Put down

The large great Dane – or whatever it was, since it did not stop for introductions, disappeared up the hill and was seen no more. Next day, when we met up with a queue of dogs waiting to see the vet at Tractor Supply, I noticed a great Dane that might just have been the same individual, but I daresay there is more than one of its kind in the area.

We can only hope the dog found its way home safely.

Hoping to catch up with it, I’d gone out past the garage where, deciding the chase was futile, I’d looked up at the brilliant sky overhead.

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Never fail to look up! Especially on a fine Spring day.

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Is there anything as pretty as a tree just coming into leaf?

It speaks of optimism and renewal that even a cynical old woman like myself can rejoice in.

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A good few years ago, when I was profoundly depressed, there were many days when I could not think of a single thing that would lift my spirit, but in those days I lived in suburbia and I wonder whether back then, if I’d been able to look out at trees against a dazzling, clear sky, it would have made a difference.

At times I escaped briefly from suburbia to visit relatives in Maine and although those trips were often stressful, I remember getting a lift from the beautiful scenery and clean air. It wasn’t just being on holiday that made me feel better.

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Equally uplifting to me is the sight of wildlife outside my window.

How could one not be delighted to see such a lovely face?

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It is all the more cheering when it’s an individual you recognise from earlier years.

In many species it is hard to tell individuals apart, because there are very few variables in their appearance, but this fox is the one we called Torn Ear, for obvious reasons.

In winter, we almost never see foxes and at the end of last Fall, Torn Ear was seen limping noticeably, so we were very happy to see her doing well.

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What we have not seen this year is migrating Canada geese. Previously, great formations could be seen in Spring and Fall flying over the house and across the valley.

That first Fall, Willow had never experienced the sound of honking geese before and dived under a bed, terrified, while I ran outside to watch the birds fly overhead, relishing the whoosh of their wings and their loud calls back and forth.

As I recall, the formations last Fall were far fewer and now there are none. As we drive around we may see the odd pair beside a stretch of water, but I think we must visit places where they usually congregate in numbers to see if they are there. I could find no report of problems with the Canada geese population.

Perhaps there is a *NOTAM warning them off our flight path.

*Notices to Air Men.

Women have been flying for over a century, so maybe it should be Notices to Air People, but perhaps aviators are not bothered with such piffle.

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Willow is no longer frightened by honking geese, but she does take exception to turkeys looking in the window at her.

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Geese may have abandoned us, but we are back in favour with the turkeys.

A trio of lads comes by most days, often numerous times.

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But turkey ladies have mastered the art of the put-down!

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