Use of Tools.

 Once upon a time, one of the things that was considered to exemplify the difference between man and beast was the use of tools. Since that time, many animals have been seen using tools. Birds, monkeys, ants, and assorted creatures have all shown off the elitist (and arrogant) attitude of man by using their smarts and making tools to fit their needs. So, some of us still have trouble using tools. Rolling eyes here. Any monkey could have done what needed to be done this morning by being given the correct tools. Even having seen it done before, someone around this place was unable to make the air tool (a stapler) go onto the air hose fitting. Now it is just possible that the fitting on the air tool was not the same one used before--or the air hose has a different fitting on its end. Shaking my head here. Finally decided what was considered a "need" was not all that necessary. Just put a plastic bin cover on the top shelf and hoped that silly hen decides to go ahead and lay her egg on that cover instead of on an open board.

Also decided that the liquid stuff that goes into the windshield wiper reservoir does not have to be purchased at the moment. Jerry told me that putting in a bit of water and some glass cleaner (Windex) would do just fine. Hardly ever drive out in the rain anyway, but the last time made it obvious the reservoir needed to be filled. Some things can be put off almost indefinitely. Or not.

Can definitely tell the weather is about to get colder. And something is blowing in the air for sure. My head feels as if it is swollen around the sinus cavities. Argh! Maybe the wind will lay later on this evening. Sitting out on the lawn swing talking to the hens was not much fun because the dogs kept running back and forth around them. But nothing kept the girls from following the spade fork later. They love those worms!

Sitting here listening to the sparrows carry on right beyond the porch in the nandinas bushes. Not sure just what birds talk about, but they certainly get it done happily. At least the sparrows had something on their minds. It reminds me of a poem by Robert Frost. Never Again Would Birds' Song Be the Same

He would declare and could himself believe
That the birds there in all the garden round
From having heard the daylong voice of Eve
Had added to their own an oversound,
Her tone of meaning but without the words.
Admittedly an eloquence so soft
Could only have had an influence on birds
When call or laughter carried it aloft.
Be that as may be, she was in their song.
Moreover her voice upon their voices crossed
Had now persisted in the woods so long
That probably it never would be lost.
Never again would birds' song be the same.
And to do that to birds was why she came.

Memorized that poem once upon a time. And my favorite English teacher wondered why. He did not know me that well or why birds were some of my favorite creatures. Frost would have understood.

A cousin of Lewis' has covid and is quite ill according to my sister-in-law. Darrel Reid lives in Wemuka, OK, and teaches there. It is so sad to see so many affected by this nasty virus. No matter how careful we may be, who knows if this year will end with a bang or a whimper. God willing, we will eventually get through this mess with some immunity or at least the knowledge of how to better prevent the problems. Your prayers would be appreciated by all those affected--and aren't we ALL! 

The girls got busy and laid an even dozen eggs today!! But it was warmer today than a couple of days ago. Not sure if it is the temperature or the sunlight that makes the difference. Just glad they felt like laying eggs.

Remembered to cancel my subscription to BritBox today. It does not run out until March, but since Jennifer has it on the Firestick, there is hardly any need to have two subscriptions. [And no, Jenn, it was on my bill, not yours.] Mine was only on my laptop.

Really don't know much of anything today since staying off of FB or AOL keeps Jill a dumb bunny and Jack a wise guy. You know what that means! You are stuck with bird poems and dog treats!

May you all stay well and have a calm and enjoyable evening. You are loved.