Or maybe even bird whisperer? — I have been excited recently by the new, free Merlin Bird App for my phone put out by Cornell Bird Lab. With this app, you can hold your phone up towards the sound of a singing bird. The app will then “listen” to the bird and in nearly every case…

The Wizard of Oz experience — For many years as a child and later as an adolescent, I enjoyed watching the MGM movie The Wizard of Oz on television with my family. My father who always preferred to tinker with and fix old stuff rather than buy new stuff did not want to spend extra money…

As witnessed by an astonished observer — I had heard about it before, but I had never actually seen it. It was so wonderful and surprising. I would happily have paid for the privilege of witnessing it. A few mornings ago, I was standing in my long, sloping backyard, surveying the tangled mass of overgrown grass, shrubs…

And two reasons to smile — Late last night, moments after my son got into his car to drive home, he sent me a quick text that said, “I just heard a whippoorwill. Step outside and listen.” I hurried outside, first standing in the front yard, then working my way to the back of the house. …

What a glorious, fragile time — No fragrance murmurs as delicately as the scent of lilacs in the air. In my part of the world, lilacs bloom in May, usually hand-in-hand with Mother’s Day. At this time of year, the sun shines with more conviction. The grass is greener and lusher. The migrating birds begin to…

Because even felines need some reassurance from time to time I have said it before: cats are among the most complacent creatures on earth. But that being so, there are still times when cats find their nearly-perfect selves in need of some additional affirmation. I know this from experience. Every…

Though it took her dying to do so — I believe I have finally come to peace with my mother though it took her dying to do so. Now at last my petty grievances and griefs my wariness about exposing the soft underbelly of my doubts have been cast aside, leaving a clearer mind and heart no longer burdened with guilt…