rajafacesbothways

From Art to Art-illery

A group of artists that had a co-op, Art On Main, across from the Court House was forced to depart by a Gun Shop.(not at gunpoint of course---KY isn't that archaic!)  Obviously guns bring in more money than art so the Co-op's lease was broken by the building's owner to make room for "Sons of Liberty."  A huge gun rests in the window and inside are counters filled with ammo.

I think this is a nice balance to the 42 churches here.  With God and guns--who needs art?

Bird Conventions

The bird population gathered at the feeder is not less in number only less in variety. And they continue stufffing their tiny tummies with over 60 pounds of birdseed a month. However recently they can suddenly disappear for hours.

The reason--now the huge peregrine falcon perches in the tall tree behind the rooftop, patiently waiting. I've seen her tear into chubby pigeons--she could devour the sparrows like popcorn. If they got careless.

And they haven't. How do they know she is there? I've concluded that being called a "bird brain" should be considered a huge compliment.

Flight Patterns

With the gloomy rainy weather now over, am back on my deck, observing some strange bird behavior. Yesterday afternoon four nighthawks were circling low overhead. The hummingbirds continue to dart and fight; two hovered close and stared at my face, trying to figure out if I was sweet enough for their tastes. (obviously not) Of course they immediately ignored me when I fetched my camera.

This morning about two dozen chimney swifts dove within reach around me--no fear of them striking since their flying skills are incredibly agile. And the Peregrine falcon came around--it's sitting on the tomato plant container.  Seen closer earlier--it's strong beak, awesome talons and piercing eyes give it the respect it deserves.

For the Birds

In this constant midwest heat cycle, my final meal of the day has been a dish of ice cream and a beer on the rooftop. The sky is ever changing, there is always an evening breeze and the  air show is terrific.

The chimney swifts are the most delightful, happy, tweeting daredevil fliers in the sky. In the past couple years, so many people I care about have died. (not "passed"--currently the latest term for death--passing to me refers to grades or gas) Instead of souls whisking off to heaven to deal with oversized wings, out of tune harps and  tarnished halos, I like to think of the tweeting chimney swifts as the souls of those who have died and are enjoying a great time, including wintering in Peru.

Okay. Let me make this clear. I only drink a cold beer--I don't do drugs.

Air and Airways

Look! Up in the air!  A legion of chimney swifts have arrived--more than I have ever seen here, diving and tweeting and enjoying life. Also the first bat whisked past--and not from my building. Finally a night warm enough to enjoy the show from my porch.

I rarely watch anything except PBS but checked the weather on TV to see what awaits us. Tucked between the news and weather were a plethora of ads for adults who have joint pain, stomach pain, various dysfunctional body parts, suffer from dry eyes and leaky groins, are over-weight (since their only moving parts are their restless legs) and men who achieve an erection only when they are alone in a bath tub with a naked (?) woman in an adjoining tub.

How I long for the days when commercials were for refrigerators, racy cars and soap bubbles. As for now, I'm strictly for the birds.

They Have Returned!

Although my loft space still feels like a frozen food locker, we've had a few more 70ish days--enough to bring back the chimney swifts. Guess it's a good example of the level of excitement here but I was thrilled just a couple of hours ago to see them tweeting, darting and showing off like teenage boys in heat. It's kinda an indicator of surviving another winter and the promise of 6 months of arial show time.

Saw an excellent exhibition at UKY Art Museum, Passport to Japan, that included tradiional Japanese dance (Tanko Bushi and Tokyo Ondo) and exquisite  hand embroidery needlework on various silk. No computer skills required--all tiny needles and beautiful designs.

Bird(s) 'n Brain

The last 9 photos of Highway 20 are matted and frames await them. And yesterday I faced the challenge of learning exel and executing it for the invitational mailing list requested by the New Albany Carnegie Center. B-o-r-i-n-g. But finished and hopefully I'll never have to do that again.

Had I died in my thirties I may have been considered borderline brilliant. Computers were as large as my bedroom, off limits and required nothing of me. My left brain was used only to keep my right brain in place but now, old and moldy, it's pushed into action by technology.

Not knocking technology tho. By now you all must be aware of the Decorah Eagles--if not Google it for a wonderful experience with nature.

Double Duh!

Two retractions of former blogs are in order.

1.  Three hummingbirds have been at the feeders since I wrote they had all left. Now who's the bird brain?!

2.  The Main Street flags have been rearranged once more. The previous arrangement of the flags parallel to the street with the American flags on the left resulted in the U.S. flags often getting tangled in the light poles while the flags of other countries blew freely. Soooo--the fire department returned once more and hung both flags at 45 degree angles, facing the street, allowing all flags to be blowin' in the wind.

As far as I can tell none are hanging upside down but it's difficult to tell with flags from infidel countries.

Nothing to Hum About

The humming birds have hum-ed off--none around for the past couple of days. I had hoped our continuing 90 degree weather might have fooled them into thinking this is Peru. However they insisted they had to hurry and zip through Texas because their immigration papers had expired.

They were sure fun while they lasted.

Birds of a Feather

I'm still spending every early evening watching the hummingbirds from the rooftop next to my porch. There are now four; they are getting pot bellies and, like many  residence in this town, they can no longer look down and see their feet. However, like kids on the playground they fight off each other to claim each feeder for itself.

Between the morning glories and four feeders they are definitely getting their sugar fix.