Little Buddy

Posted on October 5, 2026 by Pat

Bird on Shoulder - Photo © by Jim Ruppel — Bird on Shoulder – Photo © by Jim Ruppel

This little buddy landed on my shoulder one morning, and I was surprised he stayed long enough to snap a picture. He seemed content and not afraid as I kept real still. It felt good and I liked having him there and the connection no matter how fleeting. Makes me wish I could hold onto the moment longer.

Those times are precious to me as they are happening now and as I look back on them. But isn’t that how life is – unpredictable? We never know how each day will unfold. It’s a gift – all of it, the good and the bad, and as I get older, I’m even more conscious of that. It’s a choice really, how we see it and respond. And as I look at this picture, I’m reminded how much there is to still see and enjoy right there in front of my eyes.

I’m glad there are stages in life and it’s funny, as I look at old pictures over time. You would think we were different people as little girls and boys, compared to our teens and 20’s, mid-life, and (if fortunate) the golden years. Birds don’t change as dramatically as that, nor other wildlife, that I know of. If they get older, there’s a change but not where they look so different that you wouldn’t recognize them. Maybe it’s because they’re not as protected when enduring the elements, and most don’t live as long.

I remember I could feel this little guy’s feet as he moved and shifted. He was close enough to where I could see his face as he twitched his head back and forth. Maybe, he was somewhat puzzled by this big object near him. Then, he finally flew off. So tiny, delicate and light as a feather. I marvel how they take off in flight without hardly any effort. Wouldn’t it be fun to launch and fly like that?

Hubby and I watch all types of fowl, insects and critters in our backyard, and it gives me appreciation of life and its different forms. We don’t see all the makings of it on the ground and in the sky – the intricacies and interactions. Only a small portion of it as they enter our world. What does their home look like perched up in a tree or under a bush? What do we look like to them? Do they feel things like we do or is it us trying to apply human emotions? Some things must be similar as they care for their young and compete for territory like we do. But on a different vibration? I have no idea but it’s beautiful with what I do see.

I look forward to more moments like that. You never know what each day will reveal. Maybe another little buddy will come to visit again. I hope so.

Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table

What You See Is Not Always What You Think

Posted on September 19, 2026 by Pat

Bird Falling – Bluebird Watches – Photo © by Jim Ruppel

What you see is not always what you think . . . sometimes there’s more. Do you ever wonder about that and what’s out there you missed by not being in the right place at the right time or just not being aware? It’s like we’re zigging and life is zagging. This picture makes me think about how much goes on all around me I don’t see, yet life goes on?

Hubby took this picture as it was getting dusk one evening, and the light was not good; so, he adjusted the camera settings for the shot so it would be lighter. And, lo and behold, there was more going on than he realized and surprised to see what was happening.

It began with him just wondering if the bird he saw on the birdhouse was a bluebird or not and couldn’t tell because it was getting dark. He didn’t expect to see in the shot another bird that seemed to be falling from the sky while the bluebird watched. There were no dead birds under that tree as we took our daily walk the next day so maybe it was doing something else – I don’t know – but it’s curious.

I want to believe it was something other than a strike from a predator, and some research indicates it’s possible it was a maneuver to avoid a predator (like whiffling), an attempt to attract a mate, disorientation or a fledgling mishap. Whatever, the reason, we had never seen anything like that maybe because it happens so fast and hubby just happened to catch it on camera.

So much goes on around us all the time, and it seems like we have no clue. There’s a popular riddle I’m sure you’ve heard, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there, does it make a sound?” My thinking is, “Yes”, and it’s because things don’t need us to hear it for it to happen. It is what it is, whether we’re there to witness it or not. I think there are a lot of events, mysteries, unexplained phenomena like that happening all the time and then it passes. No explanations, opinions, or questions. Unlike us, it doesn’t need one; it just happens and needs nothing else.

It’s wonderful and beautiful how life keeps moving, shifting and changing – some things in the most dynamic way and others so tiny it’s hard to even detect. Life and death are in a dance all around us in constant rhythm and harmony and we’re a part of it.

What do you think? Have you seen things like this or wonder what’s out there and the mystery of it or is it something that’s not even on your radar? It’s living life and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

Pat at the ‘ol kitchen table

What the . . .

Posted on August 30, 2026 by Pat

I had one of the most unthinkable things happen to me today. I lost my wedding ring. I was working in the yard, pulling weeds, when I felt it was missing from my finger. It’s a naked feeling after almost 60 years of marriage this December. A sinking in my heart and a sick feeling in my gut.

As I’ve worn it throughout the years, I’ve sometimes put it away in my jewelry box, because it was too tight. I even had it resized one time and now, in going through better eating habits, health improvement and losing weight, it got real loose.

So, I began retracing my steps and thought I could use a magnet (but turns out a magnet does not attract silver). Hubby came out to help, and we both were combing the yard. And Thank you! Thank you! – he found it! It was in the container of weeds I last pulled.

I don’t remember how many times he has come through for me over the last 60 years, finding things I’ve lost, recovering me from things I’ve gotten myself into that I can’t get out of; he’s even saved my life 2 times (literally). There’s never been a dull moment, and it’s been quite an adventure living with me. Guess you could say I keep him on his toes.

Oh, the stories and what will I come home with this time. From catching the oscillating sprinkler to the bottom of our van and continuing to back out of the driveway, stretching it to its limit, while it was still attached to the house. To coming home and having to explain why the vent on top of the van was gone and how that happened. And another time, when I called to tell him my fob had just plopped into the lake (that time he used the magnet on a long pole).

I’ve told some of these stories right here in some of my posts over the years. And in the retelling of them, I still can’t understand how they could have happened, but they did. Just like losing my wedding band today. Now, that was devastating and would have been hard for me to get over, if he hadn’t found it.

So, here we are – another day in the life of an aging couple, helping each other, loving each other and enjoying these golden years together in a beautiful mystical place. Wonder what tomorrow will bring. Ah, it’s a mystery – what will unfold and reveal itself to us, as we journey on this path together one day and one step at a time.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the read and it tickled your heart and warmed your soul.

Pat from the ‘ol kitchen table

Gather Round The Table

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Pat

Let’s Celebrate What’s Good In Our Lives – Who Is Amazing In Our Lives – Courtesy of MSN Clipart

There’s room for everyone, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week across this great land. Families and friends travel far and wide to get together and connect once more. We eat, we talk and laugh. It’s a time of giving, a time to catch up, to share and be grateful. There is much to reflect on this year and much for which to count our blessings.

“Every time I pick up a coin on the street, I view it as a symbol of the abundance that God sends into my life, and I feel gratitude.”

— Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Continue reading →

Acknowledgements: "Room At The Table" by Carrie Newcome more...

A Grateful World Is a Happy World

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Pat

BK via Compfight

As Thanksgiving approaches, I have to admit I’m struggling with gratitude. My emotions are mixed and my heart is conflicted with unrest from the recent Paris and Mali shootings and the rants of hate.

It’s hard to put everything into perspective and settle down to celebrate with a quiet dinner and give thanks with so much going on in the world. I will, not because of tradition, but because it’s what is so desperately needed and there is so much for which I’ve been blessed. Continue reading →