We headed off this morning to visit our 96 year old Aunt Kay. She only moved into a nursing home within the past few years. In fact, it wasn't unusual to pull into her driveway and find her still chopping wood well into her 80's. We found her sitting up in her wheelchair knitting. She didn't remember us but as we talked more and more, her memory and sharp wit started to surface again.
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| Catherine (Aunt Kay) Woodbury Whitman |
After we left Kay, we made a few stops along the way at a salvage shop and antique china dealer. I picked up a few things that I knew I could fit into my suitcase.
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| antique shears and china plate |
After supper, we drove over to visit friends Ron and Gail Rogerson at Oaklawn Farm Zoo. I have been privileged to get right inside cages and touch some amazing wild animals over the years all because we know the owners. Tonight Gail took me inside Bonnie's area and I'm glad she did because I'm not sure she will be there next time I come. Bonnie is a Siberian tiger who has lived here for years. The old gal has cancer and she really is a shadow of her former robust self. She loves to be scratched and she rewards you by purring. Thought I had an old picture of me in with Bonnie years ago but it must be at school :(
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| giving Bonnie some loving |
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| Bonnie's beautiful markings |
Once the public had left, we headed out as it got dark. Gail told us that a mother barred owl was raising her young in the woods nearby and they would cry as she went in search of food at dusk. We placed some dead chicks (donated by the local chicken farm) on fence posts and stood back to watch. Within seconds, the mother silently swooped down and took the food. Years ago I remember standing in Gail's driveway holding a dead mouse while an owl flew by and snatched it right from my hand.
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| Barred Owl |
We always come inside and have a cup of tea before heading home. I looked into the kitchen and found Gail washing this huge pile of eggs she had brought in. The sheer variety of shapes, sizes and colors was amazing.
So much in this post to comment on. The tiger-gorgeous. The owl, very cool. Did you ever read the book Wesley the Owl? And the eggs! Beautious!
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