Just Winging it

I know it's getting close...Vern's appearance that is(the vernal equinox) ...when the birds are singing, no matter what! I mean there's ice on the ground and in the creek...it's colder than blue-blazes and they're just standing around on limbs singing a little ditty. My daddy used to say "ignorance is bliss" and at first glance you might think these birdies are dumb for not " sleepin' in" on such a cold morning...but really, they've got more sense in their birdie bill than we do in our whole body. Early rising in the winter(especially in the mountains around me) is a glorious happening, so I decided to give it a try. At 5:30 AM I slid quietly out of bed (boy is it "darkcity" out here...no city lights)threw a log in the wood stove, loaded the coffee pot with that dark...leaded fuel..opened my blind in front of my desk and booted ole' Betsy up....my normal routine only much earlier. After checking 3 emails,bank account balance and the front page, I glanced up and out the window at something I'd never seen before at this time of year....a tiny little explosion of brilliant orange stripping across the crest of the mountain illuminating what seemed like millions of winged creatures flitting and scurrying from shrub to shrub. What could they be in such a hurry about.?The excitement was catching, so much to do...so little time...Vern's coming and I won't be ready...must pick out a spot...gather twigs and grass...build my home...find a wife...find a food supply.....How uncomplicated,gratifying and focused that life must be. As the sun unfolded its arms over the mountain and lit up the rest of the darkness, it became evident that there was even more activity , baby calves jumping in Ray's pasture, squirrels running the limbs, morning doves lined up on the power wire, deer rising up from the mist to hit the woods before all the interruptions came....it was really quite special. Something that everyone ought to experience....and can...just book a room a t the lodge or houses. As the sun made it up higher, I grabbed my depot tote bag and headed 300 yards down the road to work....Work...huh...there ain't no way I could keep up with those birds, why I don't really know what real work is....in my warm house, going to the fridge for my food, pulling on my warm coat....those critters know hard work, yet they sing every morning, no matter what....no matter what the weather. I'm the one that should be singing, I've got it made...take a lesson from the birds, THEY'RE the smart ones!
A birdie with a yellow bill.
Sat upon my window sill
Cocked his shining eye and said
Get out of be you sleepy head!

Just 33 days left till Spring!!

Word of the Day...Clodhopper...a rude, rustic fellow....Do you know any, I do!