We are in the midst of a brief series of nearly perfect mid-summer days and nights. We sleep with windows open and a cool breeze wafting softly through the room. Birds visit Jennie’s gardens early and late, the gardens abuzz with wings. Its cool enough that Nori takes the occasional snooze on my lap.
As of a couple of evenings ago two of the three osprey chicks had fledged. They still spend most of the day on the nest, flying only with the parents. This period of learning to fly, fish, and navigate is one of the most dangerous times in an osprey’s life span, and we wish them joy and safety.
On a frigid December day more than a decade ago one of the twins and I found a cactus abandoned on the porch of his dorm. Ever compassionate, and loving cacti, he insisted we bring it home. This cactus was particularly well protected by innumerable spikes so the rescue was more than a little painful.
For a few years the cactus lived in one window or another, and traveled with us from Vermont to here, throwing out arms in all directions. The last few years it has begun to bloom on occasion and recently we were greeted by a profusion of brilliant, red blossoms. We like to imagine this cactus has pretty much recovered from its early trauma.
We have another rescue that is covered with tiny stinging hairs. It has lived in a north facing window for years, periodically dropping arms in hope of reproducing. Now I am wondering whether a move to a southern exposure might encourage it, too, to bloom.
Please share your thoughts and join the conversation!