May 2, 2006

A Visit With Mr. Owl

It rained again yesterday, but when it stopped for a bit, I bundled up the Doodlebug and grabbed the stroller and umbrella and took him for another walk in the woods near our home.

We both love to be outside when the weather is nice, and even after a misty rain it was still warm. When we got to the path by the river, we heard several 4-wheelers on the trails. The Village of Plover was lining the river with dead trees. I asked one of the workers why and he explained this allows beavers and other animals to make homes and nests in these areas.

There were several pine and evergreen trees that were freshly cut however, because it smelled just like a Christmas tree. Visions of my childhood and helping decorate a REAL tree came flooding back. We always have an artificial tree as my husband dislikes needles in the carpet. I don’t blame him. It’s a real pain to vacuum those off the floor.

Doodlebug and I saw the owl again and he was fascinating. His wingspan seemed enormous. When Mr. Owl called out, “whooo” my little Bug was listening intently and pointing his finger at the ginat bird. “Lisat, mumma!” he said. I think that translates to “listen” or “what’s that” (I’m not quite sure) and I smiled, listened and enjoyed the moment.

After Mr. Owl relocated to another part of the woods, we decided to head for home. Just when we got to the paved path it began to rain again. Good thing I brought that umbrella and rain hood for the Bug.

I just love spending time with that boy. I have a tear in my eye thinking about all the fun things we can do this summer.