Category Archives: Locals

Jan 3

2018 Backyard Birds

Throughout 2018 Agnes kept a list of every type of bird that visited our backyard birdy haven. She kept a close eye on the feeders, and gave them fresh water too. We learned how to make hummingbird nectar, and watch little fluffy chicks learn to hop and fly.

Cupcake the Chickadee would follow us everywhere. He would swoop in on the side porch and sit and watch, and he would squawk at me from the front yard flowers when I brought in groceries.

When Mia passed away we had our little birds to watch. It helped a bit to have another animal to care for, and we knew the little chicks had a safe place to grow. The kids would often go on walks around the neighborhood, and since Mia was no longer with us, a mixed flock of chickadees, sparrows, and cardinals would follow the kids when they would walk around the block.

We had nineteen different types of birds visit the backyard, and a few really funny squirrels too.

Here are the types of birds that visited:

  1. Chickadees
  2. Robins
  3. House Finches
  4. Cardinals
  5. Bluebirds
  6. Sparrows
  7. Blue Jays
  8. Starlings
  9. Tufted Titmouse
  10. White Crowned Sparrow
  11. Wren
  12. Red Bellied Woodpecker
  13. Goldfinch
  14. Pigeon
  15. Mourning Dove
  16. Flycatcher
  17. Ruby Throated Hummingbird
  18. Dark Eyed Junco
  19. Red-tailed Hawk

We still keep the feeders stocked, and Agnes happily checks on the birds every day. We know them know by their call, and the chickadees and juncos stay close when I’m outside restocking their food. I’m looking forward to our springtime birdies making their return home. I still miss Mia, but I’m glad that we were able to give the backyard birds a safe place to be.

 

 

 

Dec 7

A Coat…

When I woke up this morning, it was 2oF, outside with a windchill of 8F. The cold had arrived in Kansas. I went downstairs to pack the kids lunches and snacks for school. I gathered their water bottles, and made sure that homework was done and in the backpacks. I pulled out their Winter coats, scarves, and hats, and got them ready for the morning. And then I remembered her…

There is a girl at Agnes’ school, who doesn’t have a coat. She is outside at car rider pick-up everyday: rain, cold, wind, no coat. I noticed her at the Halloween parade, when we had the first cold snap of the season. She didn’t have on a costume, and she was without a coat then as well. She is often in the same set of clothes, jeans, t-shirt, she’s a tomboy, and I felt in my heart that I had to help…

We had an extra Winter coat that my kid’s have outgrown, it is plain black, nothing fancy, but it would work for this little tomboy. I packed it in the car, along with a handmade hat, and said a prayer for this little kiddo.

My kids were having a rough morning. We were running ten minutes late, everyone was upset, and they complained that they had to wear their coats to school. My teenager scoffed at me, my tween told me how much he hated me for making him wear his coat to school. my big kid wailed that it wasn’t cold enough for her winter coat (it was a balmy 20F) , and I kept thinking about that kiddo going to school, cold.

I got everyone to school just before the tardy bell rang. I found a parking spot and made my way to the office. I asked they secretaries there if there was any way they could help me with my mission. I asked them if I could donate a Winter coat to a child at the school. I don’t know her name, all I know is she is in the first or second grade, and she is a tomboy.

At first, they looked surprised, and they knew exactly who the child was… I was told that my gift might not be welcomed, the parent’s might not accept it. I was persistent though, and told them I’ve seen her for the last two months without anything, and it is 20 degrees outside, please let me donate this.

There was a long pause and a sigh, and she said “let me ask the teacher”. The teacher had also noticed her student needed a warm jacket, and the secretary let her know that a parent was here to help with the need. The teacher asked “is it girly?” The secretary said, “no, it’s plain black”, and the teacher said I will make sure she has it before first recess.

The secretary thanked me, and said “you are good person, you did the right thing. You saw a need, and you did something. ” I barely made it out of the door, before the tears were rolling down my cheeks.

I often don’t feel good enough, I don’t get enough done, but deep down I want to help wherever I can. I thought of my kids fighting with me this morning about having to wear a coat to school, and here was this little kiddo going to school without a coat again.

I don’t know her name, and she doesn’t know mine. But I wish she knew that someone is looking out for her, and praying for her, and wanting her to stay warm on the playground. I wish there was more that I could do, but this little deed was something that I could.

So if you can, do something. Even if it is small, even if they don’t know, give where you can, and make a difference to someone…

Aug 15

Small Town, Small World

Yesterday we decided to get out of the house, and run some errands.We were also going to take Thade over to the Middle School to find his locker, and practice getting the combination down.

We found his locker, and he had plenty of time to practice. We located a few of his classrooms on his schedule too. We plan on going back a few more times to practice a bit more.

While we were out, we stopped by the Treasure Hunt. Oh, how I love that shop. My phone rang, but I didn’t recognize the number, so onto find some Pyrex.

We wandered around a bit, and I found two pieces of Pyrex. At check-out I got to talking with the cashier, who was one of the friendliest people. She mentioned that she was a teacher, so I asked what grade. She said sixth. Small world, I said, my oldest kiddo is going to be a sixth grader. She introduced herself, and I remembered that we found her classroom first, and he has her as his teacher for science and social studies.

She gave me a lot of good information about the Middle School, and I am thrilled that Thade has a fantastic teacher to start off the new year.

We headed out for a snack, and I decided to check my voicemail. Turns out it was one of Agnes’ teachers. She was calling to set up an appointment with Agnes, so she could tour the classroom. She explained that open house can be a little intimidating for kinders, so she likes for them to visit early. I loved that idea, and she was super nice too.

Agnes’ class is a dual-teaching class. There are a bunch of kiddos, and two teachers. It sounds perfect for Agnes, she is very social, and makes friends with everyone. She can’t wait to visit her classroom, and meet her teachers next week.

That is one of the things that I love about our small town, friendly people, and friendly teachers too. Throughout their school careers the kids have had the perfect teacher that matches their personality. I’m looking forward to the start of the new school year. It sounds like the kiddos are going to be off to a great start.