I went out just before and after the heavy rains, which are expected all day. I seem to have a new friend, a Pigeon who appears on the big barn roof every time I come out in the morning. At first, I thought I was looking at him, but after a few days, I realized he is also looking at me.
A Pigeon friend is new; I’ll have to think about it. When I lived in New York City, people called pigeons rats with wings.
Since a flock moved into our barn and nested there, we feel differently about them.
He’s always there when I come out, especially in the morning. If this keeps up, I’ll have to give him a name – Ron, maybe. We never feed the birds outside a bird feeder, and the pigeons never eat at the feeders, so I don’t think he’s expecting that.
A blog reader is upset with me for posting images of Minnie as she fails. She asked why I would subject my readers to that. I told her that the reason was that my readers have asked to know how Minnie was doing. That’s a good reason for me.
She doesn’t have to look at or read about Minnie if she doesn’t like it instead of writing angry notes. I always wonder why people don’t seem able or willing to think of that.
I think many people forget – thanks partly to social media – how to think for themselves anymore or be polite. I always remember, even online, that I’m dealing with another human. It encourages me to be civil, although I sometimes fail. I’m working on that.
We haven’t seen Minnie since yesterday afternoon. We believe she has moved under the porch, perhaps for good. If we can, we will bury her when she dies behind one of the gardens near Flo and Gus.
Sorry, grumpy reader. Some people have been following Minnie’s life for 16 years.
They deserve to know how she’s doing. Minnie isn’t eating anymore.
I caught the flowers above as the sun set yesterday before it got rainy and gloomy. They seemed enchanted to me. I’m off to the Mansion for Meditation Class; today, we’re reading from Henri Nouwen and the wonderful Joan Chittister. I’m reading a Chapter on Mother Teresa’s advice on how to live a good life.
I think of the two flowers above as twins, they’ve grown up side by side.
Windowsill gallery.
The three hens gather on the porch looking for Minnie, it seems. They were standing guard.
Right after a rain storm.
Perhaps your reader is reacting to Minnie’s pictures the way I do when I get begging letters with images of diatressed animals, although they are not at all the same thing. Minnie is transitioning the way many of us would like to when the time comes, in comfort and peace and surrounded by love. But I do understand your reader because I always shed a tear for animals that are dying even though I don’t know them. There is a place in the hearts of certain people that is sensitized by such things. I learned that I must not read books or stories about animals because they drain me emotionally. I don’t know where it comes from and I don’t apologise for it. It’s just who certain people are, no better and no less good than anyone else. I couldn’t count the tears I have shed over the animals you have written about but if it upset me unbearably, I would avoid going there. Part of me is like the rest of your readers who need to have updates…perhaps I am a masochist! Whoever your reader is, I am sure she has a good heart.
Carolyn, thanks I don’t know what kind of heart the women has, it’s not really my business. Nor is it hers to tell other pepole how to handle the death of a beloved animal. I’m sorry if it’s painful for her, that’ snot my intent, but my approach is to never tell anyone else how they should deal with the death of an animal they love and have lived with for years. It’s a personal, individual problem. People with heart feel for the animal and the poeple, that’s my own measure. All she has to do is skip the stories rather than try to shame me. All of us have suffered with this issue in one way or another, there is not just one way to do it.
I have enjoyed every photo of sweet Minnie. I have been grateful for the updates, and I appreciate the consideration you and Maria always give to your animals. Thank you!
Thank you Antoinette
I’m new to your blog and am enjoying it immensely. I am also following Minnie and her transition. I have a 22 year old calico cat named Bella. She has her ups and downs but overall is doing pretty well. I know that I will be facing her death in the near future and it’s comforting to think she will experience a peaceful and loving transition. It’s difficult to accept that this is the natural order of things. I wish you, your family, and especially Minnie love and peace.
Thanks Kate, welcome