Troutbirder II

Troutbirder II
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Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A Call In The Night

I tottered off to bed last night exhausted from a long and mostly disheartening trip to Arizona. Darkness settled all around me till I heard the soft call of Barred Owl  around ten o'clock. "For sounds in winter nights, and often in winter days, I heard the forlorn but melodious note of a hooting owl indefinitely far; such a sound as the frozen earth would yield if struck with a suitable plectrum, the very lingua vernacular of Walden Wood, and quite familiar to me at last, though I never saw the bird while it was making it."[Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), American  philosopher, author, and naturalist. 

When I reawaked this morning I remembered that call and wondered what the message had been. Looking out the window into the backyard I knew. Friend owl had been announcing the coming of a winter storm overnight.  Each season has its own rhythms. For me winter is the time of repose. I set aside the energies of the outdoor life and enjoy nature from a warmer view. I watch and read from my recliner chair now enhanced with a gracious Christmas gift a Nook, covered  by a warm blanket, and with a stack of books waiting their turn.  Of course, there are some outdoor duties. The sidewalk has to be shoveled, the driveway plowed and Mr. Baron taken for his walk.  Thoughts of gardening, birding, fishing, photography, hiking and camping will lay dormant till cabin fever sets in (usually about February 1st)! It's 9.00 a.m. and the road is plowed already. People have to get to work. Not me though.  I trudge back into the house to look for my reading glasses. There is something to be said for being retired. The driveway can wait. 

30 comments:

  1. A great writing today. The barred owl looks content and doesn't seem to be bothered by the snow or cold. Staying inside is a great thing to do and winter actually encourages us to find our reading glasses and sit.

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  2. I call this a good omen for 2013, my friend. Happy New Year.

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  3. I'm sorry your trip to Arizona was not what you hoped it would be. Nature brings great solace and so does reading (if the words are encouraging). Wishing you the best of both worlds in 2013.

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  4. the perfect image for me to see on new year's day - thank you for reminding us of a few of the important things in life!

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  5. The words of Thoreau were beautiful to read on this first day of the new year. I will soon know of some of those advantages of retirement you refer to, and I'll spend more time with my books and Nook, too. The words "mostly disheartening" struck me as sad at first. But it helped me to remember to be realistic about the coming new year. It will hold for us joys and sorrows, as do all years. The challenge for us is to keep an even keel. Happy new Year, TB.

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  6. lovely 'poetry' for the day! i, too, love the call of the barred owls.

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  7. Yes, there are so many benefits to retirement. Enjoy your recliner and books. Hope 2013 brings much joy to you and the Missus.

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  8. Welcome back from the warmth of Arizona..I am sorry your trip was disheartening. That Owl looks all cozy in the hollow of that tree. Happy New Year to you and Mrs TB:)

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  9. Sounds like you are starting 2013 off just right with relaxing, reading and keeping cozy! :)
    Wishing you Peace Health and Joy!
    xo Catherine

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  10. I heard an owl call, recently, which is quite rare around me. I wasn't fortune enough to see it, or get a photo. Lucky you!

    Hope you and the Mrs. have a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year, filled with stories and photos to share with me. No, I'm not selfish, other bloggers can share, too!

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  11. What a delightful view and gift from nature. Yes, being retired is glorious. As my brother said, the only thing we can't put off for another day is a doctor's appointment.
    Sooo happy you have joined the digital reading club. It is the perfect gift for a serious reader.
    Enjoy.

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  12. I take it your "stack of books" is virtual, since you are now reading on a Nook. I read both digital and actual books, since I use the library a good deal of the time. And I still love to have a book in my hand now and then. :-)

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  13. Glad that you are having a relaxing return from your trip. The best thing about winter, for me, is the opportunity to slow down a bit.

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  14. I love the Thoreau quote. Here's a wish that you and yours will have a Happy and Healthy New Year and I look forward to your blog entries.

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  15. That was nice transition from Thoreau to your own words.I've always intened to read some of those classic books from those nature lving writers but never got around to it. Something for me to do this winter-thanks.

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  16. The owl calling in the night has some somber meanings to some native american tribes. Sort of like Hemingway's "Don't ask for whom the bell tolls,..."

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  17. I like the sound of your winter routine. Enjoy the slower pace of the season and get rested up for more outdoor adventures.

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  18. Happy New Year to You, Mrs. T and that great friend of yours, Baron.

    I hope you all have a very good year.

    Glad that you are safely back at home to enjoy a quiet winter of reading, bird-watching and daily walks.

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  19. So you got a Nook for Christmas! I am getting a last years Kindle from a friend who wanted a back-lit model. It should come tomorrow and I am excited about it.
    I have a Kindle in my computer which I fill with whatever funny books (like Stephanie Plum) I can find. My current other is Franklin and Winston, the friendship of FDR and Winston Churchill. Well written by Jon Meacham!

    Cheers and Happy Wintering to you,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  20. I'm right there with ya, I like being retired too! LOVE the Owl photo.

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  21. Happy New Year, Mr T! Love your owl photo and your writing. Enjoy your nook.

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  22. Happy New Year! You make retirement sound blissful. I love your owl photo.

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  23. I have always loved the winter, and your post has touched my heart. I agree with winter being a time of repose. I find it relaxing and a great time for reflection. Thank you so much for sharing, and Happy New year to you.

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  24. Hello! I was a guest on Tina's blog and now I've started my own. I love the picture of the owl. We have a lot of wildlife in our garden, but I've never seen an owl in the wild...how lucky you are!! I also love the picture of you and your dog. We have six dogs who love to keep me company when I'm in the garden. I look forward to following your blog and hope you check out mine too!

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  25. Sorry to hear your trip was not what you'd hoped it would be. How lovely to have the owl calling to remind you off all the beautiful things surrounding you as you sit in your comfy recliner and enjoy the reflection season. Happy New Year my friend.

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  26. Happy New Year!

    I spent the first of the year at Barnley Gardens.

    Have you ever been there? a long way to go for pheasants and quail, I know!

    http://www.barnsleyresort.com

    beautiful resort

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  27. Oh, WOW! What a shot!
    I have a family of Great Horns and the ubiquitous Screechers here, a Barn Owl lives across the street in the stable. How I love to hear them... what a joy to SEE them!

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  28. Lovely Thoreau quote to match your wonderful photo. Speaking of Thoreau, probably just a personal conceit but always thought by "a different drummer" he meant a ruffed grouse.

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  29. Beautiful picture! We hear them often in all seasons.

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