Beloved,
Last Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day, a mother Canadian goose showed up on the beach with her 5 babies. She gave me pause as I wondered why she was alone and no other adult goose was with her. So I watched her for a while but duty called. I kept being pulled back to watch her more. She could walk but her walk with one leg was deliberate. Her babies did not huddle under her wing; they huddled together although she was next to them. Then I realized that she was standing on only one leg. So I kept watching all of them. The babies would be moving away from her but she would move her head and then they would all scurry back to be closer.
I have seen families of geese every year and in fact, last year two families of geese banded together and became four adults and 10 little ones. That was fascinating to watch them take care of their own but still be one whole family. But this mother had no one. Usually the other adults, and we have about 20 Canadian geese on this lake, stay on the periphery because the parents do not want them too close to their babies. BUT THEY ARE THERE.
On Mother’s Day she was back and still had her 5 babies and was still alone. I found her once where her babies where huddled near the water and she was close to them on one leg and had her head in her wing. She was taking a nap. I could not fathom the immensity of the role she was playing. Then I realized what a model she was especially for Mothers on Mother’s Day. Here was a handicapped mother with 5 babies to take care of. Can you imagine if that was you? What a symbol for Mother’s Day.
During the week, she was back and another adult was with her but not too close, it looked like she was ignoring him. I have heard that they mate for life so perhaps she was not ready for another partner. This morning, my heart leapt. She was back with still ALL 5 babies and two other adults who had 3 babies. She now has an extended family to help her keep an eye out for any danger. One of my neighbors was throwing rocks near them to make a big splash so they would go out onto the lake. I found myself watching again. They all went a ways out onto the water but all 3 adults turned and faced my neighbor and let it be known with their vocal honks that they were not going anywhere. When they are threatened, they try to put on a brave front like saying: You can’t make me go; I will go when I please. When my neighbor turned and left, the geese just turned back and they went somewhere else on the lake. It is sad that they are not wanted but they make such a mess of the beach and even on the grass. Their poop is hard to rake up and it also makes a mess of the water and the beach. Have you found a way to keep geese away? If so, I would love to hear about it.
The beach that was in its purest and barest form is now being transformed for the upcoming season. Rocks have been delivered to help the boat launch be more stable and usable. The new sand has been delivered and is sitting on the beach waiting for the rototiller man to come and make it a smooth and soft beach again. Some kids are having a ball before this happens by digging in the pure sand and running up and sliding down and being kids with a pile of sand. The dock is not out yet but is waiting patiently to be put together to serve the boats and some fishermen. Plans are made to put the raft out into the water so the kids can swim out and then jump off. The beach is getting ready for the influx of people who are waiting eagerly for it to get warmer so they can play. It is fun to watch the changes.
I have been out in my kayak but there are not many boats out yet. A stray one once in a while yet most are the smaller canoes or kayaks. In fact, they are not actually in the water yet and most docks are not out yet. I have the whole lake to myself (except for the geese and ducks. This is the time of year that I can closer to the shore in the coves because the water lilies have not grown and taken over. Since the leaves on the trees are just beginning to come out, I have views of the houses that are usually hidden behind the trees. The whole lake has a different feel to it. I think that is what makes it so exciting to live so close to the water. The hummingbirds are here and so are the Baltimore Orioles. Usually only the cat birds and the Baltimore Orioles eat the grape jelly but a new animal has been added. I had to move the feeders around because the squirrels were cleaning out all my jelly before the birds could get to it. I even noticed a golden finch trying the jelly but only once, it seems to prefer its seed, thank god. Enjoy this Spring warming up where ever you are celebrating it.
Since I made so much of Mother’s Day models, I thought you would like to see these never die models.
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/elderly-folks-said-hell-no-older-people-clothes-look/?
There were quite a few good stories this week, I wish I could share them all with you.
Another miracle! Do you believe in miracles yet?
It is not only animals that find themselves alone, people do also. Whatever is the reason for your loneliness, this message may uplift your heart and your reality.
http://www.panachedesai.com/landing/care-package-may-2016
Would you like to end the plastic takeover and instead see plastic as a valuable resource? This blew my mind.
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Love and Light
Mary Grace
http://www.IAmMaryGrace.com
http://www.TheWoundedChalice.com