Finding Shelter From Storms

   All of us have our times where we feel the need to take shelter whether it be from bad weather, other people or simply from our own emotions.  I have been feeling like that lately.  It feels like I am being twisted by a violent maelstrom that is pulling me deeper and deeper into the depths.  I am tired.  I am overwhelmed.  I am bewildered. When I feel like this, I stroll the Small Gardens and think.  The brain can wander without constraint.  Any number of magical events can occur and bring a bit of peace and happiness to my heart.  The gardens are where I seek shelter...they are my refuge. 

  A couple of days ago, my sweet niece came to visit.  She and I seem to be kindred spirits in more ways than one.  We can see the beauty in the simplest of thing and can pray away our troubles while meandering among the botanical wonders that surround us.  After she left, I headed back to the vegetable plot to check the squash.  It had rained the night before and the leaves were still drippy wet.  Most were hanging low over the blossoms as if they were offering shelter.  As I pushed aside one large leaf, my heart gave a little flutter.  Nestled deep inside of the large, yellow squash bloom were two tiny bees.  Snuggling together, the two had sought shelter from the overnight storm.  The squash plant had offered a safe-haven for them and they were reluctant to leave since the raindrops were still dripping from the leaves.  Gently....ever so gently, I lowered the umbrella leaf back over the two tiny beings and smiled.  I had found refuge simply by observing bees that sought shelter, as well.

  Folks, be kind.  It all goes back to that old saying "If you wouldn't like something done (or said) to you, don't do (or say) it to others.  

The "Boat Ride"

   Last week, we had several days where the rain was nonstop.  These heavy downpours filled the little skiff so Son and I made several trips down the pier to bail the boat.  Thankfully, he does not mind as I am getting a bit too old to do much bailing.  I tag along to keep him company.  

  During one break of the rains, we scurried down, he climbed into the boat and grabbed the 5 gallon bucket to start sloshing the water back into the Bay.  I stood on the pier snapping photographs of the marsh birds and Bat, the cat, who joined us.  Suddenly, Son stopped bailing and said "I've got a visitor."  Looking over, I scanned the water thinking the alligator was nearing or that perhaps one of the snapping turtles had popped up from the depths.  Nothing....I could see nothing.  He pointed to the edge of the skiff.  There was one of the largest spiders that I have seen in a while!  The thing was a good 3 inches across and the palest sandy-grey.  Hmmm?  "Where did that come from?" I asked.  Son shrugged his shoulders and mentioned that he just noticed the spider then said "I guess he was just going for a boat ride."  We watched for a moment but the spider made no effort to move.  Son started bailing again with the bucket and water being heaved just inches above the giant.

  While I have found several spiders that look similar to our friend, none were as pale in color as this one.  I am still quite undecided as of the type.  Happily, the spider stayed put in the same spot until the skiff was emptied.  Both Son and I decided that the poor thing was probably seeking shelter from the rain in the boat and we disturbed its peace.  I am sure once we left, the spider hid away in the skiff once again as torrential rains pounded again.  

Why, Hello, Good Friend!

   With the storm, Beta, moving to the north of us, our tides are a bit elevated.  The weather is not bad but, since the Gulf was in turmoil for a while, a lot of birds have taken refuge in our bay.  The calm waters offer peace from the storm and plentiful foodstuffs for the birds to gorge themselves during their stay.  Their chosen resting spots are the piers and posts in our bend.  There is nothing unusual about this as we normally shelter many critters when a tempest is near.  They know to come here.  They know that we welcome them and wish them well.

  With the birds seeking safe shelter, the photography opportunities are endless.  To my way of thinking, the birds are beautiful, in their own right, but add in their comical ways, and the show is entertaining, also.  This morning, dozens of birds of all types were sheltering on my brother's pier.  Cormorants, several different types of gulls and, of course, the brown pelicans.  The pelicans are the comedians of the group.  Sometimes, I think their antics are merely an attention getting ploy.  If they humor us, they will get fed.  The birds know this.  

  This morning, one pelican seemed bent on getting my attention.  Whether it was intentional or not, the pelican seemed to be waving at me.  Each photo found it with one wing raised high in salutation!  Sorry, Gus.  The net is still in storage from the hurricane preparations of last week.  I promise to get it out tomorrow.