The swallows of Capistrano, the buzzards of Hinkley, Ohio, and me

I saw the first robin of spring this morning, frozen on my front lawn. No, not really; he was fine. I guess I am just still bitter about having to fly from sunny Tucson into yet more snow. Who’s for forming a posse to chase down that wretched little rodent in Punxsutawney, PA?
On March 19th, the swallows return to Capistrano, which always seemed worth celebrating to me. And on the 15th, while I was luxuriating in the Arizona heat, the buzzards should have returned to Hinkley, Ohio. At least I hope so. We need to believe in some traditions, right?
I am still paying the huge sleep debt I ran up on the book tour, but like the swallows and buzzards, I will return!
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Published on March 19, 2014 09:10
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message 1: by Judith (new)

Judith The turkey vultures returned to Pittsburgh last week. It's another sure sign.
Today is the last full day of winter, can we hope the calendar is correct and that after tomorrow snow and cold will be banished until next December?


message 2: by Sharon (new)

Sharon I never knew about the turkey vultures, Judith. I love the way my readers keep expanding my knowledge!


message 3: by Judith (last edited Mar 20, 2014 05:49AM) (new)

Judith It's not a big migration like the buzzards in Hinkley but when we see them circling in the sky we know it's spring.
Wild life is endlessly fascinating for me. There are several pair of bald eagles nesting in the area. This is not wilderness, this is suburbia, only a few miles out of the city. Sitting in traffic on a bridge mid-commute the other morning I saw one of them swooping down over the Allegheny River. How exciting.


message 4: by Sharon (new)

Sharon That is wonderful, Judith. I had to go to Alaska to see eagles!


message 5: by Gin (new)

Gin Tadvick Death would be too kind to Phil!!! I think we need to put him in a cold room on ice blocks for 9 weeks!!!


message 6: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Works for me, Gin!


message 7: by Leila (new)

Leila Quite a few chaffinches in my garden today Sharon and my four house cats all sitting on the window sill watching them longingly for ulterior motives of course! (North Eastern England) and on the coast too! No swallows to be seen yet and not a single robin this year (sigh)


message 8: by Sharon (new)

Sharon Do you live anywhere near York, Leila? I lived there for a while when I was researching Sunne, fell in love with the city.


message 9: by Leila (new)

Leila Yes Sharon, I live on the North East coast and I'm about an hour's run in a car from York. I have both visited and stayed there for a holiday on lots of occasions over the years.

Ampleforth Benedictine Abbey is quite nearby too and is a place of peace and beauty. Visitors are welcome and there is a guest house for anyone wanting a quiet short spell away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is indeed a beautiful city with much to love within its walls; no wonder you fell in love with it. I hope one day you can re-visit X


message 10: by Helen (new)

Helen On Friday I left the 75 degree temp in Dallas & flew home to about 30 and a promise of snow the next day (promise kept, sadly) .... my bright spot was reading a substantial portion of Ransom on the 3 1/2 hour flight ... I would love it if you would someday make your way to Montréal, preferably in summer, of course ;>)


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