Geese Chaser
A while back, I wrote about dear Bop trying to make a goose fly away from the roof of our home. That was quite an adventure. My dear sweet husband and I enjoy watching the birds and listening to their distinct sounds. Yet, those pesky geese try to take over roofs, sidewalks, and yards. Recently, those birds have caused more laughter, as Bop has been seen chasing the geese.
On a sunny morning, painters arrived to put a fresh coat of light blue paint on our master bedroom walls. The workers would also power wash the front porch and apply a fresh coat of white paint. The home needed refreshing and this was the perfect day.
I watched as the painters unloaded materials from their work truck. Gallons of paint, rollers, extender poles, dropcloths, plastic bags, and many other materials were placed on the front porch. The guys had a method, and we waited patiently for the work to begin. Bop and I walked outside to check the bird feeders.
As we opened the front door and went outside, there was a gaggle of geese parading on the sidewalk. In a line, walking one behind the other, these geese mocked us as we watched. They honked and pecked the ground for food. The birds were not affected by our shouts of “Go on! Get away! Stop messing on our sidewalk!”
Bop turned and asked one of the painters if he could borrow an extender pole. With wide eyes and a shocked expression, I wondered what my husband was thinking. He would never hurt an animal. What was his plan?
A chuckle bubbled inside me as I watched Bop walk to the geese. Carrying the pole, I could hear Bop talking to the geese. He took the pole and tried to scoot them along. The animals didn’t care. That pole didn’t scare them.
My cell phone sounded, and I stepped back inside the house. After completing the call, I went outside to see what was happening. Bop was nowhere in sight. Holding my phone, I called him. “Where are you?” I asked as he answered and said hello.
“I’m at the end of the street. I’m using the pole to walk these crazy geese away from our sidewalk.”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The painters needed their extender pole to start painting. I asked my husband if he was on the way back home. His answer was yes. Those birds had flown away.
Job well done. I wondered if any neighbors had been watching from their windows. What a sight they would have seen! Bop carrying an extender pole and trying to herd the geese like they were sheep.
Life is always busy here at the Henderson house. We thank God for laughter and joy.
Do you have any funny bird stories?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
A Beachball Mystery
There is a window near my office desk. I often look at the view outside while I’m creating a new story. I’m fascinated by the colorful birds at the feeders, the red berries on the holly bushes, and the brown grass that will soon start to change to green as the temperatures warm. On a recent windy day in the Lowcountry, there were leaves dancing in the air. Imagine my surprise when a single beachball rolled down the street. Yes, a beachball mystery.
I’ve enjoyed a variety of sights while gazing out of the window. The most recent mysterious sight caused me to pause and laugh. A lone beachball bounced down the street, as if someone had kicked the bright and colorful ball.
I waited and listened for the sounds of laughter or chatter. Nothing. Everything was quiet. The ball continued its journey from the street to the sidewalk. I decided to investigate. Opening my front door and stepping onto the porch, I looked to the left and to the right. Not a sound. Not a person. Nothing. The ball kept rolling. Interesting sight.
Walking back into the house, I considered asking the neighbors if the ball belonged to them. Then, I realized most everyone was at work or school. This mystery wouldn’t be solved yet.
The next day, as I sat at the desk again, another beachball rolled by. The wind carried it from one side of the street to the other. Could that be the same ball? No way. Something strange was happening. Where were these balls coming from, and who was the owner?
A couple of days later, a torrential downpour and wind caused everyone to stay inside. No neighborhood visits outside or games of hide and seek. The sound of the wind moving through the trees and flags flapping against the poles filled the air.
As the rain stopped, I went outside to see if our hummingbird feeder was safe. Then I noticed another strange sight. A large white trash bag full of beach balls. What in the world? Where did that come from? The bag had landed in a neighbor’s yard.
Waiting to see if the bag was picked up by someone or if I should retrieve it made us laugh. Bop and I checked to see if the bag was there. After a day, it was gone.
Beachballs. I don’t know where you came from or where you’ve gone. I’m thankful for the laughter and the simple act of trying to find the answer to the mystery.
Have you ever seen a mysterious object rolling down the street? Perhaps a beachball?
Have a blessed and fun-filled day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetBoards on Cars
Boards on cars? Did you do a double-take? I’m not referring to construction materials from the local home improvement store for building or landscaping. The boards I’m talking about are “surfboards”. Another hurricane has visited the eastern section of the country. The usual changing predictions had been televised for weeks. Professional weather personnel traveled every day to the shore to report any change in waves and shoreline. As the hurricane moved closer, I noticed more boards on cars.
Preparations began as the latest hurricane approached the eastern side of the country. The Lowcountry has seen devastating hurricanes in the past. Whether someone was born in this area or moved to the Lowcountry like my husband and I, everyone learns to be alert and take precautions. As we joined the crowd preparing for the storm, our own checklist awaited.
Alan and I went to the grocery store to stock up on needed supplies. Batteries, flashlights, and yes, chocolate candy and bottled water. On our way to the store, I noticed many vehicles with surfboards secured to the top of cars. While I waited in the car while Alan went into the store, I glanced around the parking lot. There were several surfboards on cars. I hoped to see who was driving the vehicles. The curiosity drew my attention as the parking lot began to fill.
Finally, several men and women exited the store and went to their cars. Their attire gave a clue to their destination. Surf shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses, and flip-flops. They had purchased supplies and were en route to the ocean.
After Alan returned to the car, he suggested we ride to an inlet and look for dolphins. Yes, we’ve become those folks. “Let’s go look at the waves.”, my dear husband said. I recalled how my parents loved to take a ride in the afternoons, just to be outside and enjoy the sights.
When we reached the bridge that crosses over the inlet, we saw people walking on the beach. The inlet area has “No swimming” signs posted at all times due to rip currents. However, we rode a little further and saw surfers enjoying the big waves. Happy surfers who came to the beach with boards on their cars.
I wondered what it’s like to be a surfer. I enjoy walking on the beach, collecting shells, and gazing at sunrises and sunsets. One of my favorite parts of the ocean in this area is the dolphins. Beautiful creatures that amaze me every time one jumps out of the water and splashes back down. But I will stay out of the water.
One of our nephews, Daniel Harris, is a talented and strong surfer. Daniel is in the photo above. He and his friends love the waves, the feel of the ocean water, and riding the surfboards. Daniel has created awesome surfboards. His talent is endless.
When I see Daniel headed to the ocean, there is usually a big smile on his face. He knows the importance of safety in the water. He also knows the joy of riding the big waves. Daniel has shared his love of the ocean with our family.
Daniel and our niece Ashley, along with their three kids, Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, have moved to an area near the ocean. They love “beach life”.
They can walk to the beach and carry their surfboards. If they want to travel to another area of waves and sand, they can secure the boards on top of their vehicles.
I’m reminded that God gives us glorious creations to enjoy such as the beach, the ocean, the inlet, the shells, the salty breeze, and much more. I’m also reminded that when I see “boards on cars”, someone is heading to the ocean or has already enjoyed riding the waves.
Either way, life is good.
Praise God for His blessings. Praise Him for fun times. Praise Him for surfers and their love for the ocean.
Are you a surfer? Have you seen the awesome ways surfers ride the waves? Have you seen “boards on cars”?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetI Thank God for Grandkids and Hummingbirds
“Wow! We haven’t met our out-of-pocket amount for the year. Usually, by June, we’ve surpassed that cost.” My husband stated as he looked at the insurance benefits statement that had arrived in the mail. I was glad that neither one of us had been ill or needed to visit the hospital ER.
I smiled and spoke words that would backfire on me in a matter of days.
“That means we are healthy. We haven’t been seriously sick or in pain this year.”
Saturday mornings are what I call “changing bed sheets morning”. I like to change the sheets early in the day. There is something fresh and renewing about clean bed linens.
On June 14th, I removed the sheets from the bed and prepared to refresh the bed with clean, crisp linens. This time, I would use the set with bright blue flowers and a white background. Beautiful.
Finding the corner area of the fitted sheet, I reached down to tuck the material under the mattress. A sharp, shooting pain like I’ve never experienced spasmed my lower left back. I’ve had many lumbar spasms over the years. This pain was worse than anything I had endured in the past. I screamed. Tears flowed. I yelled for Alan to help me.
He walked into the room and tried to begin comforting me. Alan helped me on to the bed by holding my legs in a position where I could move. This was bad, very bad. Tears continued. Prayers began.
My thoughts began to wander as I thought of the grandkids. What would happen to all of the fun activities we had planned for them? When would I be able to play again? More tears.
A few hours passed as we waited to see if my body would calm. Pain persisted. Alan suggested a trip to the emergency room. Getting me in the car was difficult, but Alan managed. I’m thankful for the strength God gave my husband during this time.
The ER staff ordered scans and administered pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. Nothing helped. I was sent home with a referral to a neurosurgeon and a reminder to contact my pain doctor. More tears from me.
Over the past two weeks, I have visited the pain doctor, my family doctor, had two MRIs, a CT scan, and we’re still trying to figure out what to do about the pain.
On a recent morning, I was able to sit at my desk and look outside. There, in the midst of my pain and complaining, God sent hummingbirds. God knows that hummingbirds are my favorite. This time, there were many flying wonders. Not one, not two, but many. God knew what I needed. Hummingbirds make me smile. I thank God for the hummingbirds.
Alan and I miss being with Rowan and Eden and their parents. Alan reminds me that this is temporary and we will be able to play one day soon. I love his positive outlook.
Another blessing is video chat with the grandkids. They understand that Mimi can’t play at this time. Eden has tried to send me some ice packs for my back. Rowan has tried to make me laugh. Precious children.
I will continue to rest, keep my body moving even if it’s slow moving, and I will continue to pray.
I’ll keep watching for the hummingbirds. I’ll praise God every day because I know He is with me.
How are things in your life? Any praises or prayer requests?
Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetThe House Sitting Goose
Honk! Honk! Honk! The sounds of honking geese were alarming. As I listened to the annoying calls of the birds, I wondered if there was a problem. Why were these animals making sounds loud enough to disturb the neighborhood? Did a predator lurk close to a nest? I ventured outside to seek the answer.
Three geese sat on the roof of our neighbor’s home. The animals honked to each other, one at a time. First, a honk from the one on the left. Next, a honk from the one on the right. Then, the goose in the middle responded. I imagined a crazy conversation between three geese.
The birds usually find spots near the ponds to build their nests. Seems to me that I wouldn’t want a nest near a pond filled with alligators. But, I’m not a goose. Every Spring, we watch as the geese walk down the middle of streets and cause traffic to pause. Cute yellow “fuzzies” arrive and people wait as the parents and babies cross the street. Nests and families are guarded by the adults. They are cute until they begin leaving piles of goose droppings on the sidewalks.
These three geese sat on the roof and continued to talk to each other. I walked to the mailbox and began chatting with a neighbor.
“Did you see those geese? Isn’t that crazy?” I asked my friend.
Her response caught me by surprise. “Well, did you see a goose on your roof?”
“Oh my! I didn’t notice. I’ll go check.”
I rushed home. Yes, one goose sat on our roof. It wasn’t making a sound. It sat there staring down at me. I ran inside the house to get Alan. Alerting him of the strange sight, he came outside and announced, “We’ve got to make that thing leave before it creates a mess on the rooftop.”
Being the helpful wife that I am, I suggested he spray water from the hose. Perhaps that would make the animal take flight. Alan unrolled the hose, turned on the water, and sprayed toward the top of the house.
Unfortunately, the jet spray didn’t reach the top of the house and the water sprayed back on my sweet husband. Alan stood there with wet shoes, pants, and a wet shirt. I couldn’t stop laughing. He laughed, too.
“Well, that didn’t work.” He responded as the goose continued to stare down at both of us.
“Get me a football or some kind of ball. I don’t want to hurt the goose, I just want to scare it away.”
“We don’t have any footballs here. How about that little green bouncy ball? It’s about the size of a baseball.” I was trying my best to help.
Deciding that would work, I went inside and found the green ball in the playroom. The face painted on the ball appeared to be laughing at us.
I rushed outside to Alan and handed him the ball. He posed like a professional baseball player, warmed up, and threw the ball. No luck. The throw didn’t reach the top of the roof. After five or six tries, he announced, “I could throw better when I was younger.”
The goose perched on the roof and looked down at the two crazy folks trying their best to get it to move.
We finally gave up and left for the grocery store. Maybe more ideas would come to us when we returned home. Or hopefully, the goose would be gone.
The grocery shopping was completed, and we headed back home. All of the geese were gone. The roof tops were clean. Alan and I laughed at the experience. Honking geese, wet clothes, toy bouncing balls, and a morning full of laughter.
Yes, it’s always a story with the Henderson’s.
Have you had any experiences with geese?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetJoy Dancing
“Are you dancing?” “What are you humming?” “What’s the name of that song you are singing?’
These are questions I hear from folks almost daily. I am usually singing, humming, or dancing to songs that have special meaning to me. Sometimes, I don’t realize that I am singing aloud or moving to the beat. When asked why I am smiling while listening, singing, or dancing, I answer with a simple statement:. “I have joy in my heart because of God. How can I possibly be still when I’m filled with His love and joy?”
I recently watched our four-year-old granddaughter Eden dance. She was listening to her favorite songs. Eden sang along as she lifted her hands, twirled in circles, and moved her feet to the beat. Her joy was evident in the ways she moved. Watching Eden express her love for music and dance brings me joy.
Seven-year-old grandson Rowan likes to make up songs and sing while riding in the car. Bop and I have listened to songs about dragons, building towers, games, funny characters, and more. Rowan enjoys making us laugh with his rhyming songs.
Music and dance can bring out feelings such as happiness, love, and contentment. Song lyrics and tunes can also make us recall sad times and precious memories. I have favorite songs that are loaded onto my listening devices. Some songs are upbeat while others are slow. From instrumental to words spoken aloud, I enjoy music and dance.
I sing aloud even though my singing voice isn’t perfect. I dance while cleaning the house even though my steps aren’t professional. God listens. He hears. I believe He smiles when His children show His love through singing and dancing.
At a recent vendor event, my table was positioned next to a creek. The above photo shows the oak trees and hanging moss. I imagined the moss dancing in the Lowcountry breeze. I watched the people admiring the large oak trees. Some folks live locally and others are from various spots around the world. People of all ages were fascinated by the sights and sounds of nature.
During the special event, I read my children’s stories aloud. Folks gathered to listen to me read “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. As I read each story, I noticed the tree branches dancing in the background.
Do you sing and/or dance? Is your heart filled with joy when you sing and/or dance? Do you have a favorite song? Share your happiness with others. A song and a smile can bring brightness to the world.
Have a blessed day,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
TweetMoles! Go Away!
This past summer brought excessive heat, dry grass, wilted plants that needed constant watering, and an air conditioner that wouldn’t turn off. Alan and I have learned that the Lowcountry doesn’t have long spring or winter seasons. Most years, there is a short period of cold temperatures followed by chilly weather. Then, the heat comes and stays for months. One thing we’ve never dealt with is moles in the yard. Could this be from the hot days and nights or something else? Standing on the front porch, I scream “Moles! Go away!”
Near the end of summer, we noticed that the mulch in our flower beds needed replacing. The nice man who mows our grass suggested putting down new mulch. The yard team would remove the old parts, put them in bags, and haul everything away. Next, they would apply a new covering on the ground. We agreed and the team went to work. After two days of sweat and back-breaking labor, the job was completed. The flower beds were beautiful.
About a week later, Alan and I noticed mounds of dirt piled next to the edges of the sidewalk. It was a strange sight. We determined they weren’t ant hills. This was a different disruption of the soil. Of course, I went to the computer and searched for possibilities. The answer was soon found. MOLES!!!!
We had not seen any moles. The more we researched, the more we learned. Those creatures dig tunnels under the ground and live in the mulch. What! Mulch! Had the moles been in the flower beds and we never saw them? Perhaps they were disturbed when the yard guys worked in the soil. The cause was unknown, but we began a mission trying to get rid of the moles.
First, we spoke to neighbors. A few other folks on our street had seen mole hills in their yard.
One man said to get a grub killer because moles eat grubs. No grubs, no moles.
That was plan number one. We purchased the suggested treatment and applied it to the ground. The next morning, there was more damage from the moles. I could picture them laughing at the big people trying to get rid of them.
Second suggestion. “Try placing a stick of gum into the holes. They aren’t able to digest.” That didn’t work—another failed attempt.
Third, we purchased several devices to place in the ground. These things make a buzzing sound every few seconds and are supposed to deter the animals from being in the yard. Again, another failed action.
Fourth. Find a tunnel and put a trap in the ground. That’s great if the ground isn’t as hard as a rock. In other words, it didn’t work.
Fifth. Spray the yard with castor oil. Don’t bother with that one.
Sixth. Visit the local “we have a solution for every yard issue” place. Their ideas didn’t work either.
My frustration was at an all-time high level. At the beginning of this situation, I had researched companies that might help. The answer was always the same. “We don’t get rid of moles. But, if you have a gator or a rat or something like that, call us.”
With my nerves on edge, I sat at the computer again and saw my little sticky note that said, “PRAY FIRST”. I realized that I had not given this silly mole problem to God.
I paused and prayed. Opening my eyes, the search on my computer listed a company that specifically handles getting rid of moles. That company information didn’t appear the first time I searched on the computer, a month ago. Why was this phone number and company name showing now? Was it because I prayed?
Alan contacted the mole company and a representative arrived the next day. I must report that I looked outside and saw Alan, two neighbors, and the mole guy, discussing what was sure to be a lively mole conversation. I chuckled.
So far, the moles have not destroyed any other sections of the yard. Eight white flags show where the traps are located. The company rep will return and check the traps.
This experience reminded me that God knew what was needed. He always knows. I smiled. God shows us in many different ways that we should always trust Him. Give everything to God. Problems like moles invading the yard are not too big for God. There is nothing God can’t handle.
Now, instead of “Moles! Go Away!”, I am saying, “The yard looks pretty.”
Have you had moles in your yard? Have you prayed to God for something simple?
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetThe Storm Call of a Frog
The Lowcountry of South Carolina is journeying through Tropical Storm Debby. Predictions of high rainfall amounts, possible strong winds, and intense flooding have held the top news reports. Road closures, changes to operating hours for businesses, school closings, and other important information have been broadcast on radio, television, and social media. Along with concerns for people, there are worries about animals, too. How can you tell if a storm is coming? Have you listened to the storm call of a frog?
The first night the storm arrived in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, I heard the rain tapping the roof and windows. The wind moved the palm fronds. Branches of the crepe myrtles threw white, pink, and purple blossoms into the yard. Our garden flags danced and wrapped around the small poles. The hummingbird feeders swayed back and forth but never left their hook.
As the day ended and night began, Alan and I prepared for sleep. The rain sometimes lessened and provided a gentle sound for a perfect slumber. All was well until the thunder boomed, lightning flashed, and the frogs started calling. The sound of the frogs croaking made me think of a scary movie scene. I pulled the covers over my head in hopes of resting without interruption. I could sleep with lightning and thunder, but not a bunch of frogs calling.
I’m not sure how many minutes or hours passed while those frogs made loud and obnoxious sounds. There was no reason to turn on the porch light. That wouldn’t scare them. So, I closed my eyes and waited. Of course, my dear husband slept through the night with no problems.
Finally, sleep took over and I was able to tune out the frogs. When the morning light came, and Alan woke, I mentioned how the frogs had been too loud. His response was calm.
“What frogs? Were they loud? Where were they?”
Precious husband. I didn’t give him a grouchy face, although I thought about it.
The frog in the photo above is not one of the noise makers. That little fellow was found on the sidewalk. I thought he was cute.
I considered the many creations and how each one is uniquely gifted by God. I’m not sure why the frogs were calling during the storm. There’s probably a scientific reason. I do know that God gave me more time to pray while I waited for the noise to cease.
I may have been mad at being kept awake when I wanted to rest peacefully. Yet, when I think of the frogs calling, I wonder if they were alerting other animals to the impending storm. The likely reason for their noise was probably a mating call. Whatever the reason, I’m glad they quieted so I could sleep.
Do you have any funny frog experiences?
“He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside.” (Job 5:10 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetA Visit with Nature
A Visit with Nature
“Where are you going? Do the plants need water again?” I hear these questions several times a day when I gather my garden gloves and empty milk jug to head outside. My answer is usually the same. “I’m stepping outside to visit with nature.”
The heat index has risen to 117 recently. Families in the neighborhood are staying inside. No bicycles, toys, inflatable pools, or other summer playthings are found in yards. The sounds of summer have quieted while everyone stays inside to stay cool.
Thunder rolls in the clouds on some mornings. Yesterday, the loud booms could be heard for hours. Lightning lit up the sky. Yet, the rain didn’t fall. The sky grew darker, the wind started blowing leaves off of trees, and I continued to look out of the windows for any raindrops that might be coming.
While listening to the rain tapping on the roof, and watching the trees sway back and forth, I noticed how things were changing in nature. The birds stopped singing. Hummingbirds stopped visiting the feeders. The frogs in the forest were quiet. A storm was coming.
Finally, after hours of waiting, heavy downpours filled the ponds and streets with water. The storm rolled through and when it was gone, life began to emerge from the quiet hiding places. A beautiful fog sat above the neighborhood ponds. Birds sat on the branches of trees and shook their wings. Hummingbirds returned to the feeders. The tree frogs made loud sounds as if they were alerting every creature that the storm had passed.
I stepped outside of the house and saw one flower pot turned over. The wind had whipped the pot out of its normal resting spot. Placing it back into the regular nesting spot, I was ready for a visit with nature.
With garden gloves in my pants pocket, I was ready to work. There’s a special pair of tennis shoes that I use when I’m working in the dirt. I marked them with a “G” for “garden”. My previous work shoes had an “O” for “outside”.
My visit with nature included pausing and thanking God for the rain, the cooler temperatures during the storm, and His blessings and protection. After heavy rainfall, things look different. Leaves drip tiny droplets onto the ground. The mulch in the flower bed has been displaced and spread across the yard. Mushrooms begin to form in the soil. The old has washed away and the new is coming.
I thank God for His provisions. What a wonderful time I enjoyed during my visit with nature.
Resting in His promises brings peace and comfort.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Laughter can come after a storm, too. While I was basking in the joys of nature, a frog hopped in front of me as I walked in the grass. I screamed, jumped, and then laughed. I thanked God for the laughter, too. “It’s always a story with the Henderson’s.”
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
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