May Sandpiper

It was a morning that called for setting the alarm. Not that I ever need it, but just in case. I have to be at the young family home by 7.

(From Dance: hey, morning cat feeder-person, you're up early!)

(walk to barn: the peonies are coming into their special moment!)

Okay, I'm here! (Or rather there!) I'm to make sure the kids are ready for the day and that Snowdrop has all she needs for school. Yep, all set.

I drive the girl over. On time performance! Sparrow comes along for the ride. Can't leave him home -- no one's there to look after him. As we pull up to the school, she asks -- did you remember my mask?? I did not. I hand her a spare I keep in the car for myself, adjusting the bands a little. It's still big, but it will do until I go back and get her her regular one.

On all the back and forths, Sparrow points to random buildings and tells me -- that's my school over there. The super big one. Because I'm a big boy. Someone is missing going to school!

(he is getting tall...)

Later in the morning, his baby sitter arrives and I drive back to the farmette. Oh, the colors of a late May garden!!

(A very late breakfast with Ed...)

Back to work in the garden: I put in the last of the perennials and I weed. Always the weeding! 

I look around me. Here's a rose that is as faithful as that Yellowstone geyser. I don't really grow roses for many many reasons, but a while back I was tempted. I put in this one bush and it just keeps coming back. It has survived beetle attacks, droughts, high humidity, terrible winters and still, right about now it throws out lovely yellow and apricot flowers. All flowers should be this resilient!

But of course, the emerging stars are these guys!

Garden work done for now. I go to pick up Snowdrop at school. And I dare text my older girl who happens to be in the hospital. Any news??

Nothing to report yet. I drive again to the kids' home, mildly nervous about leaving Ed to his own devices today. He intends to rig up a rented trailer to his ancient truck and drive a hefty distance to pick up a used tractor mower. The weather is iffy, his truck is iffy, him handling a tractor mower and a trailer is iffy. Still, even if I were by his side, I'd be of little help. I reconcile myself to waiting. For updates from all sides.

(kids at play)

("we're ice skating!)

And finally in the early evening the call comes: Sandpiper was born at around 5 p.m., weighing in at 9 pounds. A May child, arriving without fuss, as if already content to be associated with  this most incredible time of the year..

Oh, Sandpiper! We can't come and see you today, there are COVID restrictions. Still, you were born at a safer time, though you sure had us worried early on. But you hung in there, little Wisconsin bird that you are, you held on and now here you're with us, with a crew of family to love you and friends to coo over you. Not today though. Today you get your private moment with mommy and daddy who will love you totally, always and then some.

 

(at home: p.j. time)

 

 

With love...