29 November 2015
Island Life: 29 November 2015
29/11/15 08:09
“Did you let a bird in the house?”
Marsha texted this question to me on Friday. Now I found this odd. Odd enough that rather than just replying I called her with FaceTime and asked her what was going on. The story went like this. Marsha was working in her office and Imoto had been a bit more adventurous than normal, even hopping up and walking across her desk, which was unusual. So, when she heard Imoto running around in the living room, at first Marsha didn’t think too much of it. But then the running became leaping and the leaping became a bit more boisterous and loud, so Marsha went out to investigate.
She found Imoto up on the cabinet, somewhere she never goes, excitedly trying to get at something. Just then a small brown thing flew across the room, hit the front window, and dropped to the floor. Imoto was off the cabinet in a flash after it and when Marsha got over there Imoto was pawing at it. I think it’s a sign that we do feed the cats enough. The bird, for that was what it was, a little brown finch or sparrow, was laying stunned on the ground. Imoto did not however immediately try to eat it. She just wanted to play with it and the poor creature wouldn’t respond.
Marsha got a paper towel, wrapped the bird up, and took it out onto the deck. Imoto was, of course, not too happy at having her new toy taken away, but sometimes you have to be the adult and do things that your kids don’t like. This was when Marsha sent me the text about the events and we chatted. She even took the iPad out onto the deck and showed me the little bird laying on a towel on the cabinet. Later on she sent me a note saying the bird had recovered and flown away. But this leaves the bigger question: How did it get in? It’s been cold here, most days and nights have been just a few degrees either side of zero. (Our zero, Celsius zero, not your Fahrenheit zero.) Even if any of the windows were missing screens, which they are not, we have them all tightly shut. We have also been really good about not leaving doors open, actually with the cats we’re careful about that even in the summer.
It’s a real mystery.
Of course, Marsha has said a number of odd things this week. Thursday, as you know was Thanksgiving. I thought I’d surprise her with dinner. On the way home I stopped at the ABC Country Restaurant and picked up two turkey dinners to go. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, nice steamed and seasoned vegetables, the works. I got the bundle home and into the kitchen. Marsha was still in her office working so I was able to transfer everything from the take-out containers to proper plates, with silverware and napkins and such. I put both plates and assorted accessories on a tray, and slipped down the hallway. I walked into her office and presented the meal to her with a hearty “Happy Thanksgiving”. Marsha replied with, “Holy Crap! What did you do?”
This was not the response I expected but I’m glad to say that it confirmed that she was surprised. All kidding aside it was a very nice meal and Marsha was very appreciative. We now (because our former favourite place, Frankie’s closed a few months ago) have a new favourite restaurant. ABC puts on a really good spread with generous portions. Their menu is not fancy, just nice homestyle meals, with no pressure or snooty ambiance. It’s where we go for special occasions. It’s where we will be meeting on Wednesday after we get sworn in as Canadian citizens.
Yes that is Wednesday. It’s been a long time coming: A year since we took the test. Three years since we started the paperwork. Eight and a half years since we moved up here. Around fifteen years since we first looked into moving up here. In the mean time we’ve had assorted jobs, my cancer and Marsha’s cardiac stent, Geiger and then Momiji joining the family. Geiger departing a year ago and Imoto arriving just before New Years. A couple of houses, all of which we heavily remoddled. Several trips. Getting to know new people, and places, and customs. Appearing on stage. All sorts of things.
It’s been quite an adventure.
Doug & Marsha
PIX: As I said it’s been cold. Cold and clear. There have been several beautiful sunrises. Also Imoto hiding under the Christmas tree.
Marsha texted this question to me on Friday. Now I found this odd. Odd enough that rather than just replying I called her with FaceTime and asked her what was going on. The story went like this. Marsha was working in her office and Imoto had been a bit more adventurous than normal, even hopping up and walking across her desk, which was unusual. So, when she heard Imoto running around in the living room, at first Marsha didn’t think too much of it. But then the running became leaping and the leaping became a bit more boisterous and loud, so Marsha went out to investigate.
She found Imoto up on the cabinet, somewhere she never goes, excitedly trying to get at something. Just then a small brown thing flew across the room, hit the front window, and dropped to the floor. Imoto was off the cabinet in a flash after it and when Marsha got over there Imoto was pawing at it. I think it’s a sign that we do feed the cats enough. The bird, for that was what it was, a little brown finch or sparrow, was laying stunned on the ground. Imoto did not however immediately try to eat it. She just wanted to play with it and the poor creature wouldn’t respond.
Marsha got a paper towel, wrapped the bird up, and took it out onto the deck. Imoto was, of course, not too happy at having her new toy taken away, but sometimes you have to be the adult and do things that your kids don’t like. This was when Marsha sent me the text about the events and we chatted. She even took the iPad out onto the deck and showed me the little bird laying on a towel on the cabinet. Later on she sent me a note saying the bird had recovered and flown away. But this leaves the bigger question: How did it get in? It’s been cold here, most days and nights have been just a few degrees either side of zero. (Our zero, Celsius zero, not your Fahrenheit zero.) Even if any of the windows were missing screens, which they are not, we have them all tightly shut. We have also been really good about not leaving doors open, actually with the cats we’re careful about that even in the summer.
It’s a real mystery.
Of course, Marsha has said a number of odd things this week. Thursday, as you know was Thanksgiving. I thought I’d surprise her with dinner. On the way home I stopped at the ABC Country Restaurant and picked up two turkey dinners to go. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, nice steamed and seasoned vegetables, the works. I got the bundle home and into the kitchen. Marsha was still in her office working so I was able to transfer everything from the take-out containers to proper plates, with silverware and napkins and such. I put both plates and assorted accessories on a tray, and slipped down the hallway. I walked into her office and presented the meal to her with a hearty “Happy Thanksgiving”. Marsha replied with, “Holy Crap! What did you do?”
This was not the response I expected but I’m glad to say that it confirmed that she was surprised. All kidding aside it was a very nice meal and Marsha was very appreciative. We now (because our former favourite place, Frankie’s closed a few months ago) have a new favourite restaurant. ABC puts on a really good spread with generous portions. Their menu is not fancy, just nice homestyle meals, with no pressure or snooty ambiance. It’s where we go for special occasions. It’s where we will be meeting on Wednesday after we get sworn in as Canadian citizens.
Yes that is Wednesday. It’s been a long time coming: A year since we took the test. Three years since we started the paperwork. Eight and a half years since we moved up here. Around fifteen years since we first looked into moving up here. In the mean time we’ve had assorted jobs, my cancer and Marsha’s cardiac stent, Geiger and then Momiji joining the family. Geiger departing a year ago and Imoto arriving just before New Years. A couple of houses, all of which we heavily remoddled. Several trips. Getting to know new people, and places, and customs. Appearing on stage. All sorts of things.
It’s been quite an adventure.
Doug & Marsha
PIX: As I said it’s been cold. Cold and clear. There have been several beautiful sunrises. Also Imoto hiding under the Christmas tree.