Of Earth and Stars

Today we discovered that we live only *three minutes* from American Wildlife Refuge (seriously, I could walk), who was having a V-owl-entine's Day event open to the public with some of their education owls in attendance. Of course, this means I must photo dump, but it works out, because you get to see OWLS!

Getting in and out of the place was a bit dicey, as we have been under heavy downpours for the last couple of days, and the parking area (a field) was pure mud by the time we arrived. The car sank into mud as we pulled into our spot. The event was in a covered greenhouse, luckily, and the rain had *just* finally paused (it starts back up tonight). We gingerly made our way to the greenhouse (L. sinking down into the mud immediately, and Midd'un stopping to help a couple who were having trouble getting traction in their vehicle to leave). Inside the greenhouse there were a couple of vendor tables with rocks/crystals, wildlife themed jewelry, and falconry and rehabbing resources. There was also a small bouncy house and a magician entertaining young children. But the stars were several beautiful owls, carefully held by long-time volunteers, who were happy to tell us about their charges and answer our questions.

This is Rasputin. He is a permanent resident, and has been hit by a car twice, as well as shot with buckshot, and still survived. Hence the name.

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Just before leaving, we walked the field trying to strategize how we would get out. While walking I sank down into mud that covered the top of my shoes and went up my pants leg. We were anxious, as we watched a number of vehicles get stuck (though kudos to the young gentleman with the Jurassic Park truck hauling everyone out of the mud)! Middl'un had also gone with us and helped a couple of cars to get through the torn up field. Finally, we were able, with the owner's permission, to pull through an area that had not been heavily trafficked and so were able to leave without too much drama. All in all, we probably spent about an hour and a half learning about the owls, and so even with the miserable weather and mud, I'm so glad we went!

In talking with the volunteers and owner, they welcomed us to come join them and volunteer at the refuge and/or for help with retrieval and transport of injured birds. I picked up some information so I could check it out - with it being so close to us, it would be a great opportunity.

Overslept this morning, which is just as well because we went to sleep very late while trying to watch Brahmāstra: Part One - Shiva, which, as of the half-way point, is just as delightfully over-the-top, corny, and bonkers as we would hope for it to be, though the lighting and scenery is a feast for the eyes.

The meal-planning and food shopping has been done for the week, with some grace as we have Friday evening plans and are hoping to host a small Friendsgiving next Sunday (which we'll shop for later in the week). After lunch, we headed out to the Bailey and Sarah Williamson preserve, since we didn't get outdoors last weekend. The temps dropped 20 degrees overnight and the high today was 55, with a steady cool breeze, so everything was very crisp.

Photo of a medium-sized pond with autumn-tired trees in the distance;
the sky is a brilliant deep blue that is reflected in the pond's surface.

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Even with much of the fall foliage having dropped away, there are still plenty of interesting things to look at and explore. I'm trying to reprogram my dreading-winter mindset to look for the beauty that comes with the stillness and dormancy of the season, as well trying to learn about those plants and fungi that are sturdy enough to thrive through it. However, a lot of local trails/preserves have altered their hours for the slow season, and of course there is much less daylight, so we'll have to be more proactive about planning.

Other than those brief outings, I'm simply trying to rest up a bit before diving back into work tomorrow. I just barely started reading The Body Keeps the Score, which I have heard good things about, but haven't yet completed enough of to form a real opinion. I'm hopeful there will be something in that is helpful. I have a huge pile of books that are just-started, though, so we'll see how it goes. As we move into cooler weather, I am looking forward to curling up with more books.