Quick Takes

 Although I don't link to the Quick Takes anymore, I still appreciate the concept of doing a catch up post. So here are my Quick Takes.

1. I still walk my imaginary dog around the neighborhood. I have considered and reconsidered whether I want to get a real dog and how I would do it.  I would probably have a door put in my garage and a fence around the backyard as the first step.  I would need some way to let the dog out from time to time. Even though a fence and door might be pricey, they would be cheaper than moving. I have considered breeds.  I know someone who knows someone who fosters Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they would be a good size for a dog.  But, I really like poodles. Or I could try to find a mutt.  But, first a fence and a door.

2. I am looking for a way to not be so involved in my grandchildren's care.  I find that I have less energy and more aches and pains.  Watching them is more than a full time job.  I wanted to help them never to go to daycare while they were little, but really, that isn't my call.

3. I still have the birds (parakeets).  I continue to buy things for the birds.  I continue to suffer sinus issues because of the birds.  I have not hand tamed them.  I can't stand to be that close to them for long enough. I try to let them out to fly around the house at least once a week.  The parakeet Facebook group makes me feel very guilty for my relationship with these birds, but when I take the guilt trips out of the mix, I think I am providing a good home for the little budgies. They have food and water and toys and each other. I keep them clean and warm.

4. Last Sunday I saw a flock of large migrating birds high up in the sky.  I think that they may have been pelicans.  I have seen flocks of pelicans migrating before.  I live near the Missouri River and it is a flyway for them. Watching a flock of birds like that is amazing. They circled around and stayed together.  I watched them make several turns.  Maybe they were looking for a place to spend the night.

5. Lately there have been a lot of flyers for missing cats in my neighborhood.  Indoor/ outdoor cats really aren't safe.  There is a pack of coyotes that lives down in the woods at the end of my street.  I have seen at least three of them together. When sirens go off I can hear the howling. Personally, I wish they would get the rabbits that continue to eat almost every flower that I plant.  Anyway, I have a theory about where the cats are going.

6.  I have been praying Lectio Divina for a year now. It has become a habit. God has really talked to me and shown me things.  Some things I have to be told over and over again.  Maybe someday I will get it and learn something new.

7.  When I consider so much of the world during this pandemic I have tears of gratitude for my blessings.  I have a warm house, food and clean water. I have family and friends and the ability to Zoom with them. I have two beautiful grandchildren and I can see and hug them. I can go to church via the internet. I have a vote, a voice. I am blessed.