Lost and Found

“The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang agly”….my mother’s often spoken version of a bit of Robert Burns 1785 poem “To a Mouse.” (check out link to original words at end of post)

It is Monday August 31st and I have felt extreme fatigue since Saturday the 29th. Took a covid test a bit ago and it turned up negative. I have lost my energy and here it is at the end of the month and my blog deadline. So, here I go with a slightly muddled brain.

When Dolly Parton died last week I cried off and on throughout the day as I watched news reports. My strong reaction surprised me. I have always been a fan of hers, but her passing is a gut punch ( I hate that phrase, but can’t think of anything more appropriate).

Other losses this past week that have brought tears and anger. The horrific flooding in Nepal brought the tears and the beginning desecration and destruction of Big Bend National Park brought the anger.

I like to be an optimist and look for the good in the world and so that is what I am doing. Amidst the world’s woes and personal stress I take pleasure in the other bits of life that bring us positive energy. So, here are a few found joys:

Toad in our pond. I had about given up on ever seeing one again when one evening I heard a male calling. This went on for 3 nights and then in the morning I found strings of eggs in our pond and this sweetie nearby (momma toad?). Others who have come back after months are the owls. One night I heard a barred owl and the next night I heard a screech owl. Saw a giant luna moth on the back porch and yellow warblers in our trees. These all lift my spirit.

Katydid on Beauty Berry Bush….love the color contrast!

Mexican Petunia from behind

Swallowtail wing underneath

Swallowtail wing top

Cicada emerging from old skin

I am hoping that is me in a few days after shedding this virus and feeling my energy again!

May you find many small joys each day

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43816/to-a-mouse-56d222ab36e33

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bettymccreary7347

Born and raised in Central Texas. Spending time outside brings me joy and I love to share my observations. I also belong to two writing groups and enjoy researching my ancestors. I find people interesting, but Nature keeps me sane.

12 thoughts on “Lost and Found”

  1. Betty, I wish you a swift recovery from whatever ails you. Thanks for the photos and reports of owls, toads, etc. A few days ago I startled a toad in one of my potted plants on the patio while watering. I did not see it until an instant too late, and it hopped away. I put out a shallow container of water to try to lure it back, but so far I have not seen it again. abrazos, Marcia

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  2. Lovely photos. I will be looking at the small joys and returning to my environmental roots in the midst of all the world woes. Thinking about fresh water and the lake at street’s bottom. Which water protection strategy endeavors can I get involved with after reading my monthly Wildlife magazine. Hope you feel better soon!!

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  7. Hi Betty, I hope you’re feeling better by now. I enjoy your blogs so much, and was happy to see this one end on an optimistic note (so very hard to be optimistic these days). Have you heared of iNaturalist? It’s an app you can download onto your phone. I think you would enjoy it. Check it out when you have a moment! Trish

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    1. Thank you Trish! Yes, I know about I Naturalist and really should put it on my phone. I do use a birding app from Cornell that will ID birds by their sounds because seeing them is sometimes hard.

      My energy is back up and I look forward to seeing you in Phoenix at the WWW conference if you are still going…?

      I am volunteering some (maybe thursday morning) at the registration desk after arriving on Wednesday afternoon.

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