Firecrackers, bottle rockets and noise! Oh, my!

   This being New Year's Eve, the peace of the Bayou is being thrown in a turmoil by the constant barrage of fireworks being exploded.  I cannot help but think of the poor critters that must be fearing for their lives as bottle rockets and firecrackers blast near them.  It has to be terrifying, to say the least.  I have nothing against people celebrating as long as they do it carefully and do not intentionally try to cause harm with their fireworks.  In fact, I really do enjoy the showy "showers" that light up the sky.  Those are beautiful!  (Still, just a hint here, tomorrow...go pick up your mess!)  Personally, I shall celebrate with the quietness of the sunrise.

  That said, folk, have an enjoyable and safe New Year's Eve and an even better entire year coming.  May each of you find peace, love and happiness knocking at your door this year.  Happy New Year!

Independence Day (or night) on the Bayou

  I have to admit that despite all of the bad rap that living on the water gets during hurricane season, there are some times when the perks are phenomenal. Sure, it can be a hard life filled with gales, predatory critters and strange flesh-eating bacteria but once you get past those little nuisances, things are fine. Besides the obvious pleasures of going to sleep to the sound of waves hitting the shore, fishing whenever you please, fresh seafood on demand, cooling breezes and the absolutely gorgeous views of sunrises and sunsets, there are other assets that just make the Bayou life nigh on perfect.  Times like this whole weekend have to be considered an added plus to the luxury of living on the water.  Mark and I had front row seats to some of the best firework displays ever presented.

  With the influx of casinos, we have been treated so some supreme light shows.  Last night was no exception.  On our eastern horizon just beyond the pier, the sky was lit enormous showers of sparks in all colors.  What a treat it was to sit in the cooling breeze and watch the free show without having to ever leave home.  The previous night was much the same although the performance was to our south and presented by Keesler Air Force Base.  This show was equally beautiful and so much more meaningful.  Now we are awaiting the annual show presented by the City of Biloxi.  Three nights, three presentations, three breathtaking sights...all without ever leaving home.  How much better can it get?  I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day full of festivities and fun fireworks!

Well! That is LOUD!

  As I am sitting here listening to all the booming and banging of fireworks, a thought keeps running through my mind.  While a lot of folks think the shooting of fireworks are all fun and games, I fully disagree.  Yes...they do help celebrate the holidays.  Yes, there is a long tradition of doing such.  Yes, they are LOUD and some....SOME are pretty.  But there should be a place for these things, a time limit and there should be an ordinance about cleaning up the mess afterwards. There are laws...sort of laws...they are just not enforced (which is "sort of" understandable.)  


  My complaints are not at all about the fun folks are having.  That is great.  My issue is about the "where" mainly.  At the moment, fireworks are being shot across the Bayou which is not a bad spot unless you happen to live there.  I do...along with thousands of critters that are most likely scared out of their wits about now.  Earlier today, I was out watering the plants in the greenhouse when I noticed a beautiful Great Egret striding about the Bayou.  The north wind had pushed most of the water out into the Bay leaving just a small rivulet.  The bird was scooping up trapped fish.  It was a most beautiful and serene scene....until....

  Boom....boom....rat-a-tat-tat-tat-tat...boom.  It was midday and already someone was shooting fireworks.  The egret was startled and took flight letting out a series of frightened squawks.  Awww, poor bird probably thought someone was shooting at it...and in a sense they were.  The fireworks shot over the Bayou and landed not far from where the bird was fishing.  

  Now, tonight, the fireworks are continuous.  Thousands and thousands of thunderous rounds are being fired across the marsh.  My poor critters are probably all in hiding.  There will be no feeding tonight for the many nocturnal critters (and no sleep for me).  I just wonder if these same folks would like it if I decided to start shooting fireworks in the opposite direction....say...at sunrise?  And kept it up throughout the day while they were trying to recuperate after a night of partying.  Nah...I could not do that to my poor Bayou friends of the critter sort.  They are going to need rest after this long sleepless night.

  Still, this does not make me feel disdain towards those celebrating.  The New Year should be brought in with a shout of glory!  That said, I wish all of you a most profitable and healthy new year and may each of us show compassion to all....even the critters of the world!  Happy New Year, Folks!  Happy New Year!