Photo copyright: Maggie May
These past few days, I have noticed that a pair of blackbirds have been taking bits of nesting materials into my garden shrub. It is a very tall Elaeagnus Pungens and borders my next door neighbour's garden too, with a bit of an overhang, especially at the top.
I am quite excited that they seem to have chosen my shrub, as they usually nest in another neighbours tall Eucalyptus tree, along the terrace.
For young birds to survive here, they will have to evade my next door neighbour's four cats on the other side and my other neighbour's tendency to suddenly chop down everything in sight without any rhyme or reason.
I also get a regular pair of dunnocks, wrens, great tits and blue tits but no house sparrows anywhere in sight.
When I was young, the house sparrows where in such profusion that their chattering could be heard all the time and they would swoop down into the garden constantly. Even when my children were young they were a very common sight. So I wonder where they have gone? I suspect it is because of modern buildings regulations giving no room for little nooks and crannies in roof spaces for the sparrows to nest in.
Some of you have remarked that you are worried about the state of my mangy fox and wondered whether I could do anything to help it. I think the answer is no. If it got so that it couldn't jump the wall and could be trapped by a box, then I suppose that I could call the RSPCA and they would despatch it but it is still too fast and would bite me if I tried to trap it now.
I know that I have had to lower my horizons a great deal....... I no longer work and go to wonderful places or have the same access to the grandchildren, so you will see that I have had to concentrate on much simpler things so you will probably groan when I say that I am quite excited today because I have ordered a new washing machine. I decided to buy locally and that paid off as the company promised that they would deliver the next day and take the old one away as well as reconnecting the new model and getting it ready for its first wash.
The old machine was still working but it jumped about all over the place and some one had to sit on it to stop it travelling round the kitchen.
Can you imagine having to leave a guest mid speech to go and sit on a washing machine in the next room? Or having to stay in until the washing was taken out?
It was one extra burden when I wasn't feeling well having to wrestle with it.
So I hope they do come this afternoon with the new one as I have a good pile of washing to try out in it.
You know what they say about simple things pleasing.......... simple minds?
36 comments:
top o the mornin to ya! smiles. hope you get your washing machine and enjoy it.
I'm not groaning, Maggie. A new washing machine is good... you'll love it. It is sad about the decline of sparrows. I blame things like weedkiller, slug pellets, and the abolition of gardens to cater for block paving. Sad to say it's not just the sparrows that are in decline. Have a nice day and enjoy your machine.
New washing machines could never be groan-worthy, but exciting and pleasing all rolled into one. I can even get enthusistic about a new washing up bowl! LOL :) Hope all goes according to plan, so's your Persil can wash whiter till it shows!!! (Thinks - they might pay you for a plug on your blog?!)
Hi Maggie, well I for one would never underestimate the pleasure "white goods" and other general household applicances can give you!
Given the choice I don't know which I would miss most...my washing machine or my "hoover" ( I know is isn't a Hoover, neither does it use a vacuum to operate..!)
Wishing you and the new washing machine many happy days together!
Ah, nothing like machines working as they should. Great satisfaction, indeed.
Oh I don't know now Maggie but I'm thinking new washing machines -or any other appliance too for that matter -can make for a good post as evidenced by this one of yours! With spring almost here now, improving weather conditions along with that (we hope, anyway) I'm sure you continue to find lots of fodder for your blog that will give plenty of entertainment for us, the troops.
Peace.
Oh I get very excited about new labour-saving devices too...so I can understand how pleased you are to be getting a new washing machine.
My favourite appliance is a toasted sandwich maker, but this morning it completely disintegrated and is beyond repair. I'm quite upset about it and can't wait until I can afford a new one!
No-one wants their washing machine to break down but getting a new one is exciting! You may even be able to hang your washing on the line today! :)
Enjoy the birds and the new machine.
Great day a new washing machine..now if you could just get someone to do the laundry to you can enjoy the outdoors instead. Have a wonderful St. Patrick's DaY.
Again...I read your post and come away with a smile....wonderous uplifter you are.
First...I'm happy the birds have found a place away from the cats.
Next...I'm glad that you don't attempt to try and snare the fox...that certainly wouldn't be a good idea...but I do hope that he will be able to get rid of the mange somehow. All God's creatures are beautiful and wonderful to me.
Next....The washing machine! I smiled and actually laughed as I picture the washing machine doing its 'walk' or 'run around' in the laundry room. I've had my machine try to do the same thing. The first indication is the AWFUL noise it makes as it attempts its saunter away from the wall!
I'm VERY happy that you are getting a new machine.
It's the small things in life, Maggie that make us appreciate life itself. You have the right idea...and I thank you for sharing them with me (us.) As I said, I always leave here feeling better than when I came.
I wish you God's blessings...and I just KNOW He has the most special plan for you. I continue to lift you up in prayer....and am thankful that you are my friend.
With love,
Jackie
I don't know, Maggie. I've heard of women who very much like sitting on the sorts of washing machines that rumble and walk a bit. You might have been able to sell it off for a pretty penny :-)
Love your posts Maggie, and counting our blessings for the small things is always good. :)
I say nothing like a new washing machine Maggie. Not simple mind, simply simple pleasures. Enjoy.
Ack! What are you going on about?? I LOVE doing the laundry! It's one of my favourite days of the week I think.
Every Monday - without fail - is my laundry day.
I love the smell of the soap and the fabric softener. I am comforted by the sounds of the machines working away - we have dryers here - and just love to go down and fold up warm clothes or hang The Man's work shirts and pants so they don't crease where they aren't supposed to. I am proud of that job. It is something I can accomplish and do so with pride and excitement. Every single Monday.
So hold your head up girl!
The idea of riding the washing machine sounds like a little bit of fun to me. I can imagine yelling 'Git em up Cowgirl' as I bounce around the kitchen!
xoxoxo
convenience not simple....how many hours did women use up...rubbing cloth over a crocked piece of metal or wood....dont feel bad...
although l have heard it said sitting on a washing machine can be er....fun?
luv saz x
Completely understand your washing machine excitement. Mine is about 15 years old and keeps going and going, when all I want is for it to break down (with a bit of notice perhaps) and be replaced by something with more then three cycles.
A new washing machine would excite me to no end. I have a very simple mind too. I would be the happening of the year.
Too bad about the mangy fox, but you can't go chasing after him. Although I think somebody should.
Great about the nesting birds. Chase away that neighbor with the clippers. You have a lot on your plate, don't you, Maggie?
Your certainly don't have a simple mind, Miss Maggie!!! But, hey, since you aren't working now, perhaps, if this new washing is super duper, you can always take in washing!!! Ugh. It's a chore I don't love. I got such a picture of you sitting on the washer, bouncing around the kitchen. I would think little grandchildren would get a real kick out of riding the bucking washer!
Maggie, I'm a great believer in taking pleasure from simple things- I think it's one of the secrets of a happy life.
So enjoy your new washing machine- I would too!
I also once has a dancing washing machine. It only went through its' dancing routine once, causing havoc in my small kitchen. Then it broke its' ankle and I had no choice but to replace it. You have done well to keep it so long.
Me, too!!! I once had a very noisy, and dancing machine...and we lived in a 3rd floor flat...I felt so sorry for the family that lived below us, and had to relegate washing to midday hours...And so I am very sympathetic, and grateful for you to have a new machine...life is hard enough right now as it is...yes, the simple things are truly wonderful!!! Enjoy Spring, and the beautiful birds!!! Love you so much! Janine XO
Hello Miss Maggie, I hope your new washing machine has arrived by now and you have caught up with laundry. This is a chore I don't mind doing, in fact I don't like anyone doing my laundry but me...
Hope the fox heals, but please stay away Maggie, he could be dangerous, and do enjoy the birds. Spring is in the air....:-) Hugs
Maggie, yes, a green wig would look awesome on you! If I see one around I'll get it and send it over!
Oh, Maggie, you do have a good sense of humour. I can see you sitting on top of the monster machine as it hopps all over the room, all the while trying to carry on a conversation with a guest (maybe the local pastor who has come calling lol!).
Seriously, I do agree with you. A washing machine is good news. Where would we be with one? Can you imagine scrubbing bed sheets in the wash tub or bath tub by hand? Just the wringing process would tire me out!
Simple things - I do like them and they make life so much easier.
Hugs and happy st. paddy's day!
I like simple pleasures! Ugh, I do have a simple mind :)
I'd be excited by a new washing machine. I had to get mine repaired twice last year. It is a toploader which is common here, but I'm threatening to replace it with a frontloader if it plays up again! Enjoy the new washer, and being able to wash laundry and enjoy the company of visitors at the same time.
I've had an increase in native birds in my garden since a wildlife santuctuary (NZ wildlife has many birds)opened in the next suburb a few years back. Only I had to get some trees trimmed back late last year so the birdies no longer "decorated" the washing on my clothes line!
Hope I've got you smiling,
Michelle xxxx
Lovely to know that you have birds nesting in your garden. Hope they keep safe from the cat and the chop happy neighbour. And hope too that the washing machine arrives and you can get on with that load of washing. A
A new washing machine is not a simple pleasure, it would be a major thing for me! Still laughing at the thought of your travelling washing machine!
I understand about the thrill of a new washing machine. When I got mine, it was like I won the Lottery. It made life so much easier!! The simple things in life, are truly the best.
I enjoyed the photos very much. I do hope the birds are safe from the cats. Since we have moved to the country, I have gotten so into birds watching and how they build their nests, how they protect them and feed the babies. I find it all so interesting and beautiful. God's gift to us.
Hope you are feeling better. As always you are in my thoughts and prayers.
XXXXX
oh no, memories of my trip to the daisy dampwash when my machine was up the spout...... and then the feeling of that first wash in a new machine :)
Lots of birds nesting around here, Im getting ready for my cats to bring me in many half chewed baby birds as gifts :)
x
"When I was young, the house sparrows where in such profusion that......So I wonder where they have gone?" Many people wonder the same thing.
http://caffeinatedglobe.blogspot.com/
Agreed there is a huge depletion in numbers of Sparrows. A desease a few years ago has hit them for six and they have not recovered at all.
On the contrary there has been an abundance of washing machines in our household since we married. Mrs Bluelights wears them out very quickly with all her washing - so much so they are so tired they cannot dance LOL.
Hugs ~ Eddie x
It is the simple pleasures in life which can give the greatest pleasures. I need to buy a new washing machine ~ ours also walks around the house making a huge racket if someone doesn't sit on top of it. Glad warm weather has arrived ! Take care.
Maggie, I've found that it's the simple things in life that often bring the most joy--watching a bird build its nest, which I was doing this morning as well, or even getting a new washing machine. Sounds like the old one gave you some unneeded exercise!:)
That poor fox; I don't know what you could do about him either, but he sounds as if he is suffering.
Sorry I haven't been around this week--I'm visiting my daughter in Arizona and have had little time to get on the computer. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone when I return and seeing what is going on in my garden. Glad to hear you are feeling better!
Your new washing machine will now allow you the time for bird watching rather than machine sitting.
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