I grew up in the quiet of northern Minnesota so I am experienced when it comes to “country quiet.” Yes, there are days when you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the birds and the gentle tinging of the wind chime as it sways in a cool breeze…but that is not every day and definitely not the first day of summer for the kids.
Oh, it started out quiet enough. There was a cup of tea, my son watching a little TV and a “touch base call” with my mother. But it was during this call it all went crazy.
My giant lazy cat that usually never moves from his sunny deck decided he must have a snack…so he grabbed a bird while I watched helplessly from the window. I screamed at him and banged on the glass but he gave me the look and I knew it was only a matter of seconds before I’d be too late.
My poor mother on the phone didn’t know what was going on as I was yelling and running for the door. I dropped the phone leaving her hanging, so to speak. I snatched the cat and he loosened his jaws just enough to let the little bird go but she flew right into the bowl of grape jelly I had put out for the orioles! She was now covered in purple goo and as I tried to pull her out she gave me a terrible bite. When I let go she tumbled off the deck, dropping to the ground
12 feet below.
The cat gave me a dirty look and took off. It was a race to see who could get to the grapejelly covered bird first. Not having “cat-like” reflexes, I couldn’t jump off the deck and had to race through the house and out the back door, the whole time yelling to my mother I’d be back on the phone in a minute.
I made it to the bird just as the cat was taking a lick. He decided he wasn’t interested in the grape topping I’d put on his snack so he hissed and took off. I brought the bird in the house and rinsed her off in warm water and wrapped her in a dish towel. I tucked the very wet bird in with my son on the couch as I retrieved the phone.
My mom and I agreed life in the country was anything but boring!
Now I am sure you would think my son would be amazed and in awe at his superhero/bird-saving mom, but he shrugged it off; just another day of peace and quiet in the country! I tawt I taw a puddy tat! and I did! I did taw a puddy tat! Tweety Bird (How many of you heard this in Tweety Bird’s voice when you read it?)
Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of home-style recipes.
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