| Winter
is that marvelous time of year which can be wonderfully cozy and warm as
one curls up inside before a blazing fire while outside the snow gently
cascades from the heavens, covering the rooftops and trees with a pristine
mantel of white as far as the eye can see. This season can however also
be bitterly cruel as only those forced to endure the worst of the
elements our climate can inflict without benefit of shelter can attest.
In Canada we know all too well what both can be like. Fortunately although most of us are familiar with both scenarios we always have the option of the former as opposed to the latter. There are those among us not so fortunate of course, but thank goodness most Canadians do make an effort to share their good fortune with their fellow man who may happen to be experiencing hard times and in need of a helping hand. In most cases hopefully only a temporary situation. Yes, there are always those who find it easier to simply accept the fate which has befallen them and who succumb to an acceptance of defeat which can become a permanent condition. In all but the most uncommon of situations those so willing to give in to a lifetime of deprivation and hardship can always find a helping hand if they will only lift up their heads long enough to see that lifeline which is available to them with only a modicum of effort on their part. |
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| However, too often our feathered friends are forgotten as winter settles in and the harshness our climate and seasons can bestow is once more upon us. Perhaps we are more aware than those not so blessed of the plight so many of these small creatures face as winter's mantle covers the countryside, because a wee feathered being is so loved, and so much a part of our family. How very difficult it must be as winter approaches and the lush landscape of spring, summer and fall is but a memory to these most vulnerable of God's creatures! |
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| Petey
has taught us well. Our wee guy is most appreciative of the attention
and love he receives and returns it in abundance. Because of his presence
in our home we have become even more aware of the benefits he enjoys
which his feathered cousins do not.
As in the picture above, he is so attuned to trusting and depending on us he is not the least bit hesitant to not only eat from our hands, but to actually look forward to playtime where each day he becomes bolder as he now eagerly literally jumps onto his Daddy's fingers or hand. He has even on occasion chosen Les' head as a landing strip! Most times Petey restricts his activities to a loving nip but sometimes when he gets too excited in the midst of playtime he does bite rather than nibble. Les has complained at times that Petey plays too rough! Given their relative size you can understand I am sure why I find that amusing. <s> Originally our interest in feeding and observing the birds who dropped by this summer and fall was an extension of our affection for Petey but we very quickly came to appreciate and welcome the antics of these feathered creatures in their own right and realize what pleasure is derived from making them welcome in our garden and yard. The melodious sound of birds singing is one which has filled our yard these past several months as they frolicked while they feasted. The blue jays and cardinals are more colourful but the finches provide background music which makes even the dullest day cheery. |
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| Now, as winter approaches, how very little effort it will take on our part to ease at least some of the hardship they face with the starkness of winter. What a small price to pay for the pleasure we have derived from their visits. How much time will it really take to provide the food which can mean survival to these tiny creatures ? A little seed, a little suet, perhaps even a fruit treat, which really represent such a small expenditure of time and money to us but which can be the difference between life and death to a tiny bird. |
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| Won't you think of that this winter and join us in embracing these wee little ones? I promise you it will make you feel even warmer for having done so. A different kind of warmth than that experienced relaxing before a fire or snuggling into a downy quilt... and one which is infinitely more satisfying ... one which radiates from the inside out. |
| Each season offers its own unique characteristics. Even winter offers so much, if one greets this most severe season in this country of ours with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to the environment, rather than to simply sit and grumble about the cold and the chill, and in so doing miss the beauty of the landscape around us which only a fresh snowfall bestows. The peace which can surround you after a fresh snowfall as your footsteps make the first blemishes on the white unspoiled carpet glistening in the cold sunshine, or the glow of a full moon, is indescribable and every bit as soul satisfying as a warm spring day with flowers all around. The eye of the beholder is indeed your yardstick as nature unfolds her majesty. |
| What
is better than snuggling in front of a roaring fire with your loved ones
as winter surrounds us? Of course the winter sports enthusiast could offer
a multitude of benefits provided by winter in Canada but I leave
the athletics to them and luxuriate in the comfort of being warm
and cozy while winter winds outside are only a reminder that hot cocoa,
good music, and good company, are also all part of winter in Canada. This
most maligned season has so much to offer if we only count our blessings
and the diversity our climate provides in such abundance.
To imagine living where there is no snow or ice in winter is to imagine missing a very significant, and in its own way, extremely beautiful season. Winter in Canada ... yes, even winter, is a blessing. |
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MIDI
"When You Wish Upon a Star" courtesy of Les Gorven
December 11 2001