writing is an interesting process. You want others to like your work, but on the other hand, you hesitate to let the 'baby' go out into the world. It can be easy to tinker with finding the right ribbon for her hair or dress to wear, until the child worn out rather than letting your child run free and make new friends.

I've been writing for more years than I've been a 'published' author. That doesn't make it any easier to let the baby toddle off on her own two feet. It is always nice when the child is received joyfully by new friends and invited into their homes.

My Abigail is the latest child to go out into the world. I look forward to hearing from her new friends.