Noticing Things 8/6/2023

By: Jennifer Richardson Holt

As I am writing this, I am watching hummingbirds.  They put on quite a show around my house.  I have a few feeders out and they do partake of them as well as my flowers, but their entertainment factor isn’t so much just a human observing a tiny, feathered comet flitting and drinking. No, my birds are aggressive. Now, if you’ve ever observed them before you know they can be quite territorial with others of their kind. But mine don’t just express hostility in that way.  There have been countless occasions where I go outside in my very own backyard and it sounds like tiny helicopters are attempting to decapitate me, or at the very least poke me violently.  And in addition to that sound effect, if you have never heard the angry chatter of a hummingbird well, I won’t say you’re missing out because I don’t suppose anyone wants to have angry chatter aimed at them but, it is quite a fuss to hear. It’s so tiny and high pitched that despite what are their best efforts I’m sure, it cannot seem to come across as menacing. I know that’s what they’re going for too because just a few hours ago I looked one dead in the eye and let me tell you, I don’t know if birds feel what is technically disdain, but that’s what was in those itty-bitty dark orbs.  And honestly, this response is really ridiculous because, for the love of Pete, I go to the effort to make nectar for them and put it out just for their convenience since there are actually available flowers. I even go so far as to make sure I let it cool down to a lovely refreshing temperature before I put it out for them. So, I guess in summary we have learned that hummingbirds are mean to each other as well as outside their species. They are also ungrateful. I hate to speak so ill of something as adorable as they are but, my heavens.  And also, looking at them, these of which I am speaking are females! I mean come on ladies! Show some couth.

Speaking of random things that I have observed, I will be very grateful when the weather cools down enough that the water from the cold side of my faucets is actually cold again.   You know what, no. I would even settle for cool. These days due to the typical heat for this time of year, I go to get a refreshing drink of water and am met with a glass that is room temperature if not on the high side of such and I cannot stress enough, it is not refreshing.  I know it’s hot out. I know my plumbing is doing it’s best but it’s just so not pleasant to drink lukewarm water.  I think I’ve heard somewhere that it is good for you to drink water at such a temperature, but I find that ludicrous and shan’t embrace this ideology. That’s the same as people who eat a dessert and complain it’s too sweet. I don’t know what you were expecting there my friend but bitter is not usually what you get in the context of DESSERT.  Ok, clearly, I have wondered into a sensitive area for me if I’ve resorted to using all caps. Pardon me. Where was I?

I suppose I don’t really know exactly where I was other than just throwing all forms of trivial scrutiny at you.  Oh, but something else just came to mind, why can’t seemingly capable adults follow directions?  I can think of at least 2 examples within the last few hours in which people just utterly and totally refused to follow directions completely ignoring the impact it had on others. But, no, that’s enough of that.  I do not need to continue to bombard you with all this that is starting to sound like the human version of angry hummingbird chatter. Mostly because you already have plenty of your own goings on and you don’t need to hear mine but also because not being a feathered, tiny creature, my laments are not nearly as cute, not even slightly really.

So, let me close with something worth saying. I have also noticed that lately we have had some truly magnificent sunsets.  Just a few days ago all of the outdoors became aglow first in shades of orange then peach, then it melted into the most intense fuchsia. It was like living on some other planet with skies as far from blue as imaginable. I’ve also watched my daughter be excited to start her first day of second grade. She sat excitedly in the car before getting out and heading in, her only frustration was that she had to wait to do so.  Only two years prior, going to school was a nightmare of epic proportions with tears and trauma the likes of which I cannot accurately describe.  I thank God for the amazing progress.  I’ve also noticed that the place I live must not be endearing only to me. People I’ve known from childhood live here and are continually returning.  They’re being firemen and police officers. They’re the teachers in the school that they went to, and now their children attend.  We call this community a family and it seems so as so many continually find it feels like home.

The hummingbirds are now sitting peacefully atop the hook that holds their feeder.  I have a small dog nestled against my leg snoozing with her legs crossed in the most precious fashion.  The clouds outside are keeping it just a bit cooler than in recent days.  My daughter’s teacher just sent me a message saying that she is very brave because she got a bit skinned up at recess but didn’t even cry.  I have dear friends coming over tomorrow to eat delicious food and just enjoy each other’s company and that is the first of multiple weekends of friends and fellowship.  These are better observations.  I should notice more things like this.  They far outshine any angry bird or uncool water I’d say.