Out of the Nest Before You Know It

Photo caption? Mom I am hungry up here!!

A hawk eye view from robins to the west.

Over the last two spring seasons we have had multiple nest residents at our house.  I am not sure why these last two years have been different that the previous years we have lived here because we never had birds build nests.

 I guess it could be many scenarios if I put my mind to it. We had three trees for many years in the back yard and a trailer park behind our property up until about five or six years ago. The trailer park was cleared out to make way for a future car dealer body shop, and the trees systematically came down over the last several years either due to storms or updating the yard. I guess like anything when multiple things change in the course of a life, change is always the next best thing.

Last year we actually had two sets of robin chicks. Once the robins were done with enlarging their families and fall season appeared we dismantled the nest in our fall cleanup process. This year the resident robin picked one spot early in the spring but due to weather while building, it was taken away by Mother Nature. Resident robin didn't let the situation get her down, she just built another home.

It was much closer to my sliding glass door so I really struggle with the fact that our family might create problems with her family inadvertently.  Now that the eggs have hatched and Mama robin has done a perfect job of feeding and caring for the three or four (not really sure) kids she created I await the morning I go out and the nest is empty. Not sure whether another tenant will appear set to take over the homestead but the evolution of spring leaves nothing to posts on social media.

The robin tale also made me think about this time of year when kids get out of school and wonder what their path will be next.

A friend experienced her daughter completing kindergarten this year with a heavy heart (the kindergartner had an extremely heavy heart).  Mom videoed the event and I am sure she will cherish the video until she graduates from other milestones of her school career.

Another person had a daughter who graduated from elementary school. Our town is such that our schools are broke up for now K-4, Middle School is 5 and 6, Junior High is 7 and 8 and High School is 9-12. Hard to keep up and I am sure it will change once again in the near future. Elementary graduates walk the hall for the last time to goodbyes from the lower grades. Some to tears and some to cheers.

This year I read in the local paper that the graduating senior class at the high school erected a For Sale sign on the front of the high school building as a senior prank. It got a chuckle or too I am sure.

Going away or graduating from college can be just as emotional not only for parents but also the students. I remember when we packed the truck and vehicles to send our kids off. It was just a year away but as we some children they didn't come back to live at the home we made for them as their parents. We raised them to go on and make lives for themselves after finishing school.

Today is much different than it was back then. Kids come back and leave, and come back and leave or never leave home at all. For whatever reason flying away from the nest can be hard sometimes to spread our wings and get off the ground.

Yesterday I saw one of the birds in our nest standing on the edge of the nest. New fluffy feathers quietly waiting for his parent across the yard chirping away.  Life is difficult. Sometimes without realizing parents and those around the kids can make things even more difficult. Society as a whole can be unkind.

As summer knocks on our back door, and kids and parents can enjoy the summer life let us remember, nests are comfortable but get out and spread your wings and enjoy what life has waiting for you.

The First Official Day to Plant Flowers

It has been said that designating a single celebration day for Mother's, Father's, Grandparents or various others should be omitted from calendars. I know many who prefer not to celebrate for various reasons and those who yell from the rooftops loud and proud. I like to take the middle approach.

As a child I remember making cards in school for Mother's and Father's Day and giving to my parents. Grandparent's Day wasn't celebrated until 1978 according to my Google search.  1978 wasn't a very celebratory year in my family since that was the year my grandpa passed away. Actually, everyday for me growing up was grandparents day since they were such a large part of my life.

Fast forward to my first celebration of Mother's Day as a new Mom. I remember David got me flowers and a special card. I probably still have the card somewhere.  It was special celebrating a new holiday among the many our family had celebrated so far.

Several years later I remember sending a handwritten letter to my birth mom around the time of Mother's Day hoping to connect. It took a while but we were able to write each other but never got to celebrate Mother's Day or any holiday for that matter. Sad; yes but just a part of my interesting and eventful life.

This day for me is a day of reflection, relaxation and flower planting. Several years ago I started the do not plan flowers before Mother's Day rule and for the past several years it has worked rather well. Although this year it is seasonably warm for Mother's Day, I think my choices will progress nicely.

Happy Mother's Day to all.. Celebrate as you wish.