We have had robins build two nests on our downspouts over the weekend. One of them I anticipate will result in a successful brood. The other, given its proximity to our back door, and given our frequency of using that door, will result in a free, unused nest.
Given that it takes 3-6 days to build one of these sturdy mud huts, how did I miss it that they were building? Who can say. I personally blame the rain. For so many things, but specifically, my lack of nest awareness.
Anyway. We had a long weekend. Mine was longer than most, honestly. I got Friday off as a concession for not having Christmas Eve, I think. Whatever, I used it well. I went and had a chair massage, bought some bras. Exciting stuff. I really need some more time in a massage chair. Like, a whole day.
Saturday I got my groceries done, and we hung out with the dog. Sunday, we saw The Wild Bunch at the Belcourt. If you haven't seen it - it's a 1969 Western by Sam Peckinpah. It is extremely bloody and violent. I've seen it a few times, but it's my husband's favorite movie, so we had to check it out - they were screening the actual film. Once again, I really love the Belcourt. We need to get a membership.
Yesterday, we headed over to the zoo. I renewed our membership there for another year, and I'm glad I did. There are a few changes since our last visit. The tapir is gone. There are more primates, including some new monkeys who look like Wilford Brimley:
We got a great view of the Cassowary, and then there were several of the kangaroos with joeys. One of them had his long legs completely stretched out, and was headfirst in the pouch. It was like Alien. I have to applaud the mothers for putting up with that, because I'd be completely over it in like, three minutes.
The flamingoes were also vocal and active. I think the overcast day and relatively warm weather had everyone in a good mood.
Up at the veterinary building, they had the latest clouded leopard cub on display. They build it a little seesaw with a board and a log, and it was busy using bamboo as a toy. Very cute.
The guinea pigs were out in full force, though with the humidity, they looked more wilted than fluffy. Another day.
We also saw a blue-tongued skink, and that was pretty insane. Good times at the zoo. We'll do it again soon. The key is getting there first thing in the morning, and race walking to the back of the zoo, then working your way to the front, hopefully avoiding all of the strollers, wagons, and people who stop walking in the middle of the path. We manage pretty well that way. And we get in a good walk, with a lot of sight-seeing. To me, it's perfect.
I was able to check in with my sister for her birthday and I got the update from her on all things graduation. We leave in about 2 weeks. It's a quick trip, but I will enjoy it. I will hope to sleep on the plane.
We're having a pretty good life.
I need to remember that when I get cranky.
And I'll still get cranky from time to time.
Comments
I hope the birds that are going to remain in the downspout nest do well. We had some birds who blocked a downspout one year during a period of really heavy rain. I'm pretty sure they were starlings but that doesn't make it any better. I like starlings. Mozart had a pet one.
And thank you for the reminder that it's been too long since I went to the zoo. I understand if you're there at the right time you can help feed the flamingos. I'd camp out there to be able to do that if I could.