Caper Art by Berni

Mewsletter January 2010

On the wings of a belted kingfisher, we welcomed 2010 to our shores. I hope it will be a good year for everyone over the road and on the island of Cape Breton.  In spite of the cold weather, people reported seeing the kingfisher amidst the snowflurries for more than a week.

Our neighbour has junkos, song sparrows and downy woodpeckers flitting about.

At our feeders we have the chickadees, the darling birds of wasted energy. We watch them so happy to come to the feeder and then go into the thick of the woods to crack open a single sunflower seed. It boggles the mind.

The lake shares many moods with us accordingly. It’s comforting to see that it’s still open. This evening the teal colour compliments the generous twilight colours of the clouds. For a few days the lagoon has been glib which is not inviting for water fowl.

Lois MacDonald is gone from us. She and her twin Lorna were childhood friends of my sister Joan and me. We learned to swim, skate, dig for clams and catch smelts in cereal boxes as the fish entered the lake from the brook coming from Oban.

I remember the four of us joining the junior choir at our church. Lois and I both sang alto. The first hymn we sang so long ago was the 23rd Psalm. I think of those moments every time I hear the hymn. I will always remember Lois.

From Critter’s Corner, Pussy cat thoughts and prayers are with Lois’ Katie, the little dog she loved so much.

Down Barra Head way there are two young, well mannered orange cats who would like to come in from the cold to a good home. If you can rescue these poor cats or know someone who can, call 535-3311.

Best wishes to all from “over the road” folks.