Since moving my Grandma into assisted living, I’ve been working a machination to get birds. My Grandma’s building had the most beautiful aviary with gorgeous finches in it. Honestly, I found watching the birds quite relaxing and enjoyable and decided I wanted some. My Hubby, however, was not in any way, shape, or form looking to add another pet to the house. S

Hence, the machination to get birds began. Up front, we have two trees near the front door. There’s a little alcove in between the house and the tree where I’d like to put a memorial garden for Maya and Athena. In the tree, I have a lantern-shaped bird feeder that lights up at night and a similarly lit bird bath. On the ground, I’m going to put their memorial stones and would like to add some orchids, rocks, and a fountain.

At any rate, the bird feeders have been attracting lots of birds and squirrels. Every morning, we have a gaggle of grackles and mourning doves. Our resident squirrels usually join us mid-morning, playing statue every time they see me. The funny thing is they all get along well at the feeders. The grackles will argue with each other but haven’t been chasing off other birds. Meanwhile, the squirrel will patiently await his turn.

The last couple of mornings we have had a pair of painted buntings and blue jays join the party. I love the coloring of both birds, but the painted bunting colors are stunning. He’s a very brightly colored bird, while his partner is an olive green. Both birds are pretty, but the male-painted bunting is stunning. Since we’ve had the feeders up, we found that we enjoy watching the birds more than expected. It’s fun to see who shows up and when. I’m sure as the seasons change, we will see a change in our visitors. As for my machination, it’s worked. I now have birds to watch and enjoy. Of course the best part is, I don’t have to clean up after them.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

If I could be anyone else for a day, I’d be Victoria Beckham. This way I could hang out with her inked-up and gorgeous husband David.