The crack in the sidewalk was lined with ants, millions of them it seemed, with two large knots, one on each side. Were they warring factions? Was it a mass exodus to a new home? I have no idea, but it was awesome to see so many tiny bodies piled on top of one another.
Come to think of it, I’m really glad they were so small.
Our neighbor is involved with the Homeowner’s Association and when I passed her on Friday she was replacing four fence posts for that had rotted at ground level. It was quite a project as the old posts had cement poured around them meaning the new posts had to be refitted into old holes. Today I see that the job is done and the posts are firmly in place. She must have a great sense of satisfaction to have that job done. Some of that pleasure even spilled over onto me since I knew of her task. Vicarious experiences can be pleasant.
This morning was cloudy and cool but still the cactus are abloom! Flat leafed and prickly, the low-to-the-ground plants have spectacular yellow flowers. I hadn’t noticed before that there were so many of these plants. Nothing like a showy blossom to get noticed in a field.
As I opened the front door to leave the house, three blue jays flew from the railing of the deck screeching and cawing. They left a small wad of something behind that I thought was a seed pod or blossom; it turned out to be a wasp nest. One of the jays had plucked the papery abode that I’ve been eying and wondering how to handle from a cedar bush. The three of them were arguing about who would get to devour the larvae nestled in the comb. My initial oh-good-grief-why-are-you-eating-the-plants reaction quickly turned to thanks-guys! as I realized their snack had solved my problem.
About half way along my walking route, I passed a robin in a tussle with an enormous earth worm on the sidewalk. Squirming in resistance, the earthworm didn’t seem thrilled to be on the menu. I didn’t stay to watch, but I suspect that the robin won.
A policeman had pulled over a sports car. The policeman sat in his patrol car behind the driver in his red vehicle and wrote out the ticket. Not a great way to start the day.
The police set up the automatic radar machine in a white van on our street today. It probably helps keep the speeders in check but feels rather like Big Brother.
One foot in front of the other…
After many days of noticing little bits of life while moving through the world, I’ve decided to add a category called “On My Walks.” Here I will just jot down observations from my daily forays around my neighborhood. I don’t expect any of these to be great revelations, just noteworthy things I’ve seen, things I might come back and recount to my family over a meal. If you should have any comments about things I notice, please feel to add them.
All good wishes.
attentiontolife.com 