We're slow starters in the morning. The children lie on the sofas and read. Charlie sits and eats a graham cracker and a bowl of yogurt at the table before breakfast. Lauren and I take turn cooking oatmeal, or muffins, or scones... We eat somewhere between ten and eleven. Today, in the midst of all this leisure, the house became exceptionally quiet and I went to figure out why because "too quiet" is never a good thing. Except that it was today. I peeked out the living room window into the backyard and found five chairs and five children lined up on the patio. I opened the door and everybody shushed me.
"Hush, Mama. We're watching the birds. Come sit with us"
Six or seven hummingbirds were zipping around the feeder, frantic to fill their little gas tanks before they migrate. The children were silent, heads tipped up, eyes squinting against the morning light. I went in to get the camera. I took a few pictures of the children but could not capture the hyperactive hummers. The kids laughed at my ineptness.
John has a way with the camera so I handed it over to him and pulled Charlie into my lap. We sat for fifteen more minutes while the hummers chirped and scolded and John worked his magic. (Well, as much magic as he could with our unimpressive camera.) Finally, we went in to get to work and left the birds to their sugar water feast. Our backyard will feel lonely without them in a few short weeks.
"Hush, Mama. We're watching the birds. Come sit with us"
Six or seven hummingbirds were zipping around the feeder, frantic to fill their little gas tanks before they migrate. The children were silent, heads tipped up, eyes squinting against the morning light. I went in to get the camera. I took a few pictures of the children but could not capture the hyperactive hummers. The kids laughed at my ineptness.
John has a way with the camera so I handed it over to him and pulled Charlie into my lap. We sat for fifteen more minutes while the hummers chirped and scolded and John worked his magic. (Well, as much magic as he could with our unimpressive camera.) Finally, we went in to get to work and left the birds to their sugar water feast. Our backyard will feel lonely without them in a few short weeks.
Comments
Makes me want to go out and buy one of those hummingbird feeders!
I LOVE hummingbirds, they fascinate me....what a great Wordless Wednesday...or not so wordless!!
(I love the words!!:))
I have not purchased a grain mill yet...just drooling over yours. My husband thinks I'm crazy :)
We have relaxed on the deck in the AM watching the birds before too. I am not much of a bird watcher, but my parents are and have instilled the love of it in the hearts of my girls.
Do go out and buy a feeder. But the hummingbirds will probably be leaving in a few weeks. Here's the recipe for birdfood. 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil and cool. Your kids will be fascinated by these thumbsized creatures.
Cablegirl,
I'm jealous of your mating birds. We found a hummingbird nest once in the woods. It would be so awesome to be able to see a nest full of babies.
Alyson,
Your husband won't think your crazy once your making him bread. It's delicious.
Valleygirl,
Our cat was lying right under the feeder. Maybe they're not intimidated by just one cat.
Kate
Happy WW!!!
And the action (wings) in the other shots.
BTW, I read about your John. Was moved. Regards.
I love the shot of the kids!
love you all,
steph.
The photo of the kids lined up is so cute. I love it when kids take it upon themselves to do these things.