I’ve started putting some seed along the deck railing for the birds, and by default the squirrels.
The downside is that they are making a mess and I’ll have to go clean up after them soon. The upside is that they make me smile every day. And seriously, who doesn’t need a few smiles during these scary times?
We’ve been slowly getting over the virus, though both husband and I still have difficulty taking a deep breath.
I tried playing my clarinet a couple weeks ago but didn’t have the air to do it. Maybe that would have been the case after weeks of not playing anyway. Or maybe it’s the result of covid. It would probably be good respitory therapy to play a little every day even though it sounds, well, to be honest, bad.
I’ve been reading too much facebook, too many dog friends have crossed over the rainbow bridge lately. In particular, Sarah the bookstore dog, who I’ve met a few times and who was always glad of a head scritch and posed for me without demanding a treat. I will miss her.
And Nico, a sheltie I’ve never met in person but who showed up in my FB feed every morning with a greeting and sweet semi-worried face. I will miss him too. And the other shelties, so many, including Dallas and Dakota, I will miss hearing about all of them.
2020 has been a year of loss and I don’t suppose all that will just stop on New Years Day. But there are bird and squirrel shenanigans happening daily on my deck and there are vaccines on the way.
All told there is reason to hope. And even smile.
Change Is Hard 
December 5, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Aw, thanks for mentioning my Dallas! He was such a sweet boy, and I miss him. Every single day. But knowing he’s healthy and happy helps! And one day, the right new pup will come into my life … and my heart. I read on Twitter all the time about the dogs (and cats) who’ve gone to the Bridge this year. Sad, but we all realize this has been a crummy year. For ALL of us. I’m smiling over your birds and squirrels though, and I know you’re going to have fun cleaning their mess! Sorry about the lingering effects of the Rona and hope they’ll disappear at least by the time summer band resumes!!
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December 5, 2020 at 3:19 pm
I know many people who are missing their pets…lots of losses all around. So sad. Pat Katie for me!
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December 5, 2020 at 6:11 pm
Dawn, it’s good that you warned me I’d see Sarah’s picture on your blog today. She looks so old there, doesn’t she? Well, she had a good, long life. And I love your bird photographs. As always, they make me smile. xxxooo
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December 5, 2020 at 6:13 pm
I think she looks beautiful there. But yes, white face. She was such a sweet girl.
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December 6, 2020 at 1:06 am
It sure is hard to lose people (furry and otherwise). But it’s absolutely wonderful to have the birds and the squirrels messing about on our decks, so much that we get cranky about cleaning up after them … and music, oh music might be the best … and to still have those we love in our lives. Keep tooting into that reed and getting your lungs up to speed. Your photos are wonderful!
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December 6, 2020 at 10:42 am
2020 has been a year of loss even without covid complications, Dawn. I’ve seen several sweet pets on Facebook crossing the rainbow Bridge this year, too. I’m with you on the covid effects. I get winded more easily, too but not sure if I’m out of shape or tired from endless packing and moving. Whatever, hubby and I are being careful not to overdo. Take good care of yourself, Dawn, lovely photos of your messy birds 😁
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December 6, 2020 at 11:16 am
Backyard birds are so much fun, no matter the mess. 2020 can leave, I’m ready for a new year.
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December 6, 2020 at 1:25 pm
We need to grasp every excuse we can to smile these days.
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December 6, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Should have read your post before asking on Facebook about the squirrels. 😉 Anyway, what a lovely post! Brought tears to my eyes. Dogs just don’t live long enough. I still miss Liam so much. I suppose I always will, especially since he was our last dog. Makes it even more poignant.
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December 6, 2020 at 4:46 pm
I am sorry to hear you guys are still having trouble breathing deeply. Really feeling for you both. It sounds like you’ve mostly recovered but there are lingering side effects. It’s been a sad year in so many ways and it ain’t over yet. Hugs to you, and thank you for sharing the shenanigans on the deck.
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December 6, 2020 at 7:51 pm
Didn’t realize you had battled Covid. Glad to hear you are recovering.
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December 7, 2020 at 5:42 am
So much loss this year, and I am sorry to hear you are still not feeling 100%. I watched Dr Fauci speak the other day, and he gave me hope, his words were clear that this will end, and to be hopeful.
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Pingback: The Weekly Smile Recap for 11/30 – 12/6/2020 #weeklysmile | Trent's World (the Blog)
December 7, 2020 at 11:30 pm
Hi dawn – loved your tile – hahah – an then the way you need – such a nice reminder:
there is reason to hope. And even smile.
well said
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December 7, 2020 at 11:32 pm
PS – and sending well wishes your way – I think I had the virus back in January (almost positive) and it felt like walking pneumonia at one point – so lots of well wishes your way
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