Carolina Wren 2-1-11
I have tried to maintain a positive attitude since moving here. It has been pleasant to see maple trees and northern forests again. I have loved seeing the restless ocean and quiet New England lakes. Gus and I are both enjoying seeing our families again. Visiting family and going on birding adventures has already taken us many places around new England. Some are old and familiar, and some are new places to explore. My bird lists were growing for each state, and then the winter storms hit. One after another in snow that is measured in feet, not inches. Suddenly I find myself with cabin fever feeling lost and trapped. Suddenly I am wondering, where do I really belong? Where would I live if money were no object and our place of residence was not tied to a job?
This is not an easy decision to make since it is not mine alone. I am married to Gus and, like most couples, what we like is often at opposite ends of the spectrum! He likes the ocean, I like the mountains, he likes modern and contemporary, I often like rustic. He likes metal and glass, I like the warmth of wood. However, we both like the Sonoran Desert, and right now I am really missing that sunshine and warmth! And the birds! I am missing my desert birds! I am missing hummingbirds in winter and Sandhill Cranes by the thousands!
But, when I moved in here, I made a promise to myself that I would not waste all my time “here” pining for “there.” And so, I have tried to enjoy my life as it is. I set up my bird feeders, found new places to bird, and went exploring. But, then we started having problems with one of our neighbors. While I cannot go into details, it has involved the court system and the police. On top of all this, the winter storms have worn me down. This is why sometimes you do not hear from me. I hope there will be a resolution sometime soon, but until then, I am just trying to muddle through. Having you, my blogging friends, really helps. Many times your comments cheer me on a gloomy day. I know the sun will shine and flowers will bloom again. At least, that is what I tell myself when I am out shoveling after yet another storm.
“I do believe in flowers, I do believe in flowers,…and I do believe in hope!
By the Way, I just want to introduce you to my friend Kathryn’s Blog: My Mountain Green. Kathryn has been my friend for over 12 years. She was my first Birding Buddy and we used to go out birding together in Utah and Arizona. Kathryn has been a faithful reader of my blog and I wondered how long it would take for her to start her own! Well, she has finally done it and you will not believe what bird showed up in her backyard recently! Go take a look!
Also, poetry is happening over at Kathie’s Poet Tree. I’ve been writing poems about being Winter Weary. Imagine that! A new poem is up and more are set to post in the next few weeks.
Hang in there Kathie. This has been such a difficult winter and you've had some huge changes to deall with too. The days are getting longer and the sun is getting a bit warmer every day.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynne! I would rather be birding with you!
ReplyDeleteKathie, you always seem to find joy wherever you and Gus are in life, so I am sure you will get through this rough road soon. I noticed yesterday that the days are getting longer, thinking spring will be here soon. Hooray! Thanks for the blog mention. Hang in there. Love ya lots.
ReplyDeleteOh Kathie, I am sorry you are feeling blue. Making a move like this isn't always easy. You are fortunate to have family and friends nearby. Enjoy this new adventure while you can. Eventually, you'll be exactly where you want to be.
ReplyDeleteKatnell, love you!
ReplyDeleteGaelyn, I will get through this. Having the neighbor gone would certainly help!
This is such a tough time of year Kathie, it sometimes feels like it will never end but eventually it will and when you see that first shoot of green, that first tightly furled bud, suddenly it will all seem a little easier.
ReplyDeleteHang in there - nothing is for ever.
Kathie- while you miss the desert, you are in a beautiful place, now, too. Think: spring warblers any day now! Now is the time to brush up on songs and calls, before they arrive.
ReplyDeleteI hope our paths will cross this spring and summer. Let's make that happen!
Kathie, it has been quite the winter for you! It isn't usually that bad! But spring is just around the corner. Then you'll go birding at the Scarborough Marsh and to the cemetary in Portland to see all the warblers (I'm sorry, I can't think of the name of it at this very moment), and all the other wonderful places in your area, and winter will be forgotten. Hang in there. ~karen
ReplyDeleteSnow loses its appeal very quickly, doesn't it. This has been a harsh winter but change should be in the air by the end of this month. I have enjoyed your posts but can understand why you miss your southern home.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a very tough winter in New England. My dad lives near you and he said it hasn't snowed that much since 1978. Spring is almost here!
ReplyDeleteOh my poor Kathie! You certainly have cabin fever really bad with neighbour and homesickness for Arizona thrown in.
ReplyDeleteI do hope spring comes early and your pesky neighbour gets sorted out soon.
I know you will love being back when the weather changes and the place is atwitter with birds.
Hugs and Blessings . . . Arija
...I bet you are missing the sun and warmth of the desert. It would be quite a shock to return to nothing but snow, cold and gray... The hardest time for me is the last week of Feb and into march when it's still cold, cold, cold and gray, gray, gray. I'll suffer with you, but......the little winter birds always keep me happy.
ReplyDeleteDearest blogging friends, when I awoke this morning and read all our comments it brought tears to my eyes! You all have made me feel so loved and encouraged. I must tell you that I feel better when I express myself. So, don't be surprised if I go all Julie Andrews on you because I walked around my apartment this morning photographing my favorite things! Post soon to follow.
ReplyDeleteHello, hello, Kathie!
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I'm so sorry to hear about your neighbor troubles. Having good neighbors makes such a huge difference in loving where you live. :( I do hope things improve quickly.
As for the weather, it certainly is a doozy of a first winter. I honestly don't know how the wildlife manage to survive, particularly the wee ones that fly. I like to believe, however, that a harsh winter is followed by an even more glorious spring. Redemption is around the corner. Hang in there!
xoxo
Dear Bella, thank you for your encouragement and for all the sweet illustrations you do that make me smile!
ReplyDelete