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The memorial wind chimes are singing their sweet tune which I always enjoy, but sometimes wind can be enervating.
This day feels rather frenetic.
While we were out, traffic appeared to be rushing about in a hurry, something very rare in this laid back part of the world.
The main reason I came to live in the country was to get away from the nervous tension of suburbia.
In this environment, I was able to get off anxiety medication and give up anti-depressants, becoming myself again.
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Those medications are helpful but I believe we are made too dependent on them and it’s why, these nights when I cannot get to sleep, I refuse to fall back on them.
Inadequate sleep weakens our resistance to stress and these are certainly anxious times, but I learned from experience that it is better to tackle problems with one’s wits fully engaged rather than dulled by medication.
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They can be exasperating creatures, but there is no greater comfort than a cuddle with a cooperative cat.
Some cats are aloof and prefer not to be touched.
Many, most perhaps, welcome petting, with very particular restrictions that you disregard at your peril.
Little Man embraces it, demanding to be picked up, draping himself across shoulders, around necks.
He is so soft and sweet and he makes us laugh.
He is the antidote to stress.
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There are others here.
Zoomer the chipmunk eating berries on the honeysuckle.
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The pecking order for breakfast.
Skunks get first dibs.
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The fox loiters at a safe distance until the skunk is replete, then it moves in.
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After which come squirrels and groundhogs.
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Finally the birds peck over what is left.
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Young starlings test their parents patience.
“I managed to get you a nice nut!”
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“Come and get it!”
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“What are you staring at?”
“Come here and take this nut!”
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“You dopey doofus!”
“Whaaa! You startled me!”
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“Fine, I’ll give it to someone else!”
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There is great competition at the seed trays on the grass, but there are other sources for the birds.
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Mrs Grosbeak and Mr Purple Finch came by.
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We don’t often see the female grosbeak. She’s a lovely little bird. I always coo at my feathered friends and she seemed to watch me as she ate, probably just the effect of the light on those large black eyes.
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It’s always nice when Mr & Mrs come together.
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Just a few of my antidotes.
Thank you, Carolyn, for writing the words of profound truth; nature is the best healer of any stress. Watching wildlife or having a cuddle with your beautiful Little Man just has to be the best antidote that there is in a world of turbulence around us.
Joanna
The pecking order is very interesting. Looks like they all know it is best to avoid skunks!
Best wishes, Pete.
We find the starlings are always great entertainment with all the unruly youngsters arriving en masse and trying impossible balancing acts on wires, washing lines, and very fine twigs!
“Inadequate sleep weakens our resistance to stress and these are certainly anxious times, but I learned from experience that it is better to tackle problems with one’s wits fully engaged rather than dulled by medication.”
And there’s the trade-off. Generally speaking – good call! (Comments on a blog should not be considered medical advice. Consult your doctor! And etc.)
Lovely post as per usual. Thank-you.
Absolutely – the presence of a pet after a stressful day has always been my highlight – no matter how bad a workday has gone, when our two cocker spaniels were waiting for us at the gate, everything was forgotten! And to watch animals in nature … yes, that is also good for my soul! Oh, and looking at your photos of all the animals – even just the sight of them makes me forget about the world and its problems for a moment. So, your blog is also a good antidote 💕.