How Do Birds Handle Change?

Bird watching has always fascinated me and brought hours of enjoyment. As a young girl, my parents pointed out different kinds of birds and shared interesting information about the creatures. From the little Carolina Wren to the large Bald Eagle, each bird has its own way of handling life. What happens when the temperatures drop or rise? How do birds handle change?

I remember making homemade bird feeders in elementary school. A pinecone covered in peanut butter and seeds, with a string attached to the top, was one of my favorite projects. Those unique treats hung from trees in the neighborhood. The kids would watch to see which one had the most visitors. Nowadays, Bop and I create the same feeders with our grandkids. Collecting pinecones in the neighborhood and making crafts from them brings fun and laughter, but there is always a mess on the floor.

Recently, I bought a new tray feeder for the tree in the front yard. The old one had worked well for a long time. Now, I wanted a different one. The bird store offers a variety to choose from, making the decision difficult. 

Over the years, I’ve learned some interesting facts about birds. Some birds don’t mind change. They will fly right next to me as I pour seed. Others wait and sit on branches watching until I go back inside the house. I wonder why some creatures are shy, and others are bold.

Another unique quality about birds is that they seem to know when a dramatic change in the weather is approaching. The weather forecasters in the Lowcountry are predicting a sharp drop in temperatures tonight.

I looked outside and saw birds of all sizes and shapes flying back and forth to the new tray. I sense that they know change is on the way. Watching from inside the house, I smiled and thanked God for these birds that make me happy.

Birds handle change by preparing for what may be coming. Other animals handle change in their own ways. What about people? How do we handle change?

Rowan and Eden adapt well to changes in their schedule. Rowan likes to have a calendar with events posted on the refrigerator. Eden goes with the flow. Both grandkids have unique ways to handle change.

I keep several calendars with dates posted. There are calendars on the wall, in my purse, on the computer, and on my phone. I adjust when change happens. Life brings many changes, and how we handle those changes can help us thrive.

We can learn valuable lessons from the birds. We can prepare and stay aware of our surroundings. I have often said, “God taps me on the shoulder three times when He is trying to get my attention. If I don’t listen, He hits me in the head.” Haha!

How do you handle change? With a smile, grumbles, or contentment?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Sock Decorations Bring Precious Memories

The Christmas tree is decorated. The candles are in the windows. Empty ornament boxes are stashed in closets. Decorative towels and blankets are arranged in their designated spots. Christmas is almost here. As I gaze at the little tree in the playroom/office, I notice an old, familiar item. A brown sock, with holes in the bottom, was an arrangement that our son created. Yes, sock decorations bring precious memories.

Our son, now a grown man, created this ornament when he was a young boy. We’ve shown it to our daughter-in-love and the grandkids. Rowan and Eden both commented, “Dad made that? Was that when he was a little boy in school?”

My answer. “Yes, your Dad created this special decoration for the tree. He used one of Bop’s old socks and added some felt shapes and glitter. He carefully placed each bit of shiny sparkles and felt to make the perfect ornament to add to the tree.”

Rowan and Eden smile every time we talk about the old sock. By sharing the memories, we are handing down a legacy of love and care. The brown, worn-out sock might not be as perfect as the shiny things on the tree. But the feeling of love is evident every year when we open a box and find the sock.

There are many ornaments on this little tree and many on the big tree in the living room. Each one is placed with care. Each one finds a different spot every Christmas. Angels, stars, crosses, birds, cloth ornaments, and many more reminders bring smiles when we share time together. Conversations, giggles, and sometimes a broken item remind us that the things on the tree are important, but they are not forever.

God’s love is forever. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we can find peace in reading or hearing Scripture, and sharing the good news of His birth. We can share the story from the Bible. We can think of opportunities to share God’s love with others at this special time of year and always.

The best things on the tree are the ones created with love. Yes, even an old sock can bring precious memories.

What special Christmas ornaments or decorations are found at your home? Do you hang ornaments on the trees outside? Share some of your favorite homemade decorations.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Moles! 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

Grandkids and Tomatoes

Warm temperatures in the morning placed droplets of dew on the grass. A beautiful day was waiting for folks in the Lowcountry. Grandkids would arrive soon and the fun would begin. Today’s project would include a trip to the local greenhouse to purchase dirt and tomato plants. Grandkids and tomatoes. 

One of the first comments from our grandchildren Rowan and Eden as they enter the house is “What projects do we have today, Mimi? What are we going to make?”

That day, Bop and I took the grandkids to the store and let them pick out things to grow. Rowan and Eden chose tomato plants that were about  6-8 inches tall. After finding the best ones, each child placed their container in the cart. Our purchases were completed and we headed home.

Bop placed two containers on the grass in the backyard. Each child used a trowel to fill the pots with dirt. Gently placing each plant in the perfect location, Rowan and Eden patted the dirt gently. “Good job, Buddy,” Rowan spoke to his tomato plant.

“Good job, Buddy,” Eden repeated what her big brother had said.

Now, the waiting period started. A few days passed and we noticed small yellow flowers growing on each stalk. With a reminder not to pick the blooms, everyone was patient and continued to wait for the first little green ball to form.

Another week and then, success! Several tiny green tomatoes hung on the vines. Rowan and Eden saw the new developments as soon as they arrived early one morning. “Mimi! They’re growing!” 

“Can we pick them? Can we eat them? When will they turn red?” The questions kept coming from both kids.

Later in the morning, a fierce wind knocked over the pots and little green tomatoes fell off of the vines. Rowan suggested we check on our garden. When we walked outside, Rowan and Eden began picking up the green tomatoes. I suggested we get a plastic bag to hold them until we could take them inside. 

The day continued with other fun crafts and games. The time came for the grandkids to go home. Eden wanted to take a‘mater with her. She took one, looked at it, named the ‘mater, and placed it back in the bag. Names like Sha Sha and Greenie were her choices.

Rowan liked the idea of naming the green tomatoes in his bag. He chose “Derek” as one name.

In the evening, I contacted our son Mike, to remind him that the kids had bags of tomatoes in their backpacks. He told me that he would check. Rowan’s tomatoes were there. Eden’s tomato was gone.

The following day, I spoke to the kids on the phone and asked Eden where she put her tomato. 

“I planted it.” She spoke in a calm voice.

“Where did you put it?” I asked.

“In the pot in the bathroom.” She answered.

Eden went on to tell me that she planted it in Mommy’s flower pot in the bathroom. A beautiful live plant now had a little green tomato in the dirt.

Rowan heard Eden telling me about planting the tomato. He said, “Oh, I moved it.”

With a loud voice, Eden scolded her brother. “Why? Rowan. Why did you move my tomato? Where is it?”

We had no idea where big brother placed her special treasure. But, he knew. He hid it behind the spigot on the sink. No worries. He didn’t want it to get forgotten in the flower pot.

I’m not sure what has happened to those tomatoes. But, I do know that we learned many lessons from God. We learned how to take care of plants, give them names, make sure they are fed and watered, and how not to move something someone else has planted.

Grandkids and tomatoes. Bop and I learned that laughter can come from planting tomatoes. 

Do you have any funny grandchildren’s stories? Share with us and continue the smiles.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Hold On Mimi! Have Patience!

Lowcountry weather has tricked me again. Every morning, I check my phone app to get the latest updates on temperatures, winds, and barometric pressure. January brought cool nights and warmer days. February continues with Spring-like weather. A bit of rain here and there. Clouds on some days and bright sunshine on other days. When will Spring arrive? Will the forecasters have the correct predictions?

The coastal area of South Carolina hasn’t experienced a deep cold snap this winter. No snow or ice, and only a few days of below-freezing temps. Will that trend continue? I enjoy the differences in each season. The cold invigorates my body, but I’m happy to go inside and have a cup of warm tea when my bones begin to ache. The heat of summer and the sun baking on my skin feels good until the sweat and humidity become unbearable and I venture inside the house to cool down with air conditioning and a glass of cold tea.

Where is my patience? Why do I want to hang the new hummingbird feeders at the first rise in temperatures? Am I missing something that God is trying to share with me?

Last week, I ordered two new hummingbird feeders. The box arrived and I couldn’t wait to hang them on the pole in the front flower bed and the pole in the backyard flower bed. That was Thursday. Today is Monday. The feeders continue to sit on the kitchen counter. Why haven’t I asked Bop to help me hang them outside? 

I paused and prayed. I asked God for the answer to why I was waiting to place the beautiful red and yellow food stations outside. Then, I smiled as I woke up this morning and checked my phone. Rain and cold weather are forecasted for the next few days.

Yes, the little hummers will visit the area in the rain. Yes, they have visited in the cold. God knew I should wait a few more days to prepare the sugar nectar and fill the globes. God was saying, “Hold on Mimi. Have patience.”

So, I will wait until I feel the nudge from God. I will wait to display those feeders. God knows what is best for the hummingbirds. Perhaps if they saw the red nectar too soon, their flight pattern would be disrupted. God knows what the birds need. God knows what we need.

Now, I wait patiently and hope for warmer days and sunshine. Those days will come. As for now, the beautiful feeders sit on the kitchen counter waiting to be used.

I feel like a young child with new toys. I want to play with them. But, I will wait for the best time to take them outside.

Do you enjoy watching the hummingbirds? When do you hang your feeders?

“I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.” (Psalms 50:11 NIV)

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.

Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.

With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.

This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.

Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.

With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.

As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”

Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.

I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady  gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.

I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.

All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”

My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.

Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.

Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.

For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.

God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.

A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.

Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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