Hope Flies

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;

it flows between the mountains.

They give water to all the beasts of the field...

The birds of the field nest by their waters;

they sing among the branches.

He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;

The earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

Psalm 104:11,12-13

Pictured is Wildflower Falls, located on our property. When it is raging, we can hear it roar from our porch as well as Eagle's Rest porch. May wildflowers are at their best in May.

The rains and storms of late have been relentless! We had another storm with an inch of rain last night. These storms are moving across our mountains about every other day, giving us little time to mow and work in the yard and garden. I will not complain! I know the water from these rains is stored deep underground in our mountains, thus filling our springs with plenty of clean fresh water to get us through the dry spells.

Speaking of gardens! Darlene, Debbie, and I went "greenhouse hopping" this week. It was one of the only sunny days we have had. We drove to Rogers and made our way down to Garfield, Eureka Springs, and Berryville--visiting a total of six nurseries. Needless to say, the car looked like a moving greenhouse by the time we got home. This was a good way to break in our new Chevy Traverse, and pick up some new perennials.

I have worked around showers and wind for two days to get everything in the ground. The winds, slight hail, and hard rains gave me cause for concern last night, but this morning everything survived except the two clay pots sitting on the porch. They were flung down the steps and onto the flagstones and are now only shards! Good thing we staked the tomatoes yesterday!

Mr. and Mrs. Blue are settled in the new birdhouse on the porch near our bedroom window. I'm sure the storm of last week convinced them this was the safest place to nest. Their old house was blown off the porch (I had it wired to the post!) And I had to glue the roof back in place. So much for that old house!

I watch Mr. Blue as he makes his many trips to the box with tasty? tidbits for his mate. He sits on the fence watching for a movement in the grass, then he quickly swoops down and grabs the hapless victim, which will soon be dinner. He usually eats a portion himself (maybe to get in under control) and takes the rest to the box where his lovely bluebird wife is busy doing what female bluebirds do inside their box. As she sits patiently inside, he is perched nearby, watching over her, sweetly singing his little bluebird song. Sometimes, she leaves the nest for a short time--always stopping by the window to check on us humans inside. Soon we should hear the demanding 'twitter' of little bluebirds, and then the parents go to work! These babies will be on a nearly nonstop feeding schedule until they are ready to try their wings.

The courage, determination, and devotion of these birds is sweet to watch. They convey a spirit of hope that is inspiring. Despite storms, predators, and the perils of their world they continue on--always with a song. What a lesson for humans!