A walk down memory lane

Every morning I start my day with a ritual that feels good. I wake up and before I do anything else, I head out to the deck to care for the birds and animals that share our yard.

I fill the feeders, place homemade suet in the holder, and clean and fill the giant bowl that serves as a birdbath.

The red-winged blackbirds, bright yellow goldfinches, cardinals, sparrows, and more swoop overhead waiting as I prepare their meal. The squirrels and chipmunks stand guard at the edge of the woods ready to...